In February 2018, I made the final decision to apply for the World Race.
After I was accepted, I shared the news with my family. Their response was really sweet and uplifting. It has encouraged me through the ups and downs of fundraising, training camp, and preparing for launch; I know it will continue to encourage me through the 11 months I am gone.
I want to share with you some of what they said.
Em, I’m so excited for God’s leading in your life and all the ways you will grow while serving Him!
I have to say, I am trying not to start mourning your absence for that long already.
You know I will miss you, but hold you in my heart and thoughts and prayers always!!
You are such an encouragement to me, Emilie, with your boldness in following God’s leading. It both inspires and challenges me in my own walk with God, and I’m thankful that you’re my sister.
We will be praying for you, and I hope that God will continue to affirm this decision throughout the rest of the year!
Em, I’m excited to see what God’s doing in your life and what he will do in the future for you. I’m also sad that you will be gone for so long.
I am confident that He will protect and guide you wherever you go.
I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Emilie, I think it will be really good for you and for those you minister to — challenging but so fruitful.
Right now my heart’s having a hard time getting past how much I will miss you.
Praying for BLESSINGS as you being this journey. I want to be a part of it as much as I can.
I love you as big as the world, as deep as the sea, as bright as the sun, as blue as the sky, as high as the mountain top, as strong as the wind, as soft as the dew, as far as a star. (Stole that from one of Guen’s books, but really.)
As I read over these again, I am reminded that not everyone has a supportive family like mine. So, reader, I give you permission to adopt these affirming words if you need them for yourself.
I hope God will make his plans for your life known to you. I am excited to see where he takes you. He will protect and guide you wherever you go. Your journey will be challenging but so fruitful, and I can’t wait to see the ways you grow! Praying for blessings as you begin this adventure. You are so loved and will be so missed.
Recklessly love and be loved,
Em
