So my mom asked me a question that made me think. She asked me if the race was worth it. Was the race worth the loss of the comforts of home? The comforts of easy access? The job security? The fact I had air conditioning when the nights were hot and sweltering? Was the race worth it when I wasn't getting along with my teammates? When the ministry wasn't what I expected and my expectations weren't met? Was it worth it?
Honestly so many answers rush through my head to all of these questions because it wasn't easy, it honestly wasn't. There were days that I didn't want to continue the race because I missed home or the race was hard. There were times I didn't like my teammates, there were times I was angry with God that he allowed the world to have such broken people. There were times where I just wanted to give up. Future racers, the race isn't easy, it isn't for the weak hearted. It's a long hard process that will challenge you, grow you, frustrate you, and anger you. There are times where there's so much understanding, joy, peace, love and more.
As I write this last blog on the rooftop of Montenegro, knowing my time on this race is coming to a close, three days from now I'll be home, I'm having so many thoughts rush through my head. I'm saying goodbye to the people I've done life with for nine months. We've laughed, cried, smiled, danced, worshipped, and eaten together. Your squad becomes your family away from home. We have our personality clashes, our people we turn to, but ultimately we are a family. One big diverse family that has been through both good and bad times. We've grown together and matured together, the goodbyes that I'm going to have to say are going to be so hard. So future races to answer your question and my mom's question….
Yes, the race was worth every minute of my time. The race is for those seeking after God with a heart for ministry. This is a race that is designed to make you think, to make you feel, to make you grow, to make your relationship with God more intimate and powerful. Your squad becomes your family and you have an incredible community if believers that will pour into you and encourage you. You have an outstanding slew of mentors and squad leaders whose only goal is to love and grow you. I said yes to the race and would do so again because it was worth it and I'm so glad I did it. I'm so grateful I was given this opportunity and so grateful for all those who supported me through prayer and financial support. You will never understand how much it meant to me, because it meant the world. I'm grateful for having my parents so on board with their youngest going overseas and putting their trust in God that he'd keep me safe.
So thank you everyone, thank you for reading my blogs and I hope that even a slight bit that they gave you something. I love you all and I cannot to see you when I get home. God bless you in all you do!
