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Two weeks in. I’m missin’ a whole lot of what life was the past 11 months so I decided to evaluate this new lifestyle and culture.


Food: D

My stomach has had to do more adjusting than I have. It appears to become violently aggressive towards large portions of greasy food. Also – the endless options are kinda overwhelming. Stick me in a restaurant or grocery store and I will stumble over my words with wide-eyes trying to make decisions. Fortunately, my happy trip down the cereal aisle proved faithful…and my dinner of Ale-8 and cookie dough tonight hit the spot. God bless America.
 
 


Housing: A
Even though I’ve slept in five different places in the past 2 weeks I can’t complain. Each had pillows and clean bedding, with a hot shower, carpet and electricity. All with people I love…and free of charge.


Family: B+
I’ve got the parents covered, briefly. I’ve seen both aunts and uncle and grandma up in Michigan…as well as many distant relatives in Indiana. I talked with a close cousin a couple times and haven’t let a day go by without checking in with the big bro and sister-in-law. I think that’s pretty good but it will take a lot of work to eventually see all the cousins, aunts, and uncle on the east coast. I came back with a deeper love and respect for my family and feel I owe them more prayers and time. They’ve believed in me from the start.

 
 

Relationships: B-

They are ALL different and people are all over this country. I can only do so much – though no one has escaped my prayers.

 
Transitioning: N/A
Still in a daze – what am I supposed to do? The only hand-book I have is His Word and the only conversations that change my heart are the ones with my Lord. I need some grace and rest as I take the next steps.


World Race Habits: B
As soon as I unpacked my backpack when I got home I repacked it to go to camp. I didn’t know how else to pack. Sometimes I still throw away my TP and still feel I need to ask if we’re going to spend team or personal money. I miss waking up in a sleeping bag and choosing clothes from packs of my Ziplocked wardrobe. I’ve mostly adjusted though a lot tends to bring my thoughts back to the habits of the past 11 months.


Communication: A-

I’m trying harder on this, too. Cell phones are greater than I thought. A year of emails and Skype was SO hard. Rarely was I able to hear familiar voices, never was it a convenient or spontaneous “Hello!” Still I love face-to-face conversations the best. Those that I’ve had have encouraged my spirit and challenged me more to live intentionally in love with His people. God’s continually teaching me truth about myself – how I am not an inconvenience and my voice needs to be heard. Talking with friends and strangers, overall, has been hugely different than it was a year ago. Besides LOVING the English language, I can talk and listen to all that God’s doing in words and actions.
 
 
 
 
Transportation: B-

I wasn’t sure how to grade this one. I’ve done lots of traveling and am only half way done with my stateside tour. Unfortunately, none of this has been public transportation which means I’ve had to deal with the American gas prices.


Church: C

I’m not trying to be careful – not anymore. I just crave the community we had as Racers. Though I realize the great support and prayers from many churches, I am deeply curious as to the new Body God wishes me to be a part of here in the states. On the Race I thought I wasn’t understood – everything was more understood than I thought. We all lived in and as the Body of Christ which included the culture of selfless love. What’s next?
 


Overall: C

There’s still a lot I have to learn. But I think I’m gonna throw out the idea that a “C” tells me I’m only average. Me nor any other Racer or true believer in Jesus Christ should be called average. It’s an adventure and a mystery. I jumped in 11 months ago and don’t believe for a second that because of the comfort seeking culture we’re in now that I want anything different. He reigns, He rules, and He removed me from a life of complacency. My Lord is the true God that invites us each morning to be His will on earth, loving the unlovable, and bringing Him glory. My Lord is more than a boxed idea of religion and He’s been moving us all since September.


I’ve been seeking wisdom as to what’s supposed to happen next. Reading in a devotional book the other day my eyes paused as I reread the given verse, “But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.” (James 3:17-18) First of all pure. Pure. That means the wisdom that I seek isn’t infected with my fleshly desires or manipulations. It’s not a deal I’m making with God. He wants to give us a wisdom that is purely Him. And with that comes peace, consideration, submissive attitude, mercy, fruit, impartiality, and sincerity. Wow! When God blesses He blesses. He LOVES His children. And maybe I’ve mentioned it before – He cares more about who we are than what we are doing.

So, without a job and without an address I can rest in His truth. The wisdom I seek, the wisdom He gives, will guide me into becoming more of the Kingdom builder He chose me to be. I may be a “C” now but the gifts I’m seeking will help change the world.
Just wait!