Lets be real about the World Race… It sucks. Its exhausting, uncomfortable, painful, annoying, and honestly the hardest thing I have ever done. I’ve done my fair share of mission trips so I know what it’s like to be in community all the time but this is different. If I didn’t like something on a previous mission trip it was easy to count down the days until I was home. I cant do that anymore. I can’t count down the days. I have to spend the next 10 1/2 months with these people, pressing into the dark places of myself, loving people when its the hardest thing on earth to do, and I have to truly seek out what it means to love God and love my squad.
That sucks.
Why am I doing this to myself? Why would I put myself through this kind of strife?
These were questions I honestly had to ask myself these first 11 days of ministry, and the answer didn’t come easy, just like most of my christian walk.
His name is Emil. Emil has something special about him. He’s one of those people that walk into the room and everyone gravitates towards him. He’s smart, insanely athletic, charismatic, joyful, and honestly has the smile that has changed my day many times. From the first time I met him I knew this kid was special. I knew he would have a part in my life, and he in mine. Fast forward just over a week and he pulls me aside to talk. It seems so simple, but this was the answer to those questions. This is why I’m here. This is why I put myself through all of the discomfort.
I’m here because Emil needed someone to talk to. I’m here because he needed guidance and wisdom that I was able to provide. Im here because he needed someone to confide in. Im here because God knew.
God knew. He knew that I would need Emil just as much as he needed me. He knew that I would have a hard time seeing my worth and Emil would change that in me. He knew that I had struggled with a lot of the same stuff so I could speak from experience. He knew that I wouldn’t know what to say, so I had to completely rely on the Holy Spirit for the words.
This divine appointment was my well in the desert. It was where I found strength and restoration, life and joy, peace and resilience.
I still don’t really know what I’m doing here… But that’s fine with me. What I do know is that the only thing that will get me through these next 11 months is God. That every time there is discomfort that I will press into the Spirit and what He has in store for me. This wont be easy, but nothing on the World Race is…
Keep praying for my team and I as we continue investing in the lives of the youth in Novi Sad. These kids are world changers and I can’t wait to see what the rest of the month holds!
This is Emil AKA Little Brother. He challenges me and pushes me to love the Lord in new and beautiful ways
