When I applied and prepared for the World Race, I never took in to account the aspect of leaving every month. I describe the trip to so many people as being the typical “11 countries in 11 months, spreading the gospel, living out of a backpack, moving ministries every month”. Seemed simple enough, no big surprises.
I never thought I would despise leaving so much.
I have developed a strong dislike for it.
I left my friends and home in Florida to move to Houston, Texas in 2009. I left my friends and home in Texas to move back to Florida and go on the World Race. Survey says I should be used to it, but I’m not. I am so far over growing close to people and then leaving them. I foolishly thought that my leaving days were over. God had other plans for me during the World Race.
I grew up moving around and loving it. My dad was in the military so we were constantly finding and leaving new friends or being left by friends and neighbors. It is the nature of the military and I absolutely loved that lifestyle. Growing up that way, I became accustomed to moving and it was the “norm”. I believe in some ways this has made me hesitant to build true, meaningful friendships and be completely open and honest with people because in some part of my mind I can foresee a move happening.
God has put some amazing friends in my life to build lasting relationships with in the past few years and I am coming to an understanding about the blessing of these friendships. As we travel, I find that leaving is a huge part of the World Race.
It is truly unfortunate that I am figuring out these deep relationships when at the end of the 3-4 weeks I pick up and leave. God has been at work softening my heart to so many people across the world and I feel so blessed to have the opportunity to pour in to and be poured in to people in each country.
In India, there was Joyce who took me under her wing and treated me like a sister. After all, in the body of Christ we are all brothers and sisters. She was there early in the morning on sari day to ensure that my sari was perfect.
In Nepal, there was Elina. She was the daughter-in-law of the pastor who we stayed with and she taught us all how to cook our favorite Nepalese dish.
In Romania, there was Miha who would come and wake us up in the morning and would do our laundry for us because we weren’t allowed to use the washer. We would make crepes and cookies together at night.
In Moldova, there is Mihaela. She is the 4 year old girl from Bieshti who has a smile to warm the whole village and the self discipline and obedience like I have never seen before. She would climb trees and tell us fairy tales in Romanian while we were turning the soil in her family’s field. This picture was taken after we had been in her house about 30 minutes, she braided my hair and then sat next to me like this while we ate dinner.
I left a piece of my heart with each and every one of these people.The beautiful thing is that I don’t feel empty. God is showing me His love through my ability to continually love these people. Just when I thought I can’t give anymore, He provides me with a deeper understanding of His agape. This same agape He makes available for everyone. Take it. Embrace it. Not many things in life are free. Enjoy the ones that are.
