Well, the race has been over for about 6 weeks now, and I’m amazed about how quickly life has been flying by. It’s been a whirlwind of travel, visits, and catching up with friends all over the country. It’s been a time of readjustment to the self-importance of American news networks, the overwhelming choices available in American supermarkets, and trying to figure out how to keep my spiritual life active and relevant in more ‘mundane’ environments. In many ways, the transition has been much more smooth and easy than I had anticipated. In fact, I may feel more ‘at home’ here than I did before I left!
Coming home, though, I’m just starting to realize the impact that the world race has had on my life. Before the trip, I was focused on the purposes of the trip itself – I wanted to make an impact for God’s kingdom wherever we were… I wanted God to work through me, to bless the nations! Now that I’m home, I’m becoming aware of how meaningful that experience will be for the rest of my life!
Every time I go to Starbucks, I will think of Pastor Antonio who picks coffee in Guatemala… every time I hear about Oprah’s new school in South Africa, I will think of Zizipho, and Ramorra, and the many other students we met and prayed with in that nation. Any time someone will share a doubt about God and miracles, I will have to tell my China story.
The very fact that Gary and I sold our house, a car, furniture, quit jobs, to put our lives in God’s hands will forever challenge those around us to respond to God’s call. Already, we are seeing the beginning of the impact this past year has had. We pray in faith that we are only seeing the tip of the iceberg in terms of God’s work throughout our lives!
