There have already been many instances on this trip where I’ll look at another squad mate and simply nod, saying, “We’re on the World Race!” Here are some experiences I’ve decided to document for you to get a taste of our experience thus far…
YOU KNOW YOU’RE ON the WORLD RACE when….
-You take public transportation, which means squeezing 30+ people, chickens, and sacks of food in the back of a flatbed truck
-You get outrageously excited to hear the sound of a generator, your only source of power, and make a dash to get your electronics plugged in while you have the chance
-You ride a bus through a riverbed daily to get to your ministry site
– Your squad is soaking wet after saving your tents from floating away during a sudden torrential downpour of rain
-You fall asleep every night to the sound of ocean waves hitting the shore
-You hike to a waterfall with a live chicken and eat it for lunch
-Peanut butter becomes your best friend, no matter how much you try to stay away from it
-You keep track of your “poop schedule” and celebrate when someone’s had a bowel movement
It’s hard to believe we’re only on month 2 and have already gone through so much together- and our trip has just begun! We’ve learned to laugh and enjoy the scenarios of living out of a backpack and traveling the world. Even when frustrating circumstances hit us, like when my North Face jacket got scorched while cooking in the DR, leaving a gigantic hole in my sleeve (God thankfully provided another jacket a day later!) or when my laptop “crashed” for a week and decided to stop working… or that time during worship this month when the monitor fell over and hit me on the head…we’ve learned to look past the mishaps that the enemy often uses to distract our focus and cling to His joy, which always sustains and keeps us on the positive perspective of things.
Though I have much more to learn about sacrificing my wants & needs, God has been showing me to remain consistent in having a grateful attitude no matter what. Even when situations throw me for a loop, like when our bus breaks down for the 15th time due to a flat tire, or when our ministry site changes last minute, or when I enter into my tent at night and am welcomed by fire ants crawling everywhere, I’ve been challenged to remain positive- it’s definitely not always an instant reaction, but I’ve grown to appreciate these opportunities to grow and be stretched, as well as be reminded to thank God for being faithful no matter what. It’s amazing how our perspective changes as we daily hand over our hearts, our circumstances, and every aspect of our lives over to our Daddy. I pray that He will continue to refine my heart and mind on this trip as He releases intentional opportunities for growth and reminders of His faithfulness and constant provision.
