A pit stop in a NASCAR race is quick, efficient, provides a smooth transition for a change in the race. This is what the month here in Malawi has felt like to me. We have done everything from changing teams, to reflecting at debrief, and serving alongside the ministries here in Malawi. We have also fine tuned the course of our race, just like a wedge adjustment in NASCAR. Here is a more in depth look into what December has looked like from my perspective.
The first 6 days of the month were spent finishing up ministry in Honduras. On the 6th we started our extensive travel to Malawi, a full three days later we finally stepped foot here. We had 2 bus rides, 4 different planes taken, and many hours of sleep on the planes. Once we landed we went straight into our second squad debrief. Similar to the first part of a race, these first couple of days were crucial to the rest of the month. We were able to rest and identify within ourselves what we need to do to have the rest of the race be beneficial. Just like the first pit stop in a race where tires get changed for fresh ones, we also got a new change in our team setups. I have four new teammates: Jessie B., Lakota, Dylan, and Rachel O. I also have one former teammate still on my team, Anthony. This team change has been smooth and we are rolling into ministry unchanged from when we started our race. At the end of the debrief (pit stop) we traveled to our ministry sites throughout Malawi. This is where we hit some small bumps in the road.
The middle part of the race in NASCAR usually has some cautions flags that come out due to small wreaks. These usually aren’t major and allow for small changes to be made as well. This is what happened with our team as we got into the flow of ministry time. We were expecting to be spending significant time in ministry but because of some miscommunication we only had ministry for three hours a day at most. In reference to the caution flag, we had to reset our mindset and make the most of all the free time we had this month. We were able to and have used the time to grow closer together as a team through card games, movie nights, and cooking together. Similar to a NASCAR race where the spotter calls out to a driver directions to stay clear of accidents and offers general guidance, we also had this type of direction offered to us. We had Katie the alumni squad leader and two of the new squad leaders, Mara and Jessie L., join our race to provide the guidance needed to run the best race possible. They provided insight for our team during the short time they stayed with us. At this point right now we are heading into the final stretch and can see the end in sight.
There are only two days left this month in ministry before we come back together as a squad to celebrate the completion of the fifth month on the race. The mini debrief is where we will celebrate not only the fifth month, but also the end of year as we will welcome in the year 2019 as well. There is also one more thing that we get to celebrate together and that is the end of the race for our alumni squad leaders Katie and Rachael who have been with us the first five months. They have taught us so much about ourselves and have been our crew chiefs since the start. Just like winning a race in NASCAR, teams are encouraged by the victory to run well in the races ahead. This is my hope for the next couple months as well; to run the race well. This reminds me of the verse from 1 Timothy 6:12 “Fight the good fight of the faith, lay hold on the life eternal.”
