The Backpack Stays

After four months of transitioning back into America since completing the World Race, I recently found myself pulling out my World Race gear once again- minus the tent, sleeping pad, malaria pills, and worn out clothes. Excitement filled my spirit as I prepared for a new adventure- traveling to Germany and Czech Republic to do worship ministry with Disciples of Worship for 10 days! As I packed one too many pretty outfits, just because I could, images of the World Race kept slipping through my mind….

Our first travel day to the Dominican Republic, where no one really knew what was going on, yet we didn't care because we were so excited! Our long, hot days in Haiti of pouring concrete (with cuts in our hands to prove it), our immersion of Romanian/Moldavian culture which stayed with us during the rest of our trip [LICE invasion!], the longest day of goodbyes (perhaps ever on the World Race) to our contacts in Mozambique due to a vehicle dilemma, building God's throne of worship in India amidst Hindu monkey temples and mountain hills, squeezing 20 something people into the entrance/lobby of a Nepali hostel, enjoying the bright sun, fresh mangoes & pineapples, and one another's company during final debrief in the Philippines.

I realized that these events did occur, 
That God really did send me to eleven countries in eleven months,
JUST show me that
He has simply BEGUN.

And this is what excites me!

So fast forward a couple weeks later, and I'm back in the States. I traveled to Europe successfully without 36 other squad mates behind my shoulder (still kind of creepily expected them to show up out of nowhere), I joined an incredible team of worshippers with Disciples of Worship, and together we lifted up Jesus' name during the Easter season, seeking His heart for the cities of Berlin, Prague, Travna, and more. It was incredible to tap into God's heart for Europe and scratch the surface of the glory He is releasing to His people!
(To read more about my trip to Europe, click here to receive my latest newsletter!)

Now, as I am back in America (for now) I realize that, again,
                                                 God has just begun with me:

He sent me on the World Race to strip off every part of my being, leaving me empty and bare as a desert, to thirst and long for His love like never before. Like hardened, disfigured clay in His hands, He had to start all over with me, breaking off the unwanted pieces and starting FRESH. Molding and perfecting me into a NEW creation. Though this portion of my trip was anything but a fun process, the joys of trusting in Him through this process while on the trip were INCREDIBLE!

I have learned that the Lord is purposeful in each season He places us in. He delights in loving us as His children, regardless of our position towards Him. He is always ready to dance, laugh, to simply BE with us. To walk hand in hand along the path He's leading us towards. To embrace our moments of brokenness which lead to seasons of restoration. To let go of our hands when it's time to jump, as He waits on the other side to catch us. To abundantly pour out more affection of His love into our souls as we chase after Him.

I have just begun this chase. And I want more of it. Every single day. I am so excited to step into this NEW season of tasting the goodness, the riches of His love! Wherever that takes me, and whenever it's time to pull that backpack out again for another adventure, my heart is filled with contentment, awe, and gratitude as I gaze into the eyes of my Lover.