A few days ago, I began my physical training for World Race Gap Year! The physical requirement in order to remain eligible for this trip is 3 miles in 50 minutes with a loaded bag. The bag weighs about 45lbs and I won’t be doing those 3 miles on an air conditioned treadmill! So I am preparing by going on two hikes a week on the Apsan mountain here in Daegu. I’ve invested in good shoes and I intend to get them well broken in by July. As I went on my first training hike, I couldn’t help but make a biblical connection.
Hebrews 10:36
“You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.”
There were many, many, many moments when I thought my lungs were going to fail me as I tried to keep up the same pace as the other hikers on the trail. Moderately steep inclines that look mild from a distance are especially tricky when you are wearing sneakers instead of hiking boots. I made the mistake of wearing all the wrong layers, jeans instead of athletic pants, and one very cumbersome water bottle.
To be frank, if it weren’t for this mission trip, I would have spent my Wednesday morning in my warm bed with coffee and my computer to get school work done. But I have a calling and a goal set. If I intend to receive the gift God has promised, I have to follow through on that calling. So I pushed through. I didn’t stop moving until I reached that little baby peak (As dramatic as this sounds, I didn’t actually get very high in the air despite the 7 miles total that I hiked). Once I was there, I was so grateful that I didn’t quit. The reward was worth it. Seeing the city from the side of the mountain and smelling the fresh air made my aching ankles feel worth the pain.
On the way back down, I was elated. It really did set in my mind that God will provide the means if I provide the dedication. If I keep working every single day to reach these goals, he will put me where I need to be. I unfortunately was so wrapped up in conversation and loss of oxygen that I did not take any very good pictures. I promise I will get a few to share next time!
In the meantime, I am going to perservere. I am going to continue to prepare for this trip in mind, body and spirit.
Thank you for reading and I will be sure to include some photos next time!
-Chessie
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