Radna, Romania
Prior to the world race, I encountered many people who were for me going and many people who were against it. The question of if I was going to eventually move to one of the eleven countries was a heavy pressure placed on me right from the beginning. How was I suppose to know? I had never been to any of them. I'm just trying to be open to all the things that God might have for me and be obedient when I hear Him say "move." I signed up for the World Race with that statement still on the table. I am still open and believe that God is still working + showing me a lot + could take me anywhere.
Painting a zip line in Romania had more purpose than I thought. I had a lot of time to think while painting — discussing every thought in my head with my great friend mer. Lucky her.
I realized that it's not a particular country that I'm super pumped to live in someday — probably because it's people that God is pumped about, whatever continent they live on — He's is all about them all the time.
He's rejoicing over the one's that He loves with gladness. Zephaniah 3:17
He taught me about passions + desires and how He's given me a unique passion + desire for humanity. He revealed me to more and more that the injustice I care about the most is poverty and everything that stems from it. It genuinely bothers me when people get placed into statistics by society and scholars. (Born to a single mother, government assistance, etc., probably not capable of contributing to society, more likely that they cause chaos and destruction to the neighborhoods.)
I hate those thoughts. I am really passionate about people making it. I am really passionate about people's circumstances not determining who they become.
I am passionate about women having diapers for their babies because they're expensive and don't last more than a week. I am passionate about students passing their classes and having tutors to not only pass, but do well. I am passionate people who were once addicted to drugs, alcohol, who were once in jail, once a prostitute, or whatever the case may be –that they would be freed from past labels and have a second, third, fourth, etc. chance to do life right. I am for the statistic breakers. I am for them to not be a rare occurrence, but the norm. I want people to have clear vision, and see that in the midst of life's chaotic circumstances, there's a God that is desperately for them. These are somethings that really matter to me. I had asked God in the beginning of Romania to show me the things that I care about, and He did. I have a slight hunch on where The Lord is taking me after the race, but I'm keeping it on the palm of my hand, with my hand open to the things He has for me, not running to far head of Him.
I am not trying to win a Miss America title, fighting for world peace with a side of let's end poverty campaign. Please. haha. I just believe that each person God created is unique, so even though injustices will continue until the end of Earth, I have something different to bring than anyone else who has ever lived before me.
God, I pray that Your people would be a people of passion. I pray we'd care about the things You care about. I pray we'd fight for people like You fight for people. Thank you that You are a Creator. That is part of what You do and who You are. Create in us new ideas. Create in us a new heart. May we believe that our lives are unique and that the way we live them effects others. We can receive wisdom and knowledge from You freely. All we have to do is ASK. I pray that our hearts would ask why You created us. What was I made to do for Your Kingdom? May our hearts be one with Yours. You are a great mystery. I pray for an abundance of great and marvelous secrets for those who love You!!
amen.
