It’s here- I leave on The World Race THIS Tuesday!! I cannot believe my departure has finally arrived. It seems like just yesterday I was beginning to tell everyone what the Lord was leading me to do! I have been in Atlanta since Friday afternoon for some final training with my squad and will be here until Tuesday morning. I know I keep saying this, but please understand- I would not be here without YOU! Thank you THANK YOU to everyone who has supported me financially and prayerfully. God continues to use you for His glory and it has been so mind-blowing and humbling that I get to be a part of it! I cannot wait to update you on all the ways He is working these next 11 months 🙂
I will arrive in Spain on August 8 and will take a bus to Pamplona where our teams will begin walking the Camino de Santiago, a pilgrims trail, and we will end our 131 mile trek in Burgos. People travel from all over the world to hike the Camino de Santiago for many different reasons- some are looking for adventure, while others embark on this pilgrimage to hopefully find themselves or the answer to whatever it is they are seeking.
Camino de Santiago with my brother Buckner (June 2011)
I walked 75 miles of the Camino in 2011, but I have a completely different mindset this time around. Since my last trip to Spain, I have discovered exactly what it is that many pilgrims are searching for on their own journey. I, too, for a long time was searching for myself and answers to my ultimate fulfillment, but everything fell short and I was left unhappy time and time again. To search for years for that thing or person that causes this life to make sense is just… exhausting. Nothing will live up to the impossible expectations that we as humans think we deserve and it took me 20 years to figure that out. I was enslaved. When I chose to give it all up and follow Jesus, it was like everything clicked. It was as if the chains had fallen off me and I was given new life. I didn’t have to stress or be enslaved by the expectations I put on myself. I didn’t have to seek fulfillment in ultimately empty things. Nothing got easier and I’m not perfect by any means, but life became worth living because I was FREE.
Out of my distress I called on the Lord; the Lord answered me and set me free.
Psalm 118:5
For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.
Matthew 16:25
My squad was asked to give a word that describes each of us for a spotlight on our collective Instagram page (follow @wrexped2018_) and at first I gave the word “fierce”, but after much thought and while writing this post, I decided to change my word to “free.” “Free” has been stamped on my heart these past few years and, for me, it is a much more fitting description of who I am. It is how we were created to be, but in our brokenness we turn to empty living over and over again instead of basking in the joy and freedom we have been given.
Our time on the Camino will be spent walking with pilgrims and hearing their stories, staying in hostels and sharing meals with them. We will be doing life with others who may be seeking what we already have. We have this opportunity to share the light of Christ and tell our own personal stories about our search and how we found the answer in the greatest news ever! Please pray for open hearts and courage in building relationships with those we get to spend time with.
Y’all, this is going to be one heck of a year. I am so glad you are joining me. Now that I am beginning my travels, you can reach me on WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Instagram (@ahasenmu) or email at [email protected].
BIG hugs!! Next time you hear from me I’ll hopefully have some incredible stories to share. Until then (and forevermore), walk in the freedom that has been so freely given to you. It’s never too late.
Buen Camino!
