I’ve tried to write this blog multiple times now. I keep trying to think of a blog that sums up my race in its entirety, but I’ve come to realize that isn’t possible.
9 months ago, I started a journey with about 35 other young adults all seeking the same thing: the Father and serving Him. Along the way, we received a lot more. We were able to learn about cultures, open the doors to conversations without ever speaking, glean from our squad leaders and hosts every day, cry and hug each other when emotions crash, and worship the Father in ways we never knew possible. As the race came to an end, I reflected and asked the Lord for a word to describe each month.
Romania, month one, sewing seeds.
Ukraine, month two, abundance.
Chile, month three, difficult growth.
Chile, month four, maturity.
Peru, month five, pressing into my true identity.
Peru, month six, trust and acceptance.
India, month seven, fruitful.
India, month eight, step by step.
Nepal, month nine, refreshed light.
9 months—a lot happens in this time.
We can all agree on that, we’ve all just lived it.
My excitement to see each and every one of you is crazy high, I can’t even describe it to you in words. To think of hugging you, hearing your voice without the phone call buffering, sharing a meal together once again… whew. That’s something that brings me to tears.
I crave to share every detail with you from every moment on this journey as it’s been a time I’ll never forget. I want to show you the photos I’ve taken of my favorite people, the thank-you cards children gave me after being their teacher, and the scars I’ve gotten in these past 9 months.
But the truth is, this isn’t realistic. It would take days for me to go through each detail of my time, and right now that sounds like the most daunting task ever. I want to hear about your lives as well. How your first year of college went, the changes in your job, your favorite memories in general. This is another thing that sounds terribly daunting.
Sharing my story and hearing each of yours is something I know I have been looking forward to; I can’t wait to see and hear how the Lord has worked in you and can’t wait to share how He’s worked in me.
I know the day will come when I’m ready to share my experiences and moments, but I also know the moment I get home isn’t this time. It’s overwhelming to think about stepping back into a life of endless flavors of ice cream, but America is my mission field now. Having a change in perspective of what the mission field truly is has changed my way of living. We as Christians are called to make disciples of all nations, why are we avoiding our own?
Taking the step of re-entering isn’t going to be an easy one, but I know I’m walking into a family that loves me and knows me well. Thank you for following this journey I’ve been on… it’s wild to think it went so quickly. But praise the Lord, the Father is far from finished working. A new journey starts now, and I can’t wait to walk with each of you in it.
I’ll see you tomorrow, Cincy…and i can’t stinkin wait.
Here’s what I’ve been listening to!
“Lovers Carvings” by Bibio
“Alive” by Graeme James
“Party in the USA” by Miley Cyrus
