Thought I would do something fun and ask my Instagram followers to ask me some questions about the Race! I picked 10 questions that were asked that I thought I could give the best answer!
1.) What was your biggest struggle during your first month?
My first month was awesome. It is really hard to remember any struggles that I went through because there really wasn’t much! I guess my biggest struggle was balancing alone time with God and spending time and adventuring with all my new amazing friends. It sounds bad, but I really do enjoy being around others so I definitely found myself choosing friends over God a couple of times, and that is something that I am still working on.
2.) Most awkward moment so far on the Race?
This is such a hard question to answer haha. I would have to go with leading worship the first couple times when I was still learning how to play guitar. I would mess up so much to the point where we would have to stop and try again. Not only was this super awkward, it was very embarrassing as well haha.
3.) What has been your favorite experience so far?
I have two answers to this question. When I was a camp counselor a few weeks ago, my kids and I had a couple of objectives we needed to complete for a game we were playing as a whole camp. Our job was to go out into Jeffery’s Bay and share our testimony with five different people. As the leader I wasn’t supposed to be a part of the challenge but all of the kids were too shy to go at first. I was nervous as well but I told them I’d do it if they promise to do it after me. So I did. Immediately after one after another they knocked out the challenge in about 10 minutes. I just thought it was so cool how my example was enough to encourage them. Something Ive never really experienced before! And then secondly, learning how to surf at the surfing capitol of the world was definitely AMAZING, but also very humbling haha.
4.) Have you gotten a parasite yet?
I believe I have actually. A few weeks back, for two nights in a row, I woke up exactly at 3 am and threw up everything in my stomach and then immediately felt fine right after. It was the weirdest thing ever, but nothing too serious!
5.) Has anything about this trip surprised you so far?
There have been so many things that have already surprised me on this journey. All the way from my impact on others, learning to play guitar so fast, God’s creation of Africa, and just the people here and their love for God. If I had to pick one thing though… I think it would be my newfound genuine desire to know more about Jesus. It never really wanted to know more about him most of my life.
6.) What has been your favorite memory so far?
My favorite memory so far would definitely have to be the other day getting to one on South African radio. My friends and I were literally just joking around when we saw the radio station building but we decided to try to get on. They originally said they were booked for the next week. They offered us coffee so we sat down in one of their offices next to the studio. We asked the radio host if we could play him a song we wrote, and ten seconds into the song he immediately shoots up from his chair and said “interview in five minutes” to his assistant. We got to share our mission on the radio along with the song we wrote!
7.) Are you homesick?
Not at all. I have always been someone who loves to travel and see new things, so this is so cool for me and just makes me so much more excited for what is to come on this journey! But, I really miss my family and friends back home. This time away has really showed me how much I really love you guys and how much y’all mean to me.
8.) What is the best part about the race that I didn’t expect?
I think my favorite part about the race that I didn’t expect is the community. Not only the people on my squad but on the other five squads as well. I stay connected weekly with the friends Ive made. I love learning about their journey, trying to help them with things they struggle with, and praying for them as well! It’s so cool to think once Im done with the race, Ill have friends all over the country! Love y’all.
9.) How are you?
I am doing great. Struggling at times but nothing to get worked up about. Everything is beautiful, everyone is beautiful, and God is working in my life. I found myself complaining a lot about little things and that was the only thing keeping me negative. I am truly full of joy and amazed at God’s creation and work in my community.
10.) What is the biggest way the Lord has impacted your life over the course of month one?
The Lord has already shown me so much over the first month on the field. I’d say the biggest thing for me as been the ability to appreciate small things. Whether it be cold water, a piece of toast, a soft mattress, or getting to spend time with someone. He has really shown me that I can be positive person all the time. It really has made me love my life even more!
I hope I answered y’alls questions! If you guys want to ask me questions ever please feel free! I have so much to share all the time! You can email me at [email protected] or DM me on Instagram at @Jackcoyle7772
Some of you may not know that I am not yet fully funded for my journey. I still need $3170. I just ask from you guys that if you feel led to help fund me on my journey that would be so incredibly helpful and a huge weight off my back while on the field! I ask that you pray about it as well before making the decision! No amount is too little!
God bless you all!
