This is my last blog so I wanted to give a brief overview of each incredible month of this year. I’ve loved every single month for so many different reasons!
Month 1 – South Africa
Fresh off the plane and ready for everything the race offered (even though I had no idea what that meant), I entered South Africa with with a huge amount of excitement. I learnt quickly that the race is everything you make it! God promptly began stripping me of things that I was holding on to and gave me the courage to speak out about areas of my life I vowed never to share. It was a month of letting go of things in order to allow God to have greater room to move. I experienced a huge amount of freedom and I knew it was just the beginning of greater things to come.
I was blessed to spend time with Robbie, Michelle and Demi and loved how they automatically felt like family. They loved us and cared for us and even made my birthday super special! I’m super thankful for the time we were able to spend with them.
Month 2 – Swaziland
As we headed up the mountain to El Shaddhai, I looked out at the rolling green hills and I knew it was going to be a special month. The secluded mountaintop provided such an amazing space to be filled with wonder and surrounded by God’s beauty.
I loved spending so much time sitting on huge rocks and reading God’s word. I worshipped, read through the gospels, talked to God and I loved seeing those quiet times with Him change my heart. He grew me a lot and spoke to me in new ways.
Being with the kids and running around barefoot was a pure delight. I loved having a buddy to do homework with and get to know. Nozipho is such a special young woman and she blew me away by her maturity and wisdom. It was also a special time to get to know the squad as we were all together for the first time.
Month 3 – India
I was a little anxious going into India. I was excited for the country but I had no idea what to expect of the ministry. I never would have imagined to fall in love with the rich Indian culture as much as I did or to meet a little girl that would capture my heart. I loved every sweet moment with Michelle (named changed for protection). Looking after her all month was so special. It was incredible to see her progress while I was with her and to continue to see growth since March. Leaving her was extremely hard and I’ve missed her ever since but I know she is loved and cared for so well at SCH.
The Lord used the month in India to show me more and more the passions He’d put inside of me and how when I pursue them, I come alive.
Month 4 – Nepal
Throughout the month, we hiked to villages and shared the gospel. I found it uncomfortable at times as I didn’t know what to say and I feared I was going to mess it up. As I continued to lean in, Holy Spirit intervened and gave me the words to speak. I learned how to be unashamed of the gospel and to have an urgency to share.
Learning to trust the Lord was the biggest lesson I learned throughout the month. I pored over the Psalms and let David’s prayers inspire my own. I found out more of what it meant to see God as a refuge and a safe place and for it to become a reality.
Month 5 – Thailand
My first month team leading was not easy. I struggled with wanting so desperately to do a great job that I got caught up trying to please my team instead of being obedient to God. It was a month of being brought back to the foundations and learning what it truly means to find my identity in the Lord.
I loved working at Lighthouse in Action and serving in Zion Cafe. It was so great to come alongside the women that worked there and be inspired by Emmi’s amazing work.
Month 6 – Cambodia
I already loved the country so it was exciting to go back! The Lord taught me about redemption and how to trust in His goodness. To not think that anything is out of His care or control. I was able to see firsthand how He loves to restore and make all things new.
The children were such an incredible blessing! Little Galsy May will forever be a highlight of my time in Cambodia because of her joy and sweet spirit. I loved riding the bike with her holding on to the back. She didn’t mind where we’d go, she just enjoyed the ride.
It was also so fun to have Molly and Lauren with our team for the month as part of an Exposure Trip. It was such a blessing to have them come and pour into our team and I am thankful for the friendship I have with them both.
Month 7 – Vietnam
Unsung Heroes month was more difficult than I expected. The team had so many different ideas, thoughts and opinions and I felt like there was a lot of chaos. I learned throughout this month how to find peace and rest amidst these situations. It was by far my hardest month as I found myself wanting to go home but knowing it would be worth it to push through as I knew the Lord wanted me to stay.
There was a very special week when my parents came to visit and I was able to share my World Race life with them in the flesh. I was grateful for the way they loved on me and the team and how the week strengthened my relationship with them.
Month 8 – Northern Ireland
Causeway Coast Vineyard Church is such an incredible place and I loved being apart of their church for the entire month. They welcomed us so warmly and poured into us which was an amazing blessing. They equipped and trained us and called us to walk in our identity with authority. It was so great to see Jesus’ love being spread in that community and see the revival that is unfolding.
I made so many good friends throughout the month that made leaving super hard. Hutch had a huge impact on my life and him, his wife Debbie and their daughter Kelita welcomed all of us into their family and made us feel so at home. Donna and her daughter Rebekah blessed me so much and I loved being with them. Hanging out with Naomi and Danielle was so much fun and I am grateful for all of these special friendships!
Month 9 – Romania
Following month 8 debrief, I suddenly realised how close to the end of the race it was getting, and so I spent the month asking the Lord to reveal more and more of Himself. I desired a closeness and intimacy that I had yet to experience. He answered and drew me much closer to Himself.
I loved every moment with Ana and was blessed by my time with her. I was encouraged to see that my confidence in sharing the gospel had grown since month 4 due to what the Lord had done in my heart and life.
Month 10 – Moldova
I knew nothing of this little country hidden in a tiny corner of Eastern Europe but I certainly learned to love it a lot! I loved the close knit community we got to be apart of and how as a team we bonded. I loved seeing the Lord strengthen me as I sought Him out and focussed on spending time with Him.
I loved Padre Dan and Alex and how both of them cared for our team and how they individually have such a big place in my heart!
Month 11 – Montenegro
It was an unexpected surprise to end the race in Montenegro but I thoroughly enjoyed it. I didn’t want to waste the final month with countdowns or on letting it slip by too quickly but I honestly couldn’t believe how fast the end came!
I loved having such a flexible schedule with the mission to evangelise as we were walking through the streets, picking up groceries at the supermarket or shopping at the mall. It made me think about home and caused me to question how I’ll live once I finish the race. Through Pastor Jovica’s daily Bible studies, I was challenged to think more about my purpose and how to walk in what God has called me to.
And now here I am. Just a few weeks away from returning home. It’s humbling to reflect on all the things the Lord has done this year and the wild and crazy adventure that it’s been. He’s done a lot in my life but I’m not coming home ‘fixed’. I’m still messy and I sin. I fail and I make mistakes.
But if there’s one thing I’ve learned this year, it’s that even despite all my messy failings, I am still His daughter. Nothing can change that. I am loved and I am forgiven. I am enough. It’s because of His great love and mercy that I am saved by His grace and can have a relationship with Him.
I am thankful to every person that has been a part of my journey this year and now I look forward to all that God is going to do in and through me next!
