I’ve been home for 10 days. Here is what I’ve observed.
I might bounce around a lot, but hang tight! (There are photos at the end…)
Not much has changed in the grand scheme of Lower Alabama, but a detail-oriented person like me can’t help but notice the little things…
Construction zones have turned into entire shopping centers. That one store has gone out of business, and a new juice shop has appeared in its place. Most of my siblings are taller. And there’s a 6-month-old baby boy to whom I get to whisper, “I’m your favorite aunt…” when his mom is not looking.
A lot has changed in 10 months.
I don’t want to ignore the loss of my grandmother.
Her passing affected the largest portion of my race. She was my rock. And now she’s gone.
I haven’t yet told you the story of how the Lord brought me to the decision to come home (or maybe I have – just not in this space). It involved a lot of prayer, a lot of obedience and tearing down of idols, such as people’s opinions and self-image, and a LOT of confirmation.
As someone who HATES to quit, it was a big decision, not one to be taken lightly, but God is SO faithful.
Anyways, one of the reasons I think the Lord led me to this decision is because I processed so well on the race, until I couldn’t process anymore. I needed to be home – to see the emptiness I knew must be where Meme once was.
I had walked through a lot of spiritual freedom before the Race (from depression and much more) but this was an all new beast. I couldn’t handle it on my own. Emotional Freedom isn’t something you can guide yourself through. I connected with a counselor who walked me through some healthy coping mechanisms while I was abroad so I could be fully present while processing this major loss. It was difficult. I learned so much about emotional freedom and techniques for processing. I won! It was amazing.
But now I am home.
Mother’s Day has come and gone. My Meme’s birthday is coming up. My 17-year-old sister is graduating in a few days. And I cannot help but just stop. And breathe.
God is so good.
One thing I learned while abroad is that God will teach you what you want to learn, so be careful what you ask him to bestow. He WILL “Karate Kid” you. You will “wax on” and “wax off”, doing the most mundane tasks until you are fully competent in whatever it is that you asked him to train you.
I remember asking my Coach AJ in month 4 to pray for me. “What do you want?” “Faith” He promptly warned, “Praying for Faith is like praying for patience…” He was right. Faith is not for the faint of heart.
Faith comes when you’re in the hardest places (figuratively AND literally) and you realize His presence transcends situation and location.
Faith happens when you choose to praise Him despite your circumstances, and then you feel peace (not the other way around).
Faith manifests when He asks you to leave, but you’re just now thriving in your new situation.
As the Hannah Interwoven Bible states: “You must Trust in the Lord with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, and he will direct your paths, to give you the desires of your renewed heart &/or mind.” (Proverbs 3:5, Romans 12:2, & Mark 12:30)
I hope this blog space has been an encouragement to you who have followed along and supported my journey. I know it’s been hard, and different than – what feels like – the average race (if there is such a thing…) I am happy to have had the opportunity to grow beyond my Southern Roots and see the world with Fresh Perspective. if I had to put it down into one word, it would be “Invaluable”.
If anyone wants to contact me to discuss a particular story or topic of my journey, or what’s next for me, please comment on my blog or send me an email through the “Contact” form on the top left of this website.
I am still fundraising, but oh-so close! THANK YOU to all who have supported me through donations or t-shirts or raffles. Without you, I could not have gone on this journey… I could not have met so many amazing people or experienced so many amazing cultures. I am forever grateful for your obedience to that “lil tug”.
“Chifae”
“Curiosity”
Overlooking Our New City
M Squad = Squad Goals
<3<3<3
Love Y’all!
