On the World Race, holidays look a little different than they do back home. Sometimes you don’t get the food you’re craving, and you miss out on some family traditions. But you might get to ride an elephant instead.
As our Racers prepare to spend this Thanksgiving with their teams around the world, we want to pass along their thanks to all the faithful prayer warriors and financial supporters who make this experience possible. Annie Heathorn of the September 2012 J Squad wrote a blog post that speaks for all Racers when we say, “Thank you.”
I keep being hit by these moments-
Moments like riding an elephant through a Thai jungle.
Or watching a little Thai girl giggle before I gather her in my arms.
Climbing a hundred steps to a Buddhist temple.
Or even today as I chopped down a tree with a machete.
Moments where I ask, “How is it that I am here?”
It feels unreal, too good to be true.
And I find myself wondering how I got here. A recent college grad who hasn’t worked a real job a day in her life, and other than a few REI supplies, hasn’t paid a penny to be here.
How is it that I get to be off having this life changing adventure when I could be sitting behind a desk at a 9 to 5 job?
It’s in these moments that I realize I am overwhelmingly blessed.
And of course the answer to my question is God.
His fingerprints mark every aspect of the process in getting me here.
But on the other hand, I want every person back at home to know how grateful I am for each of you.
Truly it is because of the generosity and support of all of you that I am here.
For that I want to say thank you.
For those who are praying for me, thank you.
It is honestly the best gift you could give me.
For those who have verbally encouraged me or messaged me, thank you.
I cherish every word (even if it takes me a several weeks to respond).
And finally for those that are financially supporting me, thank you.
It is your generosity that has made it possible for me to be here.
Initially dreading the process of support raising, I was absolutely blown away by the generosity of friends, family, even acquaintances and “anonymous donors.” I was brought to tears time after time to see not just willingness, but eagerness, even excitment to help.
And as I sit here on our missionary contact’s couch with the sweet aroma of apple crisp filling the air, anticipating the American Thanksgiving we are having tomorrow, I want every one of you at home to know I am thankful for you.
Thank you for being in my life.
Thank you for loving me, for encouraging me, for supporting me, for blessing me even halfway across the world.
Know that I am thinking about you tomorrow.
