The Final One

     First off, let me begin this post by apologizing. I know it’s been an incredibly long time since I last posted, and for that I am sorry. I’m not much of a blogger, but I know it’s only fair in letting you all who have supported me whether financially or
in prayers, to be a part of my world race. I’ve been putting off this final blog for some time, not quite knowing how I needed to go about telling of the last remaining months of the Race, or my life since being home. 

    Last time we left off, I was writing and telling the amazing story of month 7 in Zimbabwe. That was about 8 months ago, meaning, I have been home from the World Race for 4 months! Wow! While you all take a moment to let that sink in, here are the countries
that my squad travelled to after we finished our time in Africa:

Bulgaria

Romania

Moldova/Transnistria

Ukraine

    It has always been a desire of mine to travel to Europe. So, finally stepping off the plane into our first European country was a small little dream come true. Ministry was very diverse in our 4 European countries, consisting of: 

    -Shelving books in a seminary’s library as well as helping with a youth camp in Bulgaria. 

    -Living and serving in a gypsy neighborhood in Romania. 

    -Living in a small region in between Moldova and Ukraine, known as Transnistria, and doing construction as well as yard work for an unfinished orphanage. 

    -Speaking to college students in their English club while in Ukraine. 

    Lastly, we finished out The World Race by having our final debrief in Budapest, Hungary for a few days. And then, we boarded a plane to come home. 

    Home. 

    I never thought that day would come. As much as I was appreciative of the amazing journey of the World Race, living in the moment knowing I would never quite experience something like this again, I was ready to be home. I was ready to see my family, and
those who had been on a team with me knew how much I missed my nieces and nephews. And then, there I was. Starting the long travel back home, and as we touched down on American soil once again, my squad belting the National Anthem, there was the overwhelming
sense of a bittersweet joy. We were home, but The World Race was over. 

   So how am I fairing since being home? Pretty well I would say! Re-entry wasn’t as overwhelming as I had been told it could be. I jumped off the plane the day before Thanksgiving, and indulged the next day in my favorite Thanksgiving dishes. It was amazing.
I even braved Target on Black Friday. 

   *Confession*: I went to Target 3 different times on Black Friday! I missed that store, okay!? 

    And since then, life has drifted back to what the "norm" was before the Race. If the World Race taught me anything, it was to be appreciative of what I have. How blessed of a life I live. It’s so easy to take the little things for granted: warm water, toilets,
a floor that’s not dirt, etc. Sitting here, in a house with AC, I can remember the times in Cambodia, sitting in the overwhelming heat with dirt caked on us, but being ok with it because it had become our normal. Normal at home, and normal on the World Race
are completely different. So, I’ve found it important to periodically remind myself of how I lived during that year, and how the "World Race normal" is the only normal that some people live day to day. So, I try to remember and pray for those people I met
along the way.  The World Race is over, but this is an experience that I will never forget. 

    So, I guess the burning question in everyone’s mind is…what was my favorite country!? Well, before answering that, here is a reminder of all the countries we lived in: The Philippines, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Bulgaria, Romania,
Moldova/Transnistria, and Ukraine. 

    So which was it? Well, if you read my last blog, you won’t be surprised to hear that it was Zimbabwe. The moment we pulled into Eden Children’s Village, it held my heart, and was easily one of my most memorable and loved months. 

    So what’s next? Did the World Race change me at all? Well, yes and no. As to what’s next? I have no idea. I entered into the World Race as the most insecure version of myself, with a dislike of the uneasiness of the unknown. I left changed, in the sense
that I have an easier time trusting God with the unknown, with much more confidence in myself. Although the World Race didn’t change me in the sense of wanting to do long term missions overseas, I hold a much greater appreciation and respect for those who
have been called to live that life. 

    So, this is it, the last blog surrounding my World Race life. I know these blogs are vague, so if you ever want to know more, I would love to tell you. All you have to do is ask. I have a whole phone, FULL of pictures from the Race that I would love to
share!   🙂

    Thank you all for the prayers and support, and for hanging on along side me for those crazy 11 months!