Can you believe it? I am at the half-way point of my World Race journey!
Now that I am somewhat settled into this World Race lifestyle, the days seem to go faster and faster. I know the second half of my Race is going to be gone before I know it. I have to constantly talk myself out of slight cases of homesickness and focus on soaking up each moment. I want to seek out every opportunity the Lord puts before me, explore every new culture, and approach each new relationship with enthusiasm. The World Race has and will continue to provide me with unforgettable experiences. Yet, more importantly, it has and will help develop me into a woman of God as I pursue His will for my life.
With that being said, I want to dedicate this blog to a few
special people who have significantly influenced my life and prepared me for what I am now experiencing around the world.
My WinShape Retreat Family:
You are my safe place. I’m not sure many people can say that about their work environment, but I proudly do. Not only do I have bosses and co-workers, I have sisters and brothers in Christ…both on and off the clock. From being a 16 year old teenager in the kitchen to a 23 year old on the golf cart, I have experienced a caring, God-glorifying, and safe place. (I brag about WSR all the time, in case anybody is wondering.) Special thanks to Suzanne (my “WinShape Mom”) and Theta for all you’ve poured into me over the years.
My WinShape Wilderness Family:
Don’t worry, I also brag about Wilderness every chance I get! Over the past five years I’ve spent on staff with you, I have gained so much knowledge and skills that have directly contributed to my presence on The World Race. You have helped develop my skills as a leader, provided me with a zillion team-building initiatives I can whip out on the Race at any moment, and fanned the flame of my adventurous spirit. Not to be cheesy, but I’ve experienced changes with you. I am amazed at how the heart of WW is so similar to that of World Race. Your value of relationships and your passion for international missions has overflowed into my own heart.
Sarah Freeman:
I’ll bet you don’t know this, but I look up to you so much. Your character is beautiful and God is evident in how you live. You are one heck of a listener, celebrator, supporter, and adventurer. You are also one of the most selfless people I know. I love yours and Lydia’s hippie-ish ways and your sense of fashion. I think about you often on the Race, and I know I wouldn’t be here without your prayers and support.
Brackenhurst Ministries:
My two summers with you have been unforgettable and have severely impacted God’s calling for me to be here on the Race. You introduced me to a place that holds a piece of my heart….Kenya. I did not recognize the love for the nations God had placed in my heart until Summer of 2007, when I first worked camp with you. My experience with Bracken has me FIRED UP for our month in Kenya, and has provided me with enough camp songs to last me the entire 11 months on the Race!
Michelle Peteet:
My fellow missionary and sister in the Lord! It fills my heart to think about you serving over there in Kenya…what a perfect place to use the gifts God has given you. How thankful I am that all those Ultimate games led to our friendship! You have one of the most beautiful hearts in the world and I am so blessed to have experienced so many conversations and memories with you. You have shown me how to live a life fully relying on God and the importance of seeking God in prayer and in His Word daily.
My First Presbyterian Family:
How grateful I am to call FPC my church home. From letting me help with D-Now’s to speaking Truth into my heart to opening my eyes to the wisdom the Word brings, my faith has deepened tremendously from the time I’ve spent inside your doors. Special thanks to Bill Pardue, the Davis Family, Karin Warner, and Harris York for all you’ve poured into me
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11th Grade Girls Small Group:
Ok, I accidently just typed 10th grade and had to go back and put 11th…I can’t believe it! For the past few years I have been so encouraged by y’alls dedication to come to small group at 6:30 in the morning! I don’t know if it was the awesome biblical teaching or the chick-fila-biscuits, but I respect y’alls commitment to show up and receive what God has for you. Being your leader has really strengthened my faith in the Lord and He has taught me so much through our small group and D-Now times together. You are examples of Jesus everywhere you go , to so many people…including myself! Know that each of you are loved!
Abbie Brewster:
Oh, Abbie. I wish I could awkwardly hug you right this second. You are an inspiration to me. Your faith in the Lord through the thick and thin is steadfast and unyielding. I love that we can joke around and scare people with Scream masks, and at the same time share deep thoughts (in writing, of courseJ). Even though I was supposed to be a leader to students at FPC, in many ways you have lead me without even knowing. Thank you for all the time you’ve put into our friendship and the support you’ve offered me since I’ve left home.
