This time last year I was preparing to leave everything I had known for 11 months. I was hesitant but expectant of the who, what, when, where, and why’s. He has taught and shown me that I can’t put into one word what this season has meant to me. So here is just a tiny snippet in a lot of words of what this year has introduced me to!
My World Race experience has taught me so much about myself and my relationship with the Father. At the beginning the Race I bought a Key for the Journey. Someone prays prophetic words over the keys and engraves them. I remember opening it as I sat with my parents and Zachary in their hotel room. My word was simple, BE. During month 1 the Lord revealed to me the word BE still. When the month came to an end He revealed to me this was going to be a trend. Each month He has built from the beginning to BE still, open, transformed, childlike, bold, moldable, fearful, uncomfortable, joyful, interruptible, & unfamiliar.
God used the first and the last to impact my life deeply and challenge my perspectives. I’m forever grateful for every person I encountered on the Race (Even those who were unpleasant). The past 10 months have been spent doing kids ministry, street evangelism, teaching English, sharing/teaching at churches, village ministry, youth camps, ATL (Ask the Lord), and intentionally putting head and heart knowledge into action.
Looking back on month 1 I don’t even recognize that girl. Walking into month 11 I recognize the growth. Beyond month 12 she WILL continue to grow deep in intimacy and knowledge with the Father. Transitioning back into the US will not be easy. I’m nervous but am going to walk in peace moving forward. Battles will be lost but peace in relationships will remain.
Over the past 10 months I have been introduced to new countries, new cultures, new hospitality, and new traditions. I leaned into what it look like to slow down in life and live in simplicity. Since Launch I have learned to plant down and bloom where God HAS me in the present. Going into month 11 the Lord is challenging me to grow up by asking “so what?”. The Father is asking me to sift, prune, and grow in obedience of Leaning in. Planting down. and Growing up.
