How are you feeling?
This is the question I’ve been asked more times than I can count in the past few months. I just moved to a new state, knew no one, had no job and was trying to prepare myself to leave the country for a year to go share the Gospel. So, I guess that was the obvious question to ask and covered how I was adjusting here and how I was doing with preparing for the race. To understand the answer, I want to briefly explain 2 things in my life. The first being the support I have received and the second being my job.
The support I have received in the past few months has been amazing. The people I have met here in Mississippi have been awesome. They made the adjustment process easy especially since i only knew my parents. Those who have spoken to me about the race have been great as well. Those who have offered words of encouragement, prayed with me, shared their testimonies and their stories have been one of my favorite parts of this process. This has led to some great relationships with people I had known and many I didn’t know before.
My first job when I got here to Mississippi was working at Starbucks. Not exactly what I had in mind when I thought of my first job after college, but I was happy to at least have some way to make money. After about a month though, I was dying to find some way back into golf. I saw a job posting at a club and applied. Long story short, after a couple interviews, I was hired as an Assistant Pro leading up to the race and when I get back.
*Side note: I have a lot of respect for those partners at Starbucks. You want to see some talent? Go watch those people make drinks with a line of 20 people who haven’t had their morning coffee yet. SERIOUSLY IMPRESSIVE! They were also super nice to me and very patient while I fumbled around learning to make (insert some ridiculous name for a drink).
So how am I feeling?
The two words I would use to describe how I am feeling are awestruck and grateful. I am not sure those two words can accurately convey how I feel but they stuck out to me.
“I will thank the Lord with all my heart; I will declare all your wonderful works.” Psalms 9:1
I’m awestruck at all the doors God has opened. When Reunion offered me a job leading up to and returning from the race, I was speechless. Every other place had given me the response “we’re looking for someone long-term.” and Reunion was willing to give me a chance. I’m awestruck that during part of my interview I was sitting there sharing my faith, the World Race and why I wanted to do it. Definitely not something they told me to do back in all those college career service mock interviews. I was awestruck that following the interview I had an email from one of the guys who interviewed me sharing his faith and support for what I was doing. I’m awestruck that through a guy in my dads’ office I found a mentor to meet with and just be real with, talk about life, where I’ve been, where I’m at, and where I strive to be. Through that It led to a Bible Study group and through that a Men’s group that uses a video app to go through scripture (Sorry guys not always the best at posting my videos by 7 on my day). God has opened doors I thought were impossible and I am left awestruck every time.
I am so grateful to have parents who let their 24-year-old move back in, who are supportive and great role models. I am grateful to work at a club that has a staff and membership that supports me. I am grateful for those who felt led to support me financially. The race was something I couldn’t do alone and in just over 6 months you have helped me get 80% funded and raise $16,000! I am grateful for all of those who have offered their encouragement, prayed with and for me, shared their story and been a part of this process. I hope these relationships continue to grow leading up to, while I am gone and once the race is over. I truly cannot put into words how much all of your support has meant to me.
Now as to how I am feeling about the trip itself, it’s a very wide range of emotions. If it’s even possible, I feel nervous, anxious, excited and calm all at once. It’s just now all starting to become very real. I just got the last of my vaccines, in 2 ½ weeks I’ll head to Georgia for Training Camp and in 11 weeks leave for Launch in Atlanta. I’m nervous about being prepared enough not only with what I bring physically with me but also spiritually. I’ve tried to prepare as much as possible for both but how do you actually know when you’re “prepared enough”? I’m anxious just waiting for those days to count down and actually go. For the longest time it felt like Training Camp and Launch would never get here. I’m excited for training camp, to finally meet my squad, go through training and continue to dive into the Word. I’m excited to go live out of a backpack, share the Gospel and share Christ’s love with the nations. Lastly, I feel calm because God’s got this. He’s a good Father and I am excited to see what He will continue to do in and through me over the next year.
Thanks for reading and please don’t hesitate to reach out with comments, questions, and prayer requests.
God Bless!
-Adam
