We were sitting at the Barnes house during a week of Racer training back in October. They invited the serve team over for some of Karen’s hors d’oeuvres and drinks. A time of rest for an evening. I was nestled in their couch with about five other girls quickly falling into a much needed nap. Turns out they had wanted to gather us there to talk about taking this World Race thing more into the world to become a movement. The brilliant minds at the heart of this whole thing were throwing out ideas and dreams of Kingdom. They tossed out possibilities of alumni Racers getting more involved with these impacting opportunities around the world in hopes for growth and lasting impact for the participants. Not having any solidified life plans of my own I simply raised my hand nearly asleep and half squished in the depths of that couch. And that’s how I made it to the Dominican Republic last week…
Wow! So, get ready! I love these kids more than I did when I met them in October. A desire within me to see my generation living fully alive has started with them. They are ready. And God Almighty is so thrilled that they made it from their comfort to the corners of the DR.
The first week of January began their eleven month journey that will change them forever. If you’ve followed even a bit of my trek you may understand. The first few days coaches immersed them in more training to prepare their hearts and souls for the inevitable changes. Changes necessary for each growing man and woman of God that signs up for this adventure.
Adventure. You should have seen some of the shell-shocked faces during dinner the first night. “What did I get myself into?” Sarah Burrows and I were there along with Jimmy McCarty serving this squad that Jenny Brown and Ashley Musick are leading for a few months. We grinned at each worried look and nervous twitch. As past Racers we all know a bit of the heart-wrenching, soul-crying, mind-blowing, and Kingdom-building that will occur in each life this year. Yet I was so impressed at this squad’s willingness to walk into the mystery of a Savior’s love. They dove into each moment that week and listened with open hands/hearts to receive everything the Lord wants to give them this year.
I got another stamp in the passport. I spent a week with 52 young but amazing followers of the Cross. I saw the beauty in the land and people of yet another nation that God cares deeply for. I traveled to the Santo Domingo airport four different times. I talked with, prayed, served, and loved on family that came from around the states and Canada. I sat in the presence of great couples and leaders in a movement that will change the way our generation does life.
