Have you ever heard the phrase “What a coincidence?” Well, I know I have probably thousands of times and have even used it myself in the past. Even though, I knew deep down inside there isn’t such a thing as coincidences. That there is a creator behind the scenes orchestrating things, things that are beyond our wildest dreams.
In Month 8(March), we had something called PVT which stands for Parent Vision Trip. It’s where we have an opportunity to invite our parents into our World Race experience. They learn, pray and experience ministry with us. My parents unfortunately couldn’t make it but that’s something the Lord prepared my heart for. Even though there were times during PVT I had wished they were there. It brought my heart so much joy meeting my Squad mates parents.
Flash back to Month 3(October) when we were transitioning continents from South America to SE Asia. The most logical route would’ve been to have a layover in the West Coast. When I heard we were having a layover in JFK Airport about an hour from my home. I couldn’t believe it! That was “coincidence “ number one. Back then I didn’t know my parents wouldn’t be able to make it to PVT month 8(March). It was so great to see them and my sister. My Mom even brought me homemade pierogies. Which totally made me feel at home.
Now, let’s talk about “coincidence “ number two. This is one that the Lord prepared me for way back when I was applying for the Race. When I was deciding which route to take, the Lord told me to choose this route because I’d have an opportunity to see my family in Poland. I honestly forgot he had told me that until Month 8(March) during PVT week. The Lord told me I know the other Racers are experiencing being here with their families. But, I will bring your family to you in other ways. He also said remember you had an opportunity to see your family after just being on the Race 3 months. After this He explained, you will have another opportunity in Ukraine to see your family that lives in Poland. Which I haven’t seen in over 10 years. At that time, I didn’t even know which city in Ukraine I’d be in.
Our team finally got our city location a week before Month 9(April) and I was only 3 hours from my family in Poland. Even though, the Lord prepared me for this way back in the application process of the Race, I was in amazement. I also knew there was more to this than going to visit my family. Once I arrived in Ukraine I found out my Babcia(grandma) had started to feel very ill. I sent my proposal in and got approval for me and two of my teammates, Leah & Madison to go for 2 days. The Holy Spirit told me there was even more then meets the eye, then with my grandma being sick. I told myself I’ll see once I get there.
Our first night, we arrived late in the evening and my Aunt made all my favorite Polish foods. We stuffed ourselves and caught up on life. My Mom has 5 other siblings and there were 4 out of the 6 there visiting. Which is amazing how the Lord orchestrated that as well. We had made plans to sightsee and go to a dinner dance the next day. I woke up early to spend time with my grandma and talked with her about my experience so far on the Race. As the day went on she started to feel more ill. In Europe you can call a Dr over to your house. There wasn’t one available so my Uncle decided to call the ambulance instead to come take her vitals. Once they came to check her they would them decide whether to take her to the hospital or not.
During that time, my Aunt told us to start getting ready for the dinner dance. But something didn’t feel right. She said my grandma may not even go to the hospital but even if she does we shouldn’t sit at home anyways. In my head I thought the old Monica would’ve still went out but this Monica wants to stay behind and pray for my Babcia if she ends up going to the hospital. I told my Aunt I’m sorry but I’m going to stay home and pray with my teammates. Not five minutes after that my Uncle comes running in and says the brakes on my Aunts car went out. The same car we were supposed to take to the dinner dance. I thanked the Lord for protecting us even in the midst of the chaos that was going on.
My Babcia ended up going to the hospital with my Uncle. So my teammates and I started interceding for her, the rest of my extended family and for Poland. A few minutes after we started praying, my Aunt came in the room trying to talk to us. I invited her to sit with us and pray. She was raised Catholic and didn’t quite understand what we were doing because we were praying out loud while listening to Worship music. She then proceeded to talk negatively about the Catholic Church. I explained to her we can’t judge someone else’s sins if they’re out in the open. When some of our sins are done behind closed doors. Her whole demeanor changed and I invited her again to sit down with us to pray. She sat down and Leah asked if my Uncle who’s handicapped could join us . So off we all went to my Uncles room.
We all sat in a circle and started praying out loud. Within two minutes of praying, tears started streaming down my Aunts face. Mind you we were praying in English which she knows none of. We also were praying for her heart to be touched before she had even walked into the room. We prayed for my Babcia to come home that night. For there to be a revival in Poland and all of Eastern Europe.
After we had finished, my Aunt and I had stayed up to wait to see if my grandma was coming home. She told me she had never felt this way before and even wanted me to send her the Worship songs we listened to. We talked about the Bible and her life. The Lord even gave me two visions for her and that one day she will share her testimony(life story) to help others. I then knew what the Holy Spirit was saying to me about there being more to my Babcia being sick. The Lord was chasing after my Aunt and orchestrated all the details to lead to that very moment of her sitting on the floor worshiping with us. This God of ours cares about us so much that he will go through all of that trouble for US. I think it’s hard for people to understand and that’s why they call situations like that a coincidence. I didn’t plan anything that happened on my trip to Poland. That to me is proof we have a loving creator who sees us right where we are, who hears our cries and knows us better then we know ourselves.
There’s been so many stories like this not just on the Race but in my lifetime. Coincidence is what some may call it I call it a divine appointment from the Lord. And to sweeten the moment, my Babcia came home from the hospital just before midnight that night.
I’m currently in Month 10 of the Race. Next month will be my last month, Month 11. Where my Squad and I will have an opportunity to walk the Camino in Spain for two weeks. As a part of our ministry we will be evangelizing and processing our past 10 months of the Race. The rest of the two weeks will be creating our own ministry. Which could pretty much look like anything from working with the homeless to working in a coffee shop.
Thank you to everyone who’s followed my journey so far. I’m so very thankful for everything. Prayers for my Squad and I as we’ll be hiking up to 15 miles a day on the Camino.
Love, Monica
