Today marks 23 years of being alive. As I reflect on the 23 years that the Lord has blessed me with, I have a lot to be grateful for. More than I’ll ever be able to put into words.
Here are 23 things I am thankful for ??
1. The 1 big family that my squad has become over the time of our journey together
My squad and I have been through a lot over the past 9 months of the world race. We’ve had our ups and downs. We’ve laughed and cried and these times have drawn us closer together.
2. The 2 people the Lord chose to raise me and be my parents
I wouldn’t be who I am today without my mom and dad. They opened their home, arms, and hearts to me and loved me unconditionally. Changed my life and saved me.
3. The 3 days I fasted in Swaziland
In Swaziland, I did children’s ministry. The majority of the children I interacted with were orphans. The children received one meal a day, that’s it. The one meal consists of 2 scoops of rice and 1 scoop of beans. So for 3 days, I ate what they ate. This experience was very humbling and gave me a different perspective that I wasn’t expecting.
4. The 4 years of college
I am grateful for the education I received. Definitely a blessing.
5. The 5 months I did not have wifi on the world race
The months where I didn’t have easy access to wifi were probably the months where I grew the most. Grew closer to the Lord and had a better understanding of who I was without having a lot of distractions.
6. The 6 days I got to see my parents in Thailand
Even though it was a short time, I had a wonderful time with my parents and my heart was so full. I got to learn from my parents as they learned from me, fill them in on life, and do ministry alongside them.
7. The 7 years I worked at Chick-fil-A
It has been such a pleasure working for Chick-fil-A. I have loved it so much and I am so grateful for the time I have learned and grown from this job.
8. The 8 months of being the Beauty for Ashes Coordinator for my squad
For the first 8 months of my world race, I was the woman’s ministry (Beauty for Ashes) coordinator for my squad. In the beginning of month 9, I stepped down from this position to step into a new leadership role. I have learned and grown so much from the amazing opportunity to lead this ministry.
9. The 9 weeks left of the world race
I am grateful for the 9 weeks left of my world race. The Lord is going to do incredible things in those 9 weeks and I am so excited for what He has in store.
10. The 10 siblings I have
Grateful for each and every one of you. Always praying that you are chasing after His heart and that the Lord is the center of your life.
11. The 11 countries God called me to
I am grateful for the wonderful opportunity to go to the countries I’ve been able to go to on my race. Each country has touched my heart and will have a lasting impact.
12. Couldn’t find anything for 12
I am grateful for the blessings in disguise through the animals I have encountered on my race. The Lord knows I have a heart for animals, He loves me well.
13. The 13 wonderful months with my boyfriend, Collin
Long distance is hard but so worth it. During this time of being apart, our love has grown stronger. We’re better together than apart.
14. The 14 teammates I’ve gotten to learn & grow from
On the world race, you are put into teams. And then throughout the race, the teams are switched. So during my time on the race, I have had 14 different teammates who I’ve gotten to love and be loved by. Learn and grow from. Laugh and cry with.
15. Couldn’t find anything for 15
I am grateful for each time that I’ve cried on the world race. Times of struggles or times of growth. I’ve learned that crying isn’t a bad thing. “Don’t discount the wonder of tears. They can be healing waters and a stream of joy. Sometimes they are the best words the heart can speak.”
16. Couldn’t find anything for 16
I am grateful for the moments that changed my life. From being loved so well to my heart almost breaking. One moment was during my time in Swaziland. I shared with a child about being adopted and brought to the States. She was about 10 or 12 so she understood what I was saying. Her response after I shared my story with her was: I wish I was adopted so I could go to the States.”
17. The 17 times I’ve gotten to share my testimony
Before the race, I hated sharing my testimony. I was quite shy about it. Now, I love sharing my testimony because I get to show the Lord’s goodness. Everyone has had difficult times in their life. And some people try to hide it because they’re ashamed or embarrassed. I’ve learned that through our brokenness, is where we are able to reach others. They are able to relate to our brokenness which makes us more “approachable”. Talking about my struggles in the past and connecting with others because of it is a beautiful thing. Never be ashamed or embarrassed of your testimony because you never know who you’d be able to reach because of it.
18. The $18 I spent on getting ready for a Cambodian wedding
This was a once in a lifetime experience. I had such a great time and enjoyed experiencing a new culture. Made lots of friends, ate lots of food, and made great memories.
19. The 19 blogs I’ve posted since being on the field
I wish I’ve posted more but I procrastinate a lot, my apologies. But I am grateful for the opportunity to share my life, experiences, and what the Lord has been teaching me on my world race.
20. Couldn’t find anything for 20
I’ve learned that times I dreaded leaving a place, meant it went well. Goodbyes are always hard. And leaving a place you’ve called home is hard. And leaving people who have made an impact on your life is hard. But it also meant you did it right. Because if it was easy for you to leave after putting so much time and effort into it, then you’re doing something wrong.
21. Couldn’t find anything for 21
I dropped my phone in the toilet in month 2 in Costa Rica. I set my phone in rice hoping it would work. I went without my phone for about 4 days. In the meantime, I learned a lot. I learned that I ran to my phone instead of the Lord. If I was bored, I would get on social media to entertain myself. If I was lonely, I would watch Netflix. If I was sad, I would listen to music. I was doing all these things instead of running to the Lord.
22. Couldn’t find anything for 22
I am grateful for ALL OF YOU, ALL MY SUPPORTERS. Thank you so much for reading my blogs and keeping up with my journey. Means so much knowing that you’re cheering me on. Also, thank you very much for all the prayers, much appreciated.
23. The 23 kids I got to witness get baptized
I volunteered at a church in Cambodia and one night I got to watch 23 children make the best decision of their lives. I was so overwhelmed, and my heart was so overjoyed. I was full of tears. An incredible experience.
That’s all for now. Until next time(:
Yours in Christ,
Karrie
