After traveling about 203 hours and about 42,319 miles I have made stateside; few more hundred miles and I would be home. Being stateside for month 12 has been put it lightly, interesting and full of challenges. Landing in New York City was the toughest place I have been in ages. Exploring the city (not the smartest idea) understanding every conversation, everything is expensive, way too many people, and seeing naked people. (Times Square had that if you were wondering.) Month 12 was already looking and being very different from the first weekend. Only thing I kept thinking was where is China Town because its what I was used to the past year. Spent about a week in New York seeing friends before heading home.
I’m greeted at the airport by parents and a surprise visit from my brother. I was overwhelmed with joy and embracing them first time in almost a year. Living with again was feeling like I was back in high school living off of them. One thing was different this time, I was re-learning who they are. It did not feel right and it was hard because I have changed dramatically. It was overwhelming and at times I felt alone because no one knew me. I am not the same person I was when I left. Can you picture your best friend not really knowing who you are? That is how I felt with my family. It was strange and difficult when they did not ask questions about my trip. I do not know if it was because they thought that reading my blogs was all they needed to know, didn’t know what questions to ask, or they were still processing themselves.
After a month and a half of being back it is still different being back. I feel I should still be on a budget for food, sleeping on my air mattress, and going through my stuff and slowly getting rid of things. Everything is expensive compared to places I have been. I can buy 12 pastries in Europe to the one large pizza my friends and I split. I am getting around without a car. Feel like I am still living the world race lifestyle just without community. I feel alone without them and my community here is not the same. This is where I press into the Lord even more than I did on the race.
I am sure that most people are wondering what I am doing post race. That’s a good question let me fill you in on that. For starters most people say I need a haircut and look like a hippy, (perfect look for my hometown of Missoula!) A youth pastor in Kalispell Montana, (a little over a couple hours north of my hometown), wanted to know if I would like to come intern for him. I prayed about it asked the Lord if this is what he was wanted me to do for his Kingdom. Turns out it was. A couple weeks ago I moved up here a week after Project Searchlight to start interning. It has been challenging because it is not a paid position and I am in the process of finding a job. I have just enough money for bills this month and the well will be dry. From how he provided the funds he will do it again! The Lord is good and sovereign, for he knows what he is doing and is doing it! Thank you all who have prayed me through the year, partnered with me finically, read my blogs and were encouraged by them. May the Lord continue to speak to you tenderly and may you grow in him ten fold over the years to come, and at the same time enjoy the Lord!
