It’s been exactly 6 months since I’ve returned back to America from The World Race. This will be my final World Race blog post as I officially close this chapter and continue on into the “immeasurably more” that God has for me. But first, I wanted to give EVERYONE- pre-Racers, current Racers, faithful friends, family, and supporters- a look into what my life looks like now, as I know many are curious. So here’s my life update from the beginning…
After returning “home”, I went back to the job that was waiting for me at Disney World. I was very grateful to come back to some income and fall right back into something that was familiar and easy. Yet during that time, I daily experienced uneasiness and anxiety. I was extremely unhappy there, to be honest, and I knew it was from the Lord. He was telling me to leave. It took everything in me to humble myself before the Lord and submit in obedience to His voice telling me to, “Quit Disney. Go home.”
These were words I heard Him whispering to me months and months and months earlier. I just didn’t know what that looked like. And when.
I was pretty upset with God, actually. Orlando was my dream. It had become my home. It was HOT! The last thing I ever wanted to do was move back home (nothing against everyone, I just don’t do small town). Yet with every passing day that I went in to work, the uneasiness rose and every thought and prayer concerning home brought peace.
So I did it.
Against all practicality I moved home, not having a clue as to what to what was next. How long would I be there? What job would I have? How long would I live at home with my parents again?
I had one lead with a job at my alma mater (Liberty University) that I was very hopeful for upon return. When I applied for it in Florida and had a phone interview, I was so confident. This had to be it. I had so much peace about the whole thing. It just had to work out.
It didn’t.
But, it did lead to a second interview with a different job within the same department.
I got the job.
When people ask me now how I got my job, honestly, the first answer I give them is “Jesus”. Because seriously, if you heard the story (which I love telling, BTW), then you would know that it was literally only by the grace and will of God.
And that’s how He does it. He does things in our life that we can only give a heavenly answer to. So to Him be the glory!
I’m now working that full-time, 8-5, big-girl kinda job as an Event Coordinator at Liberty University for National Recruitment (more traveling? Here I come!)
Side Note: I love working a routine job. If you’re anything like me, don’t let AIM’s little slogan bog ya down like they do (“Are you tired of the 9-5?”). There’s nothing wrong with a 9-5.
I honestly love my job so much. It’s such a pleasant work environment and the people I work with give me confidence and peace every day. I’m challenged daily and still have so much to learn in this role. But there is no doubt I am not exactly where God wants me right now.
I have also found a wonderful new church and church community to be a part of. Such a blessing to be able to hang out with people who share my passion and love for the Lord!
No, I don’t have a boyfriend.
And in more recent news, I’m just about to sign a lease with a few girlfriends and move into a new (town)home! I am so excited for this next step. Another thing that’s worked out in God’s perfect timing.
I still think about The World Race daily (especially because fun pictures and statuses are popping up on my Timehop). The memories and experiences will last forever. How I saw God and what He taught me….. I can never doubt in the dark what He has shown me in the Light.
What I think about and remember the most about those 11 months are not the hard times, dirty feet, long travel days, poor nutrition, or not-so-favorable ministry- it’s the people.
The faces of a contact I served, child I mentored, college-student I shared Jesus with for the first time, friends I met, random street people I prayed for, families I stayed with…. Man, they are each so precious. I still pray for them as they come to mind throughout the day.
The Hosomi family, Vuthy, Guesty, all the Tanias, Wendy, Raymond Ward and Outpour Movement, El Shaddai, Hilmary and the horse farm, my English students in Ukraine, Ina and Ana, Mark and Florina, Raul, the people of GM, Jim….. and so many nameless faces.
I had the honor of traveling the world and loving all of God’s people. Seeing them and loving them with eyes I never would have had. I daily pray for those eyes to be refreshed. The entire world is full of His precious people.
People often ask if I still keep in touch with my WR squad/teammates- yes! With social media these days, it’s each to keep up with everyone from a distance. We are still active on our group page as we update everyone with where we are, what we’re doing, how we’re struggling, or when we need prayer. It’s so cool to see where the Lord is leading everyone now. We are still family and that will never change. I do keep in closer touch though with a few of my closest friends and reunion planning is never a far off topic of conversation 🙂
Adjusting back to American life hasn’t been all that challenging for me. I think the biggest challenges overall has been finding authentic community (getting there…) But really, nothing compares to World Race community. Even though it was the hardest part of the Race for sure, it was definitely the best. There’s nothing like it. And I miss it. I miss all of you.
It used to be fairly often, but it’s getting more rare nowadays for me to talk in depth with someone about The Race and my experiences…. Yet, I want to talk less of me and more of God. Maybe time doesn’t allow, or people just aren’t interested, or a 5-minute break between cubicles isn’t appropriate, or maybe being “that girl who traveled around the world- that’s really cool” is old news.
It makes me sad. I love talking about The World Race. I feel like I have so much to say, so much passion, so much insight on people, God, and the world that I just want to share with anyone that will listen. That will pray (So maybe let’s get coffee and talk, yeah?). I want the conservative church-goers to know that God can explode the box they’ve put Him in. That nothing is impossible. That He does still do the things He says He can, it’s not just a “thing of the Bible”. He just wants you- and all of you for His glory. If you surrender your life entirely to Him, He will freakin do something beyond your wildest imagination. And it’s not just gonna be cool, scary, or maybe unconventional- it’s gonna be Good.
Life after The World Race looks different for everyone. And it’s always one of the biggest concerns going into The Race (and let’s be honest, every month thereafter) that people have to deal with.
Yes it’s scary, yes it’s unknown. But God didn’t leave you stranded in the middle of the world and He’s not gonna leave you stranded in the homeland. He always has and always will have you and lead you every day, in every season-
“Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”
Ephesians 3:20-21
