"For God has not given us a Spirit of fear or timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline." 2 Timothy 1:7
When I got accepted to the World Race, I originally wanted to go on Route 3 but had accidentally clicked the application to Route 2, so decided that the Lord had made me click-happy for a reason. As a lot of you know, I was originally going to Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, China, Thailand, Cambodia, India, and Nepal. All of those countries sound amazing and I was especially looking forward to Kenya, India, and Nepal. There's something about those countries that rings beauty and adventure in my ears.
So a couple weeks ago, my squad got an e-mail from our mobilizer looking for some "brave volunteers." They were asking for 2 men and 5 women to switch to Route 3 to even the genders out on each squad as well as equal out the numbers. My first thought? "Wow, I would never want to do that. I love the people on my current squad and the countries I'm going to." Then, I felt something inside me drop.. knowing that I was in for some change. So after much prayer, talking with others on my squad, and being convinced that I as going to switch to Route 3, I felt God tell me, "No. Stay where you are. There is a reason." So I stayed.
Needless to say, less than a week later, I got another e-mail from Adventures in Mission. But this time, it was to all four squads. My mobilizer announced a NEW route (Route 5) that they are creating in order to level out the squads to about 50 people, instead of 80+ for logistical and other reasons. Immediately, I knew I had to spend some serious time in prayer with Abba. I was so convinced that I wanted to stay on Route 2 because it was comfortable, because I already knew most of the squad members, because there are amazing women and men of faith on Z squad, and I really really really wanted to go to Kenya, India, and Nepal. But then it hit me: God was telling me this is why I was to stay on Z squad the first go-round. Because of this very opportunity. So I decided to take another step out in faith, and switch to Route 5 (C squad). I've finally realized that things will never go according to "my plan." Whenever I find myself getting too comfortable, the Lord reminds me that I need to be OKAY with changes and follow His plan for me. There was a need for people to switch on to this new route and I am feeling more at peace than I ever have before.
After all, this isn't about me. It never has been. I need to remind myself why I even ventured forth and entertained the idea of the World Race in the first place. Because I felt empty where I was.. living a "good Christian life" but knowing in the depths of my soul that there was more out there. That my Father has called me and created me for a bigger purpose. Not to simply live day by day, going about in a self-centered way; but to travel, share, love, GIVE, and bring Kingdom to this world. Although there will always be so many temptations and things in this life trying to lead us astray, we need to listen to that inner voice that is beckoning us to find the TRUTH that lies in Christ Jesus alone. We were all created for a purpose and with an emptiness and longing inside of us. So let's fill that hole with the One who LOVES us always and forever. Let's drink the living water Jesus offers us and never thirst again.
This year is going to be FULL of unexpected changes to our plans and we need to be at peace with that and accept it. God has much bigger and BETTER plans for us, but we will never know if we don't step out in faith and follow His callings and cues to us every day. I am so thrilled to get to meet my wonderful squad at Training Camp this coming Saturday and get to pray, worship, laugh, and get to know one another on a deep and intimate level. God is SO amazing, faithful, and NEVER gives up on us. This week I have just felt His love pouring out on me and I know in my heart this is where He wants me to be.
So drum roll, please……………………… The *NEW* countries on Route 5 are:
Honduras
Guatemala
El Salvador
Albania
Bulgaria
Zambia
Malawi
Mozambique
Thailand
Cambodia
Malaysia
So excited to see what the Lord is up to in this next week, year, and even today. Thank you all SO much for your love and all of the support I have received over these last few months. I am still in need of some serious prayer warriors and would love for all of you who are willing to keep my Squad and I in your prayers.
So much love to you all.
