My sister Olivia and I have a joke between us that whenever we are in a funny or strange situation we look at each other and ask, “Is this real life?” It's a phrase that I've been using over and over again since I've been on the race. I think to myself am I really here? Am I really doing this?
Honestly, when I left for the race I wasn't sure I was actually going to like it. Being stripped of everything I've known my entire life and placed into an unknown environment was very scary. I couldn't imagine leaving my family, friends, my cute house, my stable job… mostly my security. What are we doing? What would we come back to? How would we raise all the funds? How would we leave our bills? These are just some of the questions I struggled with. I had to learn that God doesn't call us to do something big without laying out every piece of the puzzle. He will never leave you stranded.
So, we left everything comfortable to go out into the world and preach the gospel with lots of risks attached. We knew that the World Race is what God wanted us to do so we trusted that He had everything under control and stepped out in faith. We said goodbye to our families, best friends, house, cars, dog, debt, jobs, church, young adults group to set out on the adventure of our lives.
I left a life where I thought I knew the true meaning of happiness to now discover I had no clue. I am happier than I've ever been on the Race. I'm getting to experience a new life. Don't get me wrong… I miss our families and friends TERRIBLY, but I have found a new kind of happiness in walking in what God has called me to do.
I have found happiness in seeing the most beautiful scenery imaginable, digging a hole on a farm, rebuilding a school, painting a classroom, playing with orphans, giving forgotten kids hugs, rocking a little boy to sleep in church, attending church services where I couldn't understand a word anyone said, riding in the back of a truck everywhere, talking to college students and learning to surrender everything I have to Jesus.
Never doubt that God knows exactly what He is doing when he calls you to do something. He never calls us to do something that isn't out of our comfort zones. He wants us to surrender everything and follow him. This means getting a little messy. This means giving up comfort. This means allowing him to take over your life.
It's been a wonderful, hard, rewarding, exciting, scary, fun two and a half months. I am so thankful that this is my real life right now. I feel so blessed that God has chosen me to represent him around the world. I know that this experience will be one that shapes the person I am in Jesus. Thank you so much for all your prayers and support.
