I’ve been home in the USA for about three weeks now, and it still feels surreal. During our final debrief in El Salvador, our mentor, Megan, talked to us about re-entry, reverse culture shock, and the importance of giving God space to finish whatever He started in us on the race, and to begin something new after we got back.
Megan mentioned that from her experience, at first the race felt like a dream. I didn’t realize how well this would resonate with me until now. I’ve caught myself wondering if this past year actually happened or not, and I sometimes think about everything: the travel days, getting sick in Thailand, the friendships, and the miracles. I know without a doubt that I couldn’t have done this alone.
I remember at the beginning of the race, my worst fear was that I wouldn’t be able to thrive. But God has not only blessed me with this amazing and life-changing opportunity, but He guided me each step of the way. I know He surrounded me with an army of people who supported me financially, prayerfully, and emotionally (most of you follow my blogs so this is a shout out to you). From the bottom of my heart, thank you for following me on this journey to the end.
Where did I go?
Mozambique, South Africa (for debrief), Swaziland, Madagascar, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Myanmar, India, Nepal, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and El Salvador.
Thirteen countries total, not including the ones we had layovers in. Twelve of the thirteen, we did ministry in.
What am I doing now?
I started working again, and right now I am giving God space to help me process the past eleven months (because it feels more like eleven years). I don’t know the next step in life, but I know that I am called to international missions (whether that’s for a season or a lifetime I’m not sure).
What I do know is that I write this blog with a full heart, and am truly so grateful for this past year. I would be sad posting this entry, except it won’t be my last. On the race, I found that blogging has been a beneficial way for me to process and invite others into what God is doing in my life.
How to continue following me?
If you are interested in continuing to follow my journey, I am starting a personal blog at https://aricarys.wordpress.com/
It’s brand new, but I’ll make a habit of posting in it. Who knows? Maybe God will do something crazy and unpredictable like tell me to live out of a backpack and travel as a missionary in twelve countries? Wait…already did that!
Whatever it is, I’m excited to find out and would love for anyone reading to join me as the journey continues…
