26 days ‘til I board a plane.
Unreal, isn’t it?????
Feels like just yesterday I was saying the hardest goodbyes and running to WalMart for last minute items.
11 months. 11 countries. 1 God.
So, here I am at my month 11, filling out questions about re-entry, and reflecting on my 10 months.
My friend, Mindy, just left on her World Race adventure and I surprised myself at the piece of advice I gave her. One of the things I told her was that it’s only 11 months. And when I say that, I truly mean that. When I look up today, I realize that I have been away from home almost a year. A YEAR. It’s crazy to think how fast a year can fly by. Don’t get me wrong, when I was sitting in Cambodia for Christmas (month 4), I thought this day would NEVER come. I’m sure I’ll feel that way again within the next 26 days.
When people ask me if I’m sad it’s about to be over, my immediate response is “HECK NO!” I mean that with the utmost respect to AIM. I am SUPER excited for this next season of my life (more on that later). After my initial response, I sit back and think about the things I will miss. As much as constant community has gotten on my nerves, I will miss laying in bed laughing uncontrollably with the girls on my team/squad. I will miss playing cards every night in Rwanda. I will miss Raven painting my fingernails perfectly. I will miss the deep conversations about Jesus with the teammates/squadmates. I WILL miss this and I get that. I do. But, the thing is, there is life after The World Race. These strangers that I met a year ago, that are now family…I will be friends with them for life. It won’t be the same, or as easy as it is now to keep in touch, but friendships take effort.
I say all that to say, the Lord has given me an incredible opportunity in this next season after the Race. I have been blessed with the opportunity to get my Masters at Arkansas Tech University in Teaching, Leadership, and Learning. I cannot tell you all how excited I am to go back to school to further my education! It was a total God thing, thanks to my wonderful networker of a father. Anyway, Lord willing I will be moving to Russellville, AR sometime in August to pursue this degree. Please be prayer that I will get a job, also.
So, there you have it..those are my post-race plans.
I never thought I’d be saying that, but the Lord has revealed His plans so clearly to me.
Again, this journey could not have been made possible without all of my incredible supporters. I am overflowing constantly with thanksgiving. This year has been a huge turning point in my walk with the Lord.
I don’t have it all figured out, but, the grace that has been so freely given to us, gets me through each day.
His grace is sufficient for all.
The cross was enough.
And by His stripes I am healed.
Amen.
I love you all so very much, and seriously CANNOT wait to hug your necks when I get off that plane on July 31st! Let the countdown continue!
Caitlin
