When I left home I had space and time to say all my goodbyes. It was difficult ( to say the least) to leave friends and family knowing that it was the last time I would see them for nearly a year. I knew goodbyes would be part of the deal when I signed up for the World Race. For the most part I thought I did pretty well with it. I had a two week crying fest a couple of months before leaving so I was able to get through the actual goodbyes with at least some composure.
What I didn't expect or plan for was the goodbyes I would be saying to the contacts and those met along the way. I always knew it would be hard to leave the children we minister to but I never considered those we minister with.
There was one night at the team house when we were playing a game and laughing our heads off (like many nights before) and my actual thought was “Oh crap, I love these people.” Sounds terrible I know. But I hadn't planned on finding real friends along the way. (Besides the people that I was already traveling with)
The immediate temptation was to declare they are now honorary World Racers and smuggle them into the next ten countries. This method might become a little obvious if I keep picking up people along the way. Start the race with nearly 50 people and end with 70? Might draw some attention.
It took a little bit to accept that it wasn't going to happen . (Part of me still thinks I could pull it off though) Actually it took God reminding me that he had these people in Costa Rica by His design and plan. As much as I wanted it to be; His perfect plan doesn't seem to add three more members to M Squad.
The second temptation (even stronger than the first) is to “learn” from this experience and keep all new people at a distance. If I never let them cross the contact/friend line then it would be so much easier to part. I felt God say, “You can do that…” I have a love/hate relationship with comments like this from God. Such a simple statement where so much more implied. A huge silent but weighty “OR” usually hangs in the air. Almost grudgingly I ask,” Or?”
“Risk it…Press in, love recklessly, grow deeply and live fully”
One way seems safer…easier but its also a shallow existence. To put up a wall this early ( or at all) would be to limit God and all that He is planning to teach me through these wonderful people. I could choose that and cripple my own growth and rob myself of such blessings. So, come what may, my goal this year is loving recklessly those who God puts in my life. Whether it be my team, my squad, contacts, whoever…
Thank you Whitlee, Danny, and Josh for being such awesome people (so awesome that I had to have a sit down with God about not getting to spend more time with you!). I am so grateful and blessed to get to know you. In the three weeks we spent at with 6:8 Ministries I saw the heart of God in all of you. May God bless you abundantly in fulfilling the dreams He has called you to.
Whitlee & Danny & Me
Josh & Me
