Picture this: a team of 7 people. We’re weak. We’re broken. We feel unprepared. Tomorrow we start the race towards Palenque in southern Mexico from the AIM base here in Matamoros. We have absolutely no plan. We haven’t even really talked about it as a team yet. In our team meetings we’ve spent most of our time praying over one another, encouraging and uplifting each one on our team. There have been tears already. We’re just starting to come out of our shells, to move in a place of discomfort and take baby steps of faith. Are we willing to be vulnerable with each other in this? Can I trust you? Will you be there for me? This is a struggle and we’re quickly realizing how much we’ll need each other.
I’ve heard rumors and little muffled conversations about other team’s plans of transport for tomorrow that are soon hushed if eavesdroppers are suspected. I wonder if we’re ridiculously crazy for not even really thinking through this race logistically. I wonder, “God, can I really trust you in
this? Will you leave us on the side of the road or will you help us make it to Palenque?” I question why I would even put myself in this situation.
Confession: I’m a bit of a planner. There’s a thing called ‘ducks in a row’ and I’m more apt to feel comfortable in this situation than with a whole shwack of ducks flapping around with no direction. (p.s. ‘shwack’ is my new favorite Canadian word from my teammate Shawna…not exactly sure how this word was formulated, but I think it fits what I’m trying to say here.) Basically, I’m not wired to completely fly by the seat of my pants all the time. Now, there’s no doubt that I love adventure, I just love a good plan too. I guess I’m not used to trekking around the world with no itinerary. I mean…who does that?!
The picture in my head right now of tomorrow morning is utter chaos. People frantically trying to repack their packs and group up as the AIM staff shouts “Ready, get set, GO!!” I’m afraid they’ll not give us anything—no maps, no directions, no tips. I picture us sitting in the parking lot with all our gear staring at each other looking for someone with a good idea of how we’re supposed to get to our destination. I’m afraid of seeing teams that are super well planned shoot off ahead of us and leave us in the dirt.
I’m trying to change my mindset. I’m trying to be ok with not knowing the details. I’m trying to be alright with no plan. I’m trying to learn to listen. I wonder what this looks like on our team. I wonder how we’ll cope. I wonder how we’ll communicate and if we’ll even get along by the time we reach Palenque. Or will this trip surprise us all? Will God use it to show us His amazing love and provision? Will this just be the start of what God is going to do in our team? Is this just the first-fruits? If we are faithful in the little things (the race plans, the logistics), will He be faithful in the big things (preaching, sharing, praying, healing)?? This is my most fervent prayer these days. I want Him to use us and show us what it means to truly listen and obey.
Please join me in prayer for our team. We’ll need to be hearing clearly from the Lord tomorrow and for the rest of these 11 months. I can’t wait to see how this all works out! Lift us up and cheer us on!! There’s seven of us: Scott and Linnea Molgard, Tim Wiessman, Tana Turner, Shawna Spratt, Stephanie Fisk, and me! Be sure to check out their blogs as well for more stories about what we’re up to. It’s always good to get other perspectives, eh? Love you all! Smooches.
