November 12th 2008 marked the official halfway point for the June World Racers. We have just begun to embark on the last half of our 11 month trek around the world sharing Jesus Christ with the nations. What in the world? I spent months and months preparing my mind, life and heart for this crazy adventure that I am now experiencing. This year has been much different than I expected.
We have so many things these last 5 months and God only knows (literally) what He has in store for the next 6 months. We have seen orphans fed and loved in Swaziland, we have seen God’s Word transform lives in Botswana, we have seen prostitutes freed from the bondage of sex slavery in Thailand and we have seen children with no hope given a home, love, food and Christ in Cambodia.
Swaziland Cambodia
I have seen 2 wonders of the world. Victoria Falls in Zambia and the Angkor Wat Temples in Cambodia. These last 5 months have been filled with amazing stories and life changing experiences. So what is running through my mind right now? WOW – this is the life God has given me and I have done nothing to deserve it! God has done so much and I know He will continue to move and transform the people we meet by His mighty right hand.
At this point in the “race”, as we affectionately refer to it, I am tired. Physically, spiritually and emotionally. This “race” is no longer a trip this is my life. Day in and day out I live on this crazy thing called the World Race. I live in community with 6 other people (just think marriage with 6 people 24/7). We move every 4-5 weeks to a new country, with new money, a new language, a new lifestyle and a new personality. Border crossings and 12 hour + bus rides are standard fare at least once a month or more. My life is contained in a couple of bags – everything clothes, bed, shower, kitchen, etc…
So when did it morph from a trip to my life? After the 3 month mark when we left Africa and entered Thailand – you can’t perpetually live your life on a trip so you adapt and it becomes your life. I don’t know anyone else in the world except other World Racers who live their life like this. There are days when I just want to be normal. But what is normal? Normal to me right now would be having a hair dryer, a straightening iron and to be sitting with my friends at the Port City Java. However I am living in a 3rd world country and that is not a priority in this life.
One thing I have come to realize is that the same issues that plague me at home plague me here. I had this great thought that I would escape the rigors of this world by being a “missionary” and I would get over miraculously my selfishness, pride, and boastful heart, etc… Well as life continues so do these issues. There is no escape from the flesh except to bring it to the foot of the cross. My flesh and sin seem to just be magnified here. Life is much simpler and therefore not as filled with work, a social life, daily errands, etc… so there is more time to see my sinful nature and heart.
In seeing my sin and wicked heart I know Christ is doing a good work and changing me and molding me to be more like Christ everyday. The Bible has become my bread and food. His Word is the place where God speaks and teaches me about His character. I am continually amazed and the scripture and its power to transform me each day. I have to continue to remind myself that I am not living this life for my own benefit but for the glory of God.
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
Be acceptable in Your sight,
O LORD, my rock and my Redeemer Psalm 19:14
At the end of the day I love the World Race. I love traveling the world and I love living the life of a nomad (most of the time). I love seeing lives transformed bv Christ. I love seeing Christ change me and lead me to do things that normally would scare me to death. I know Christ has changed me these last 5 months. It isn’t as dramatic as I expected but I can see the evidence of it daily. We still have 6 more months of living this crazy life and I can’t wait to see what is going to happen! May it all be done for the glory of our great and mighty King!
