My time on the World Race has officially ended! Our squad finished out our 11 month journey in Shanghai, China last Sunday and now are all heading our separate ways transitioning back to school, work, family, and friends. For myself, I’m taking a short stop here in Seoul and then SFO before heading back to Indiana to spend time with family. I cannot put to words what this last year has done on my life and on transforming my heart. Thank you for supporting me and encouraging me throughout the entire journey. It wouldn’t have happened without the support of all of my friends and family and even those who I just met.
It’s impossible to describe or explain the transformation and experiences I’ve had but here are a few highlights:
3 Biggest Take-Aways of the Race:
- Home is when I’m with the Father. It’s not a physical location or building, it can be anywhere.
- God’s love is far deeper and more real than I thought.
- I have the ability to create and change an environment. I don’t have to start searching for what I want, I can be what I want and invite others into it with me.
3 Biggest Surprises:
- There’s actually pretty good internet and wifi in like every country.
- You don’t need to know the language to show someone love.
- The weaker and weaker I realize that I am, the more and more freedom I experience in God’s strength. (2 Corinthians 12:10)
Top 3 Most Memorable Moments:
- Tenting in the snow on a mountain in Georgia. It was freezing cold but the views from the church at the top were incredible.
- Being baptized by the Holy Spirit in Morocco. I think it was the first time I ever experienced something physically spiritual.
- Pretty much all of Uzbekistan. The community, the Donut lady who I now call a close sister, sharing one room with my whole team, watching and trusting God to provide all of our needs, and witnessing our friend and her son accept Jesus.
Most Life-Transforming Moments:
- My parent’s coming out to Kyrgyzstan. God changed my relationship with my parents, the direction of our family, and reignited a flame in both of my parents’ hearts.
- Five days into my talking fast in Morocco. When Casey prayed for me and God opened my eyes to see the passion He’s placed in my heart and showed me why He loves me so much.
- Working at the Moria refugee camp in Greece. I found my rock bottom during week two and realized the power and strength you can find only in God.
Thank you again for each and every person who has been with me throughout this year. Please connect or message me and I would love to hear about how your year has been too. Your highlights might be different, but we’ve all grown and changed.
The 11-month, World Race journey may be over but the adventure continues! This is month 12 and I’m excited for what’s in store.
