The race is done. I’m home. Everything is unpacked and I’m here sitting listening to my beloved record player questioning if I even did the race? Someone pinch me because I must have dreamt it all. Actually let me tell you about this dream I had…
I went to a place called Albania and lived with 5 God fearing women; we drank cheap coffee, had team time every single night, practiced our reaction faces, ate at least 2 tubs of ice cream 4 times a week, but most importantly listened to how God was working through each of us through this hard country.
Then suddenly I was on a 30+ hour bus ride to Tacloban, Philippines with three other teams. And let me tell you I will never complain about a “long” car ride again. It was super hot and humid but luckily we were right by the ocean. All I can really remember was walking on the beach with this tall dude who looked like Lincoln having deep conversations about the bible, being surrounded by amazing kids, going on feedings, having an amazing host family, my parents showed up at one point but realising that God literally never leaves you. Like never.
But then I walked into a Pinterest inspired house with a brand new team and when I asked Abigail where I was she told me Johannesburg, South Africa! Then 14 other americans walked in and said we were no longer world racers… but first year interns like them. We went to classes and had homework (scary right) But what I remember the most was how much God worked in my life, in the communities, and everywhere we went. I learned how to actually share the gospel and how important it is to start your mornings with Jesus and to seek his presence.
Then I woke up and realzied that was 9 months of my life. That was only 6 days ago!
The thing is though, the race isn’t over. Hebrews 12:1 says, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.”
Philippians 3:13-14,”Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”
God has a calling for all of our lives.
- Mathew 28:19, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son and of the Holy spirit.”
- Mark 16:15: “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.”
- Then Mark 16:19-20 carries on and says, ” After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven and he sat at the right hand of God. Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it.”
We are his disciples. We are his children. His love for us is everlasting. It says in Jeremiah 29:11-13, ” For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, ” plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I WILL LISTEN TO YOU. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”
Truth be told I had no idea what a mission trip was before the World Race. But It changed my life. But maybe you don’t have time or the money to go on a out of the country mission trip. Have you ever considered that America is a nation too? That America needs christ just as badly as Africa does? Now I’m not saying you have to go to a busy corner and shout out ” YA’LL NEED JESUS” please don’t do that. Do what Christ did. Love. Ask someone how there day is going, Get to know them little then ask if you can pray for them. Ashleigh you can’t just ask a stranger if you can pray for them!? Yes, Yes you can. But don’t do it just to brag to your other christian friend that you prayed for a stranger. Their soul matters. And just that small act to show them that they matter and that you care, could make the biggest difference in their life.
I don’t know what my next step is or what the big plan for my life is. Heck I don’t know what tomorrow holds. But our father does. Mathew 6:34, “So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
If you have any questions about my trip or you just want to see me or you’re just glad I finally wrote a blog let me know.
Welp. That’s it for now. see ya 🙂
