I’m officially getting kicked out of Central America in two weeks and flying back home. As of now, they (Costa Ricans) still think I’m a famous singer from South Georgia, but soon enough the paparazzi will die down after I leave.
This World Race has been quite the adventure. God has grown me through good times and bad, increased my faith by providing in ways I never would have guessed, and just opened my eyes more to the rest of the world. I would love to say that I left America 11 months ago as an awesome Ethan, and I’m going back transformed as a “more awesome Ethan”. Ha, oddly enough, that may not be the case. It might just be the same old me; having corny jokes, awkward moments, and a strikingly average personality.
I try not to think about it because I don’t want to feel melancholy, but it is quite overwhelming when I reflect on all that God has done and all the friendships I have made over the past year, and knowing that it is coming to an end in two weeks. The contrast of living with people constantly, to being by myself and trying to figure out what’s next. Also, going from having a set ministry schedule most days to coming home where you just have to be intentional about making it a part of life, aka, who you are.
I don’t know what is in store for me. I don’t know where I will be or what I will do. But I do know that God is good, He has good plans for me and will open the right doors that need to be opened. Meanwhile I’m going to do my best to seek Him and just be obedient and love the person in front of me day in and day out while He takes care of the rest. I fall many times and make a fool of myself, but God is my strength and He is my refuge. I don’t expect to come back home from the race feeling like I have it all together or needing to act like I have all of this “wisdom” that I acquired. If anything, I have learned quite the opposite- how much I don’t know, how selfish my heart really is, and how much more I need Jesus to show up daily because I can do nothing ‘good’ on my own initiative.
The World Race has been an awesome adventure, tough at times but fruitful nonetheless. Although I have a lot of exciting stories and experiences over this past year, ultimately it’s about knowing Jesus and making Him known. I pray that this year has better prepared me to come back home and to transition into whatever is next. Whether it is noticeable or not once I return home, I do know that God has been doing a lot in my heart to help mold and shape me as a man.
I have not “arrived” because I’ve done a big missionary trip and I know all the secrets of Christianity now. If anything, I have learned even more so than before, how important it is to slow down and move at the Lord’s speed instead of doing things out of my own strength. When I get back home I want to be real, love people well, and just seek Jesus with my whole heart. And with that I will be content knowing that the Lord will provide for me daily and lead me into what is next.
Cheers to an exciting an adventurous year Jesus. I pray the year ahead is exponentially as fruitful, both in my life and those around me. #mamba out.