The Roberts Family:
You have played a crucial role in my walk with the Lord from the time it began. Consistently driving me to church every Sunday for more than 9 years of my life is no easy feat. I can remember watching out the window each Sunday for y’alls blue van to come driving down the driveway…then Krispy Kreme donuts and Yoohoos for breakfast at the BP…then church! Growing up, I was able to watch your love for the Lord follow you from the church and into your home. You have always made me feel like a second daughter…from letting me spend the night on numerous occasions to inviting me to join your family when we shared in communion at church. I am forever changed by you: Jack, Jeannie, Jeff and especially Jennifer. I love you all!
The Phillips Family:
I wouldn’t be where I am today (literally…I wouldn’t be in this coffeeshop in VIETNAM) if it wasn’t for your family’s presence in my life. Your heart for missions and missionaries has overflowed into mine over the years, as well as your deep and open desire to know the Lord intimately. You have taught me so much about who I am as a person and the valuable lesson of how to express what’s on my heart. You’ve encouraged my passion for the outdoors, my appreciation for the little things in life (Mrs. Jane), and my love for my Heavenly Father. Thank you, Mr. Nathan, Mrs. Jane, Isaac and Andy.
The Magoni Family:
I have no doubt that I haven’t been prayed for today…by someone in your family. My WR journey is so closely linked to you all…from Mary’s experiences to your consistent prayers to Mrs. Fran’s blog comments to Mr. Mark calling me in Costa Rica to tell me about financially supporting me…it is SO ENCOURAGING! Not to mention all the love you have poured into me during mine and Mary’s college years. Some of my favorite college memories include road trips to Columbus and being an adopted Magoni at each Mountain Day. You are a beautiful family and I admire the way you all live life together for God. Mr. Magoni, Mrs. Magoni, Elizabeth and Katie…you each are so special to me. (Don’t worry Mary…I’ll get to you)
Tiffany Wesley:
My sweet southern sister! Did you know that you introduced me to my love for missions? Inviting me to serve in Jamaica our freshman year has had a lasting effect on my life, as you can see! Your love for the world, your passion to fight injustice and your desire to grow in biblical knowledge has rubbed off on me. I cannot even express in words how grateful I am for all our memories over the past five years…just know my heart is full to overflowing! You are one of my best friends in the whole world. I can’t wait to see you (and even Bismark) when I get home in September!
Sharon Parrish:
Shay-Ronda! You are one of the most joyful people I know and your love for adventure is unmistakable. I love our snowboarding, hiking, intramural sports, mountain biking, and racquetball adventures and I look forward to more when I come home. I am so thankful God crossed our paths at Berry….thanks for hanging out with me as a little freshman. You are definitely one of my closest friends and I love how deep you think…it makes for great conversations about the Lord and about life. Your friendship has truly contributed to my walk with God and to his plan of preparing me for this adventure known on the Race.
Mary Magoni:
Oh. My heart is so full just thinking about the paragraph I’m about to type. Mary, there is no doubt that my World Race journey has been affected by you and our friendship. Gosh, my entire squad knows you by name now. Our Skype dates during your Race, then camping at the Res during our 1 month in the States, then you literally packing my pack for me, then our 10+ page emails during my journey….you’ve been beside me the entire time. Words cannot express how thankful I am to have a friend, a kindred spirit, who not only understands WR culture, but who shares in a love for the nations. I am reminded of you constantly…anytime I see my/your backpack, when I wear this yellow scarf from Cambodia (wearing it now), holding little orphan babies, sipping coffee in a foreign coffee shop…the list could go on. Thank you, thank you, thank you for listening to my heart, encouraging me when times are difficult and celebrating with me in joyful times. I love you so much, sweet friend.
Jamie:
Ha-Mee-Aye. Little sis, you have inspired me in countless ways. Seriously, I don’t just look up to you because you are taller than me. I look up to your go-getter attitude and you dedication to everything you put your mind to. Your musical and artistic abilities astound me and encourage me. You are one of the most talented people I know and I am proud to call you my sister.
Mama and Daddy:
I definitely wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for y’all. For the past 24 years you have taken care of me, taught me about life and loved me. Daddy, you introduced me to my love of the outdoors by taking me canoeing/fishing down Cedar Creek and camping at Cumberland Island. Mama, you have raised me to be the woman that I am today. You’ve taught me everything from manners to how to plant a flower. You are one of the smartest and selfless people I have ever known. I am proud to call you both my parents, and when I think of home, I think of Daddy riding around on the golf cart looking for varmints while Mama cooks a classic southern meal, which includes my favorite…fried green tomatoes. I am so thankful to have had the childhood you two provided for me and Jamie. I can’t wait to hug y’all in September!
