I don't know if I have ever squirmed so much…
Transition can be an interesting thing. I don't think I really like it. When we find ourselves there what do we do?
Well last year before the race I had a time of transition- ending college, returning home and then starting the race. The time at home was really good. It was an easy transition because I knew how long it would be and had a lot to do to prepare for my trip etc. But what about when it is unknown?
That's where I am right now. I'm home, it's been 2 months and I'm transitioning into… Well that's the thing. I don't totally know.
I got home and there was quite the excitement going on in the Banas home. Then I left for a month. We had our final debriefing of our trip in Georgia. I could have just flown there and back but The Lord had another plan. My parents graciously let me borrow their car(sold mine to pay off my debt before the race). And I was off on what I call my #Jesusjourney. I made my first stop to Georgia and had a sweet sweet time catching up with people, spending time with The Lord and a few unexpected surprises here and there.
Next I went to Tennessee where I fell in love with a friends incredible family farm. There was no service for 30 miles in and the entire time we were there… It felt like the race. #comfort. A group from my squad spent time together worshipping The Lord, hiking, and brainstorming His dream of a coffee shop called Sweet Aroma that would benefit a ministry in Kenya we worked with that rescues and rehabilitates women in sex trafficking/ prostitution. He showed up in beautiful ways and is continuing to bless this ministry He has started. https://www.facebook.com/sweetaromaministries
The 3rd stop I hit up a Chipotle in Indiana with a few teammates that were on the race with me. We conversed over beans and rice just like old times.
Next I went to one of my favorite places… Chicago, Illinois where I had a fabulous time with my grandma, cousins, aunts, uncles and family friends. God did more there then I could have ever expected. He blessed each interaction and conversation. It was so sweet to see Him at work. What a blessing family is…
From there I drove an hour to see my teammate Tess in Wisconsin. We had an absolute blast pillow talking for hours and sharing in what God was doing in and through each of us. Such a blessing to me to have that time with her.
The last stop was Missouri. There I met my other grandma, aunt, uncle, and cousin. I was only there a mere day when I left for Connecticut…
A special friend from the race parents flew me up to Connecticut to spend some time with them there. It was an unexpected stop for sure but a blessed one at that.
Next I stole my grandma from her peaceful home in Missouri to join me on the drive to Texas and surprise my parents…
So fun.
I made it "home" and the rest of the family did as well. For a few days we had everyone in town including my newly engaged sister and her fiancé in from Louisiana. Lot's of catching up, wedding planning and family time. A family who prays together not only stays but grows together…
I moved in with my sister for a whopping 4 days then was off again on another trip, this time around Texas (thank you mom and dad again for being inconvenienced with only one car). Houston, College Station, Tyler, Longview and back to Dallas. It was such a blessing to catch up with some of my dearest friends, speak at a high school girls conference (http://www.thepursuitministries.org/), and rest for a day at the lake with my brother and his girlfriend.
I have only been home this time around for a few days and was invited to attend a huge women's conference this weekend in San Antonio. The Lord made the way and I was given a ticket, a ride and a hotel stay. All with my best friend… You better bet I'm going!
When will I settle down? What does this season look like? What am I doing? All questions I have asked and been asked. So what are you doing now that your back? My friends and I talked about that question the other day. My answer is "following Jesus" but for some reason in our Christian culture that means "I have no idea". Yes to some extent that is true but you wouldn't want me to do something The Lord didn't want me to do right? I'm literally trusting Him with each and everyday.
Transition can be a booger. Part of me is tired of going and going. Then part of me has never been so alive. Part of me wants "normal" and the other abnormal. Each day is literally a new adventure with Him. I'm out of "control" and that's the best place I can be… Trusting and relying on Him to show me The Way.
Am I working? Welllll for Jesus 🙂 He pays the best. I don't have an income right now and just returned from a year of spending any money I did have… But He is providing for each day.
My mentor told me the other day "be in a place like you are never going to move". I don't know what the future holds but I'm here in Dallas for today and that is what I do know. At least for this minute. What will I do? I'll ask Him and then obey. (He can also use you if you have any odd jobs, ideas etc.)
The race is over but The Race has only just reached a water station. He is filling me full. Hydrating me. Restoring and rejuvenating me from the last year on the road. He is preparing me for the continuous beautiful journey ahead.
Although I squirm and sometimes squeal a little wanting to know and have "a plan". I'm right where He wants me. I'm surrendered and trusting Him for the next breath. After all life is but a breath isn't it?
