Some People Won the Race…
I am not one of those people.
Instead I tripped and fell daily, banged my head in a car accident, slipped constantly on wet streets, got lice and froze my way to the finish line.
I did not go to the highest number of countries, take the most inspiring pictures, or visit all the cool historical sites. I missed taking part in national holidays and festivals and local fútbol games. Nor did I spend my race doing things I am particularly talented in, but I am grateful for these opportunities nonetheless.
Instead this year was a year of frustrations. However, this doesn’t take away from all the moments the father gave to me. I did not die in India and in-turn got to live.
Here are some snapshots of my year:
I bore my soul giving countless sermons across Asia, became a human jungle gym and gate guard in Lesvos, struggled teaching English in Nepal, became a camp counselor in Kyrgyzstan, became a professional sander in Thailand, a school teacher in Indonesia, and a prayer warrior in Morocco.
I held the hand of the dying in India, embraced and walked with orphans, hiked through breathtaking mountains in China, trekked deep into earthquake ridden villages, basked in the beauty of God’s creation in Kazakhstan, drifted off to sleep to the sound of waterfalls, shared in yak cheese, milk balls, and buffalo tea and butter. Crossed the Caspian Sea. Spent countless sleepless hours on trains laughing with my team. Rescued dogs and cats along the way. Welcomed those fleeing war and civil unrest, shared with the homeless. Ate with street children and prayed endless prayers.
By no means did I win the race compared to my squad mates or finish with my life figured out. I did not find a husband or fall in love with a country.
Instead I fell in love with people; their stories, places I’ve never been to and people groups I never thought I’d meet.
This is what I hold true:
God is good, it is possible, it could always be worse. There is a plan, you can, honor and respect all.
I end my journey with a full heart and a bigger family.
