This is my final blog. I’m currently in the Florida airport, and I’ve cried harder than I have in quite a while. This chapter in my life is finally closed. It’s been an amazing nine months, and I have made memories, and friends, that will last through eternity. As is to be expected, there were high points and low points on the race. It wasn’t always fun, it wasn’t always easy, but it was always what God wanted me doing in that moment. God lets us go through struggles and pain to refine us into the beautiful gems that we all truly are. I’m extremely sad right now because I’m alone in an airport, having said goodbye to my best friend for an indeterminate amount of time. Even though I’m sad, I’m also so joyful. God gave me a lifelong friend, and new sister, and so there is nothing but joy in my heart for that. (I say that while tears are running down my face. I swear I’m joyful.) I am so thankful to God. He has given me so much over the past nine months, and in my whole life as well. I will never forget these moments. They will be cherished memories that I will look back on when life is hard. We always have something to be thankful for.
(This part is mostly for people who are looking to go on the race, or have already signed up. This is just my experiences and opinions, so take it with a grain of salt. Everyone’s race is different.) Now, for the logistical and boring stuff. My thoughts on the race and stuff. If I were asked if I would recommend the race, I wouldn’t say yes. I wouldn’t say no either though. Before you tackle the beast that is the world race, you must first tackle the beast that is your heart. Why do you want to do the race? Has God called you to the race? If you want to go on the race simply because it is called a “missions” trip, then don’t go. While ministry is a large part of the race, there are many times when, at least in my humble opinion, the ministry is not actual ministry. There were multiple times that I felt like I was just there to show off my skin color. That’s not right. There were many many times that fun or experience was put as higher or more important than ministry. That is not right. There were times that we did legitimate ministry, but I find myself doubting the effectiveness of going into a church and giving a sermon to a bunch of people who don’t understand what you are saying. If the race is anything, it’s not a “missions” trip, but more like a nine month discipleship program. If you go on the race, there is no doubt in my mind that you will grow. If you want to grow in the Lord and in Knowledge of the world, go. If you are looking for a “missions” experience, then I’d say don’t go. You will get a missions experience, but it will be an experience through AIM’s lens. Be prepared to push your body to its limits. You have a very small budget, and there is no way you can survive with just what is given to you. If you go on the race, be ready to spend a lot of money on food. I lost forty pounds on this trip, and was only saved by buying myself a ludicrous amount of food. All in all, I’d say that the trip was not a great experience. What God did for me on the trip, however, is an invaluable experience. Check your heart before you go on his trip. If God has called you to it, go. Go as fast as you can and with as open of a mind as possible. If God is not calling you to the trip, and you are going only because you want to, you won’t last three months on the field. I encourage any prospective racers to reach out to me if you want more information about anything on the race.
I want to thank all of the people who have supported me in this journey. Y’all helped me do God’s will in my life, and that is truly invaluable. I didn’t know when I began, but I have learned now why God called me on the race. I’m not going to tell y’all because that is between me and God and anyone who wants to know badly enough to reach out to me. Message me on Facebook and I’ll give you a call and an answer.
I love you all, and remember, even when you are breaking, there is still Joy in the Journey.
