It never ceases to amaze me the ways God works.
The past year seems to have blurred together. If you asked me what I was going to be doing this year, I would have said buying a house and making it a home. I mean, everyone else in my circle seemed to be doing it so why shouldn’t I? After my basement apartment flooded with sewage (seriously, the most horrid smell I have ever smelt) I moved into my Dad’s basement apartment and begin the down payment save. This past spring I put an offer on a house and was in the process of becoming one step closer to home ownership. That is until it fell through. I was incredibly bummed to see what I had been saving for and dreaming of seem so close then quickly dissolve. But as a firm believer of everything happens for a reason, I held onto the hope of something better.
Shortly after I headed to Cuba for what I thought was a much needed vacation. A week on the beach, not having to worry about cooking a single thing…where do I sign up? Once I got there my heart felt heavy for the people of Cuba. I was reminded of the people I met in the Ukraine back in high school. My friend and I ended up signing up for an excursion where we went out to local areas to see and experience school life, medical care and farming. We then would go out to the villages and markets daily, talking with whoever could speak English to learn about their culture and way of living. Doing this and meeting all these people reminded me of how much opportunity I’ve been given and in some ways an excessive lifestyle I live. It’s then that I felt God telling me (or rather me finally listening to it…) part of the answer to the prayer of direction in my life I had been praying. No more ignoring or being scared. Now it was just a matter of praying for the opportunity God wanted me to be involved in.
After nights of Google-ing, discussion and prayer, I typed in something different and the World Race was on top. With every word I read and video I watched, I felt a strong conviction to apply. Praying God would open doors He wanted open and closing the ones He wanted closed. I feel so many different things about my upcoming 2013. Fearful of the unknown, unsure of how I will be away from my family and friends but ultimately excited to be taking part in this missions trip. To be able to share the love and trials I have gone through with people in need. I am praying in some small way I can be an encouragement to those I meet. Please pray that prayer with me.
As a self-proclaiming non-writer, I will say I am also excited to be able to share with family and friends on here. I never thought I would be a blogger but let this race begin! Follow me here and on my blog:
The World Race Meet Carrie Dawson.
