In exactly three more weeks, I will be back home in Pennsylvania. Two weeks of ministry, one week of debrief, and then I will be back at home.
It is a really weird feeling.
I have dreamed of going on the World Race since 2011. Now it is wrapping up and it doesn’t feel real. Although there are still plenty of places left on my bucket list, I feel this strange absence of the “big dream” that I have carried in my heart for so long.
One of the hardest things is that I didn’t necessarily get all the answers that I’d hoped for on this trip, the biggest being: “What is my calling?” I had really hoped that God would clearly direct me to a particular country or ministry and say, “this is it.” Well, I definitely liked each country. If I were to go back and live in any one of them, I would build a life there and be okay. But I don’t feel like God is saying, “This. Here. Now.”
However, I do have news. I will be going back to South Korea in April to teach English again. I do feel a lot of peace and excitement about that. Throughout this year, God has made it clear that I can love people anywhere, and be adaptable to whatever circumstances I am in. As many of you know, I love Korea and the people there. When I go back, my heart is to continue with this World Race lifestyle of “Life is Ministry, Ministry is Life.” I want to take every opportunity to share the love of God with people, and to make my home and my life a place of hospitality and warmth. So, I say with all sincerity, please come and visit me in Korea. Meanwhile, I am keeping my heart and my ears open to whatever God may call me to next. I still want to do something related to social justice somehow and I haven’t ruled out the possibility of eventually going back out as an alumni World Race leader (just not any time soon, unless, you know, God says so).
The Race has been different from what I expected, but I can honestly say I have loved it and I am so, so grateful and indebted to everyone who supported me financially, emotionally, and in prayer. I can’t wait to share my stories with all of you when I get home.
We are in Morocco now working with a fellowship here and it has been wonderful. We have been able to become a part of a community that has welcomed us in with so much warmth that it inspires me to do the same for others when I have the chance. Also, Moroccan food is delicious and the weather here in Marrakesh is great. It’s going to be an adjustment heading back to a Pennsylvanian winter!
I love you guys, and this will not be my last blog, even though it kind of sounds like it; I am just feeling very nostalgic right now. People are feeling ready to go home, but I am sure going to miss my World Race sisters and brothers, even Heidi and Anna (Hi Mrs. Fasl ;)). I’m already feeling the bittersweet reality that goodbyes are coming soon.
Please pray for our team as we live out our final weeks here! Let me know if you have any prayer requests too!
