Can all big life events take pause for 11 months? And, would everyone be okay with skipping out on fun in our absence?
As Chris and I discussed and prayed about going on the World Race, we knew there was a chance we would miss out on some important life events during our 11 month absence. However, it wasn’t until Christmas Eve that I began to realize the magnitude of what this would look like. My sister (and best friend) and brother-in-law announced they were expecting a baby! Baby’s arrival date? August. One month after our departure.
I could do little else but cry. I was overjoyed to learn that this prayer of 2+ years was answered. The desire for children had long been on their hearts and this would be the first niece or nephew in the family! Yet, I ached. I was going to miss the first 10 months of this sweet baby’s life. The joy and the ache doubled a week later when they found out they were having TWINS!
Doubt and regret crept into my mind. With this news, how could we possibly leave? I wanted to be present. I wanted to hold them and love them. I wanted to be there to share in the memories. How was I going to claim my role as favorite aunt when I was on the other side of the world?
This blog sat in my email “drafts folder” for weeks as I tried to think of a way to end it and wrap it up in a pretty bow. It wasn’t until I shared it with a friend that I was reminded that I don’t have to. This struggle and tension is real and continues; it’s not something I have to hide or be ashamed of. Yet, the peace I feel from knowing this is a call from God is so much greater.
“And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.” – Mark 16:15.
