I knew a little bit about what I was signing on for when accepting my application for the Race, although they don’t tell you everything. I knew I would travel to 11 different countries spreading the love of Christ. I knew I would be stretched out of my comfort zone in all ways possible. I knew I would be living in different places, with different people, and in different cultures. I also knew it would be a once in a lifetime experience that I couldn’t imagine myself passing on.
Now heading into month three, I’m getting to a point in my Race that I’m starting to see how difficult it is to live out of a pack and not be the one who knows everything. I’m getting tired, missing home, and desiring my comforts more than ever. Don’t get me wrong, I am having the time of my life, but it is definitely hard.
Racers are called to be flexible. Not in the sense of doing vigorous stretching exercises so we can put our legs behind our heads by the time we arrive back home (lol), but more on the side of not getting too comfortable. There are SO many things that are out of our control and it is impossible to know everything that we’re going to walk into. It doesn’t come as a surprise anymore when I hear that our flight was delayed for the third time, we need to pay additional money to cross the border, we aren’t staying at the same ministry location all month, we need to pack our bags again and change rooms again, adventure day will be a day early, we’re working an extra day this week, half the team will be doing a different ministry than the rest, we can’t get in touch with people back in the States because of the time change and vigorous ministry schedule, etc. Things aren’t as easy as they would be back home for sure.
I’m learning what it looks like to be grateful in every circumstance and not compare experiences. I know every month will bring new surroundings and sometimes I’ll need to pack my bags more often and that’s okay. Sitting in the unknown can be frustrating and scary. It’s hard for me to release that control and be okay with things not going the way I want. I’ve been reminded recently that God is much bigger than my desires for comforts, routine, and set schedules. It can be frustrating to not be able to fully unwind and unpack, but again I am called to be flexible. I’m not at home with the luxuries of hopping in my car to go to the store 10 miles away or have a washer and dryer in the next room and that’s okay. God is still a God of comfort and peace!
As I continue my journey, I’m realizing that comfort is what I make it. My mindset changes everything. I’m choosing to embrace the spontaneity of this new life I’m living and release control, allowing God to swoop in, be Himself, and teach me that He is all I need.
Love you guys! Until next time,
~A
