So I know it’s been
awhile since I’ve updated you all on my life. It’s been about 3 1/2 weeks since
I’ve been home now from the World Race. And at times it’s very hard to believe
that I’m home. It’s hard to believe that the past 11 months of my life really
did happen…all the long bus rides, all of the sweat, all the tears, all the
cultures we encountered and all the ways we served as a community together. I’m
still trying to process a lot of things here out in the middle of nowhere in my
California bungalow… (My parents moved to this tiny town called Willows where
the entertainment is to go to Wal-Mart). SO it’s the exact opposite of the
world race lifestyle. Instead of sleeping 2 to a twin bed, I get a giant queen
sized bed with my own room. Instead of sleeping in my own puddle of sweat in
what looks like a papier mache barn, I actually am using a down comforter in
the middle of 100 degree weather because of AC. And I have all the milk and
cheese I could ever want. It’s strange. It’s strange that I have options again.
The comfortable to me is very uncomfortable. I’m not saying I hate it…I just
miss the adventure of living life outside of it.
What
overwhelms me still, and it will probably overwhelm me for years to come is
that I was able to literally travel around the entire world–That God chose me
to share his love with the nations. And what’s cool about it is that I just
said yes. Despite the unknowns and fears of leaving behind comfort, all it took
was a yes. That’s all God requires of us…to follow his leading. It’s a trip
that seriously breaks your heart for what breaks His. Isn’t that what we were
created for? To follow God’s heart and try to share the hope we have found with
the people around us.
Living away from a busy
city, I feel somewhat like a hermit. It’s given me a lot of time to think and
be still before God. I have to let him be the one who leads me daily, because I
would lose it otherwise. It’s hard to explain. I was given the privilege to
walk in the shoes of 11 different cultures-to experience life the way they do;
to eat, sleep, and work as they do and to see the way other cultures know God. Even
though God is unchanging, he is also unique. And in creating cultures, it opens
up new aspects of God. I think the way Americans are dependent on God is
totally different than 3rd world nations are dependent on God. It’s not bad
that we are different; it’s just eye-opening. Seeing other cultures
worship in dance and pray with fervor for healing is atypical of most American
churches. There’s a lot more structure here. I think the visible need for God
in those other countries creates a natural hunger for Him that we have to fight
for in the states. But I know it’s worth the fight.
So for now I’m just waiting (which the race also teaches
you very well). I’m waiting to see what’s next and trusting that God will show
up.
Here is our end of the year video :
