Current location: a small town called Penhook in southwest Virginia, United States of America.
As I sit here on the back porch looking out I see the rain falling on an image that I had to turn to so many times on the race for comfort. To my right I see a man pulling up and putting the golf cart in park getting ready to grab his club and finish this drive on the fifth hole. As I look past him I see the most incredible landmark that brings me close to tears; Smith Mountain Lake, VA. This is home.
I have been here now for three weeks. Reuniting with my loved ones that I missed so dearly. Eating that Chik-fil-a or Bojangles that I missed so intensely. Shopping (BY MYSELF!!) at Target that I missed so selfishly. And yet, today I am taken back to the end of the race. Those last few days in Albania and then Montenegro went by so quickly, and to be honest I was just wanting them to end so that I could see my people back home again. I wanted to be able to understand the language around me at all times, or be able to ask for directions without having to worry about pulling out google translate. I wanted to be able to drive a car again or take a hot shower with a nice fluffy towel (sounds silly but is vitally important). Looking back, now I am thankful. Thankful that I got to experience all of the different cultures that God created to express the all-encompassing love that he pours out. I sit here and it almost feels like it was just a memory, I was placed right back into where I was living 9 months ago. Another part of me remembers the race as if I am still currently living in it, and this is what I have to hold on to. Although I am no longer traveling and living with 39 other Americans from all across the country, I am still serving Jesus. Loving him throughout my day. Now I get to do it with the comforts of home, with my friends and family all around me.
I cannot believe my gap year is officially over, but it is an experience that I will hold on to and reflect on for the rest of my life. I made it full circle.
Colombia– Thanks for the arepas served every morning and the love shared by the refugee children that walk your streets.
Ecuador– To Mabe and Fabi (the most wonderful couple) that loved us when we were missing our parents the most. To May and the rest of the senior class at T.W. Anderson school for teaching us your best dance moves.
Thailand– AOMAEM, thank you for finding a friend in me.
Cambodia– Honestly, thanks for the heat and making me so thankful for the lovely weather in my home state. For the women and children, I got to play Jenga with a million times while they were recovering in the trauma hospital.
Albania pt.1– For teaching me farm work… how to milk a goat and shovel pounds of pig poop. (I will never forget the scent of your barn). Also, for the love shown in the enormous portions of food made by Nana Dusha.
Albania pt.2– Scott and Suzi… what extraordinary people. Thank you for teaching us that ministry can be fun and crazy. Simply: just love the way that Jesus did. Sacrifice yourself and he will provide.
Roanoke/Penhook, Virginia– Thank you for teaching me that I am loved. For cultivating my relationship with our most High King. If it wasn’t for all the people that surround me here today I don’t even know if I would believe there is a God out there that created me as his masterpiece and his CHERISHED daughter. You have taught me that if I was the only person living on this planet, the ONLY one He still would’ve sent down his son to die for me. HIS ONE AND ONLY SON AND MOST PRIZED POSSESION: murdered just for me. I cannot summarize the whole race with just one blog or one album of pictures but instead with the stories that fill my brain and take hold of my heart. If you would like to know more or just talk about all the different parts of your last year please contact me. I want to know all that Jesus did in my hometown. Thank you to all of those that supported me during the long journey, and for those that have already reached out. It has been hard readjusting, but I know the same God that walked me through all of those countries holding my hand, is still sitting right next to me pouring out his love on me. For now, you can find me sitting on my back porch, working at a boat marina on the lake, enjoying sunny days with my friends and Brody, driving through the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, and through it all remembering that the Lord has placed me exactly where I am right now to live this life to the fullest and love his people.
The World Race Gap Year (2017-2018) Squad N:
Thank you for the hardest and most enriching year of my life. Words do not do you justice but they are all that I have left of you now. You have impacted me more than I could’ve ever dreamed. When I think of you I will remember that first step I took out of the plane into Colombia scared out of mind but knowing that in faith and trust is when God develops us the most.
With love your dear friend,
Bella Sorrentino
