We were told of this “honeymoon phase� that would eventually end at some point on the race. Where the newness of traveling every few weeks wears off, when you get sick of wearing the same few items of clothing repeatedly, when you miss being able to have a conversation with someone without being mentally exhausted, when you wish you could just be a recluse for a day, when you don’t love seeing the same people 24/7 and you stop thinking they are the greatest people you’ve ever met. The honeymoon ends when you realize the newness has worn off, and the reality of your life sinks in. Seven months later, my honeymoon is over. During my month in Cambodia I was tired and burnt out. I had no energy to fuel a desire to meet new people or “deal� with my teammates problems. I wasn’t thinking about the present, but instead was dreaming about my “real life� and future after the race. I was in an odd stage, which I couldn’t seem to get out of. God hit me with the reality that is my real life, and has been walking me through that reality each day since.
I have begun having healthy thoughts about after the race, because it is sneaking up on us all, and I am not taking people or experiences for granted anymore. I am truly having to depend on Him for power to push through, to love this new life of mine, to love the people He has placed me with this year, and to love and desire more of Him. With that said, we finished up our time in Cambodia and made our way to Africa! With a new continent, I gained a new team as well. We lost Jake to another team, but gained a member as well. Meet Greg, who is the perfect addition to our team! God always knows what is best for His children and is faithful in providing us with that. Rejuvenation is what we needed at this stage in the race, and that is exactly what we have received.
I am so excited about Africa and how I know God will reveal himself to us here in these three months. I have been anticipating our time in Africa since before the race began, so I am trying to not have a romantic view of it. Instead, I am attempting to seek God daily and take advantage of where I am and why He has me here.
I will hopefully be able to update you soon about what ministry in Kenya looks like this month. Until then, check out this video of what ministry has looked like the past seven months on the race.
