If you are reading this, he found me.
I ran for miles and
miles searching and hoping for more. I could never find more. The distance I
traveled was endless until one day; I stopped dead in my tracks, heard a voice
above me, and looked up. I realized no distance traveled would ever get me
anything but less than what I already had. It was by my nature to find my own
way to reach my goal; but when this voice, this beautiful voice called to me I
could not resist. Looking to the sky, spreading my arms, and letting go, I
found the answer to more was him. Still was where I needed to be. Still was
where more was. Still was the answer to eternal movement in all directions in
the same moment. God called to me in the times I neglected him to find my own
way. He never stops loving, never stops caring, never stops giving, never stops
listening, and never stops answering. The difficulty of hearing God speak while
running diminishes instantly when we are still.
I write this because I feel I, alone, am searching for the
answers only he holds. Since I’ve let go and handed him all my troubles life has
been so much easier. When I committed to this trip I was excited and rested
everything in his hands and thus far deadlines are being met, prayers are being
answered and opportunities have risen that I wasn’t even asking for. God is
really going the extra, extra mile for me this time (as always). If I can be a
miracle to one person in this world, my job will be complete.
me Grant Tarjick. I am 23 years old, like the color blue, and enjoy long walks on the beach (just joking). I have no nicknames that have ever stuck, not that I wanted
any of them to, and so I, along with practically the entire world’s population,
simply go by my first name. I grew up in a small east Texas town called
Carthage. Look it up
somewhere and the definition will be “the epitome of eastTexas.” We have pine trees, cows, chicken houses, horses, four-wheeler ridin’,
fishing, people wear boots and cowboy hats, and we are just near the border of
Louisiana. I’m an outdoorsy kid. I like getting dirty and playing with my dogs.
And as much as I love it, I had to say good-bye to it all for college. I moved
to Arlington, TX and attended U.T.A. for one semester, did not care for it much,
so I transferred to the University of North Texas. I finished there with my
B.B.A. in Financial Services August ‘08. I enjoyed U.N.T. very much and learned
more at this school than I ever thought I could. The relationships you have with
classmates hits harder than any academics. And long story short, I did not know
exactly what to do after graduating so I did a few interviews and nothing wowed
me; Great opportunities were dropped dead in my tracks and I had to hand it over
to God. I prayed and the World Race came along. I moved back to Carthage to
raise support. Most all my family lives here and has forever and a day which
helps with networking when you need it. So, it’s back to fishing, four-wheelers,
and working on my farmer’s tan.
I
have an amazing family and I would not trade them for the world. My Dad and Mom
are awesome parents and have always kept us in the church body. I cannot imagine
living this long and never knowing or experiencing the Holy Spirit in any way
(and wish not to). My Dad is a high school teacher and my Mom works in Business
Administration. I would not be who I am today if it weren’t for them. I have one
sister and brother-in-law that live in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. My sister is
also a certified teacher and holds a Marketing degree from U.N.T.. We have 3
dogs and 3 cats in our family also. And basically every neighbor we have are
relatives. So call me old fashion if you want, but there’s no place like home.
A few Fun
Facts:
- I play the acoustic guitar. I enjoy playing praise and worship music and
love to learn new songs (although I do not as much as I should). And yes,
the guitar will be traveling with me around the world. Wicked excited to
play my guitar during alone times on the other side of the world. - I do enjoy a nice cup of Joe. It seems to be unanimous for the August Racers
that we enjoy coffee. My friend and I decided about a year ago we would no
longer call it a cup of Joe; now, it should be called a cup of Darrell.
There is no significance what so ever to that name. Apparently we needed
more than coffee to pick us up that morning so we had a bowl of frosted mini
silly-o’s for breakfast and thus creating… the cup of Darrell. - I love movies. I enjoy all types and cannot walk away once I start one. My
favorites are comedies and M. Night Shyamalan’s movies. My favorite is The
Village. My favorite TV shows are Seinfeld and That 70’s Show. - Big fan of playing catch whether it be a baseball, football, Frisbee, or
even a crumbled piece of trash. You name it, I’ve probably played toss with
it. - I’m a dreamer. I live in a fantasy world where day dreaming is habitual,
reaching for the stars is routine, and the impossible is always the outcome
of my problem or task. I go above and beyond in everything I do. I enjoy
being the best but can be humble if I am not. - I blush easily. It doesn’t mean I am embarrassed necessarily, just shy.
Sometimes breathing around me funny can turn me into an apple. - I was in Barcelona last year when Spain won the Euro Cup and it was the most
amazing sports experience ever. They are so dedicated to their country’s
soccer team. - My favorite food is a toss up between pizza and chips and salsa. It would
most likely land on the chips and salsa side. I LOVE Mexican food.
I play golf and enjoy every second I have a club in my hand. I haven’t
played long so I still am quite rough but I’m getting better quick.- I am over competitive all the time. I do not like to lose and will play
again and again until I have won. Of course, some sports or games I’m toast
and in these cases I simply want to have fun. But watch out because me
“simply having fun” is really me saying I’m practicing to kick your hiney
later. I am a humble loser and winner.
