How is it that you forming new relationships every month and leaving is just the norm now? It’s such a hard and weird thing on the Race. How do you have the courage to continue on and trust everything the Lord is doing in and through you?
There’s not an easy answer. At least not that I’ve found. I love ministry, I love growing and learning. But I hate goodbyes and sometimes I just want to see the fruit of sharing my testimony, but I rarely do. Selfishly I think about these things. The truth is, I might never see it. But that doesn’t mean I don’t give it my all, every day.
I shared my testimony with a new friend we made on a trek in Nepal a few weeks ago. For some reason, the moment I saw this girl sitting down exhausted at the end of her trek, I knew I was supposed to share my story with her.
At first, I missed what I thought was my only chance to share with her as we walked away and I couldn’t help but feel guilty that I didn’t speak more openly with her.The cool thing is that the Lord still makes a way, even when we might miss the first nudge from the Holy Spirit! She walked onto our bus and some of my teammates befriended her immediately! We ended up getting to spend a lot of time with her and one night we went out to dinner with her.
When we first got to dinner I knew this is when I was supposed to share. My team and I shared the gospel with this amazing young lady and I shared my story. When we left she gave me a hug and thanked me for sharing because she had experienced similarities in her life. I didn’t realize until weeks later how important it is for me to share. I know that my story matters, that everyone’s story matters. But I didn’t believe it fully until now.
Saying goodbye at the end of each country is probably the hardest. We develop relationships with the folks that we do ministry with and for in the countries we are in. Saying goodbye to my first team was extremely hard. But I’m learning and I’m growing and giving everything I’ve got.
And now… The half way point has arrived and homesickness is hitting harder than ever. I wasn’t ready for this and wasn’t expecting it. It’s harder to choose to be completely present and make time for things that are necessary, but God is showing me the importance of it all each step of the way. But I still love what I’m doing and I am still so thankful for my experiences every day. I’m so honored to be a part of the World Race and what God is doing in my life and the lives of others. He is so good. I know I will get over this hump and begin the rapid downhill portion of this journey, but for now, I will be present in what God has for me today.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read this!
Humbly,
Blaire
