It seems as though it was only yesterday that Ty and I were taking a bike ride on a hot summer day in August when we received a phone call that would change our lives forever. Even before the ring came, I frantically jumped off my bike and began to dig through my backpack for the vibrating piece of plastic which would shortly reveal our fate. After a few brief statements, and further instructions, I hung up the phone and looked at Ty who stared back at me with eager anticipation. My face must have said it all. Embracing, we hugged and jumped for joy, praising God for His incredible plan and blessing for our lives. We were going on the World Race.
The last seven months have been a time of preparation for us in so many ways. Part of the process is wrapping up activities and fulfilling obligations that we have made commitments to. A major one for me is completing my education as I student teach this spring at the junior high level in 7th and 8th grade science. Although I absolutely love being in the classroom and learning how to teach, I am exhausted at the end of the day. I sometimes feel stretched in a million different directions, and often end up getting nothing completed(from the large list of things do!). This definitely falls into the category of needing God, because I can’t do it on my own strength and ability.
Another part of the process is connecting with the other racers from our squad and lifting each other up in prayer and encouragement. I cannot express in words how blessed we are to have this amazing group of Christ loving brothers and sisters alongside us. Our relationships have only begun to grow, but the roots are reaching deep and I am learning so much about how to love with genuine and reckless abandonment. This also falls into the category of needing God, because I know that by my sinful and selfish nature, I can’t love perfectly. Only by His love and grace will we be able to continue to love each other as we together face trials and temptations.
The part of the process that seems to be taking the most faith right now is our support raising efforts. God has blessed us with an incredible $13,000 so far. This is enough support to allow us to launch in July. We need to raise an additional $18,000 in order to stay on the race beyond month 3. My faith increases each time God provides for us, using the most unique ways some of the most unexpected people. Throughout this process, I’ve been reminded that God not only provides for missions trips around the world, but knows and provides for all of our needs. Again, we can’t do it on our own.
As the start of the race approaches, we will begin the part of saying good byes. I will admit that one of my greatest fears of going on the race is leaving the ones I love. The ‘what if’s’ fill my head if I think about it too long, and I wonder what perfect words I can leave behind as we depart for a journey without them. I know that we are not alone. God’s got this one covered too!
John 15:5-8
5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
