Training Camp and World Race Launch Oreo

I had
some time between World Race Training and launch date.  It was costly to fly home for that wee
bit of time, and I heard an adventure calling.  As well, I was confident that God had something cool in
store for me during training/launch oreo… God faithfully led me through my
first World Race All American ATL from the Deep South to the glam of New York.

So if
you’re with me on this oreo allegory, I gotta say this oreo was filled with the
extra special, super creamy oreo varietal. Huge thanks to all of the wonderful
people I meet on the way.  
Yea, I was so blessed in the US by you kind folks! I definitely was a recipient
of southern hospitality, but the warm hospitality continued all the up to
Brooklyn, New York. 

From
Southern porches with views of fireflies ablaze, to Atlanta Georgia’s finest
neighborhood, a Braves game, enjoying North Carolina’s countryside a short stop
in Knoxville (thanks girls J),
Outer banks’ coastal beauty, enchanting Annapolis, MD, Philly tube steaks, to New
York city’s cosmopolitan, I had a great adventure. 

Moments:

Do you
ever have those moments… those ones where you find yourself thinking… really,
hmmm is this for real… how did I get myself here?  Like when I found myself flying over the Appelation
Mountains, in South Carolina (who knew I’m a natural pilot) or at cousin
Lucci’s family party in a karate studio in Brooklyn…

I like to
see how bible stories come to life… and in these moments.  There’s this bible story about a hero –
Queen Esther who ends up saving her people from destruction.  Esther, your girl next door rose to be
Queen and found herself in pretty big moment, in a royal palace advocating for
her people.  Queen Esther is reminded
that providence directs us to whatever place we’re in (Esther 4:14).  I’m not in any palaces or pleading to
Kings to preserve the lives of millions. 

I’m just
in each moment…What I’m taking from Esther’s reminder is just that it seems
like you’re here, in this place, at this time, for a purpose.  So weather I’m exploring fields of roadside
wildflowers, basking in a sunrise or talking to the storeowner who has lost his
son and questioning God… God has put me in this moment for such a time as
this. 

Brooklyn
was especially filled with richly blessed moments. 

God used His
people to bless me in Brooklyn.  I
was treated to accommodation, meals out, and clothes! Apparently God told a
friend of mine to take care of me while I was in Brooklyn. 

I was
able to attend a service and prayer meeting at this huge church -Brooklyn Tabernacle
Church. 

We’re on
the way to church, slowly navigating through swarms of traffic… we arrive late
to church.  Yet I was ushered to
the very front row of this ornate, massive church. I’m basking in the glory of
this divine and enthusiastic gospel choir.  Meanwhile 1000 people didn’t make it into the service and
had to watch on screens in the overflow building.

So then
the pastor gets up to preach and explains that he’s putting his sermon series on
hold… God has told him someone in church needs to hear a message this morning. It
became clear that God had placed me there in the front row of Brooklyn
Tabernacle church, in this place, at this time, to capture my attention and
tell me His truths for my life.  I’ll
spare you some moments and details and just say that you God gave this pastor
poignant verses and words to speak to what was already on my heart, equip me
for the world race and tell me He’s faithfully taking care of me while I extend
myself to others around the world.  

The
cherry on top… 5,000 powerful people from this church stood behind me and offered
up prayers for me hours before I set off on the world race. 

God wants
to captivate us in our moments, we are placed in these moments everyday… who
knows what will become of them…

Here are
some moments I’ve captured on my creamy oreo time.  Enjoy!