“But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” Luke 2: 19
“How was the World Race? What was it like?” I have to be honest, I’m dreading that question. It’s so hard to imagine how to accurately describe the challenge and beauty of living in 11 cultures in 11 months with hundreds of beautiful people who have changed my life along the way. The best analogy I can think of is that I went on an incredible treasure hunt this past year and am coming home richer than when I left. But describing what it was like? Nearly impossible…Instead, maybe, to help paint a picture for you, I can articulate what the World Race was NOT.
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For me, the World Race was not an international photo shoot. One thing I don’t regret is the fact that I didn’t take more photos. People undoubtely will want to see and hear about the slums, the poverty, and the malnourished bellies of starving kids that we saw. I have very few pictures of that. Why? Well, that cardboard box covered in mud is someone’s home. That belly is a sign of shame for the parents who can’t feed their child. I didn’t want to document “my trip” at the expense of someone’s dignity. (Disclaimer, many amazing squadmates and photojournalists are able to do this in a very ethical and positive way. I’m not saying it’s not good or that exposure doesn’t precipitate positive change. I simply didn’t know how to do that in a healthy way.) Instead of taking pictures, I decided to do some treasure hunting. I made relationships with people. I talked to them. I cherished their time. I hugged them and kissed them. I cried with them. I learned from them. I have put the memories I made with them in my treasure chest, and I’ll carry them with me always- far longer than a picture would endure.
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The World Race was not a Savior. The beautiful thing about the Race is that instead of focusing on what’s wrong in each of the countries, they show us what’s going right. We partner with contacts in each location that are adding worth and value to their communities long before we get there. We get to join them in what’s working- whether that’s building community through home visits, education on hyigene, or encouraging women in their businesses. We don’t swoop in to save. We get to partner with locals who know the people. We get to see hundreds of examples of selfless love and kindness that’s demonstrated in a healthy and not destructive way. We leave each country encouraged and blessed. We leave realizing that we aren’t the savior, but that the Savior is already at work there. For me, my contacts are treasures who have inspired me and grown me immensely. I’ll keep them safe in my treasure chest too.
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The World Race was not easy. One thing we had to learn was that when you put 39 people in one place, you have 39 different ideas of what it means to love and serve like Christ. It was beautiful and challenging to have such different perspectives and opinions on life, the Bible, and what the day should look like. Honestly, it caused a lot of conflict. But beauty grew from that place. We learned how to communicate in love, how to work together despite differences, and how to value each other even when we disagreed. It was gold refined in fire. We each shine a little brighter from rubbing up against each other this year. I’ll keep these lessons and my 39 squad mates in my treasure chest forever.
The World Race made me rich. I have a wealth of knowledge now that I didn’t have before. My life has been enriched by all the people I’ve met along the way. It’s made me appreciate every gift I’ve been given and encouraged me to give myself away in return. After the race, I relate so much better to the following verses:
Matthew 6:19-21 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourself treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
My heart is full of treasure: the people I’ve met and the kingdom work I’ve seen and the lessons I’ve learned will never leave me. Because of this, the thought of leaving the race and going back home is less difficult than I imagined it would be. This year, these countries, these people- they’re all safely in my treasure chest. And so I say to returning home, “Here’s to another great adventure.”
