The Milwaukee airport wasn’t busy on the January morning. The little stores after luggage check were full of cheese hats, “I Love Wisconsin” t-shirts, and snow globes of Lambeau Field. Little things that feel like home.
Mom, Dad, and I had sat at a deli with their sandwich orders and my chicken caesar salad for awhile. The salad wasn’t being touched. “Take it with you. You can eat it on the plane.” mom suggested.
At security, I gave the guard my ticket and turned to my parents for the last goodbye for 11 months. Instantly, tears bubbled so quickly the guard looked away to give us privacy.
They didn’t stop all the way through the security check. One of the guards even gave me tissues and assured me that 11 months was possible. The salad was thrown away before I even boarded the plane.
That day was difficult, but I thank God that He prepared my team, Ahava Chara, to act as my family for the past four months. Knowing that they would be in Atlanta waiting to start our journey together was enough to get me on that plane.
Four months later and they are my family. Each morning I wake up knowing that our family of seven is something I can rely on, especially when the Race is hard. I trust them to encourage me and call me up into the woman of God I was made to be, and they trust me to do the same.
A few days ago, it was confirmed that in a week our teams will change and I will no longer be with Ahava Chara. Although I am excited to learn from new people and make new memories, the same feelings from Milwaukee have crept back.
I’m just not good at goodbye.
As I’ve processed, I’ve realized that Jesus understands these emotions better than anyone. During His ministry, He was constantly moving from city to city. He met new people and made an impact everywhere He preached. He left behind His earthly family to follow God’s plan and join his team of twelve. Eventually, Jesus even had to say goodbye to them too at death.
Changing teams will be emotional, but I pray to a God that understands this challenge. I also trust that He has placed together the right team for the next step in my World Race journey. Keeping this mindset, I’m ready to meet them and step into something new.
I’m excited to introduce them to you soon!
