As I embark on this new adventure, I expect to be challenged in every aspect of my life. I am sure the transition from first-world life to third-world life will be a challenge in and of itself, but also very valuable! I am prepared to be stripped of my “normalcy” and flooded with constant change…and I’m looking forward to it!
I used to hate change…I mean, let’s be real, when things are great the way they are, why change them? Right?! WRONG! Change is SO good! Change fosters growth of thoughts, ideas, perspectives and solidifies our morals, values, and beliefs. So in my mind, change is good, needed, beautiful, and a wonderful learning tool. I am excited to be surrounded by constant change because that means I am growing and being molded into the woman God has created me to be.
Although I believe change is good, it is also very hard and at times uncomfortable. So, I am sure while I am hopping from country to country, while I am in each country for the first time, and while I am getting to know my fellow racers, it will pose its difficulties and I’ll find myself feeling uncomfortable…and that’s ok. It’s ok to admit that I may feel uncomfortable, uncertain, and a struggling to understand the people I interact with in each country. It’s ok because God already knows all of what I will be facing…and He will take care of me regardless. Because, He loves me and promises to protect me.
“Because he loves me,” says the LORD, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.” ~ Psalms 91:14
In the midst of all this change, I am expecting to feel homesick at times…to miss my family, friends and the comforts of home in the United States; to ache for modern conveniences that the first-world lifestyle demands and expects. But, in my homesickness, I am also prepared to adapt to where I am and make it my home. I am walking into this journey fully aware that I will need to place ALL my dependence and trust in God; knowing that I will feel the need to run at times…and in those moments, knowing he will lead me into a place of rest, a place of peace, a place made to fill me up with his love. He understands my worries and fears and I am certain He will continually lead me back to solid ground.
He will do this in many ways, I’m sure. But one of the best ways I believe He will keep me grounded and sure is through my team I will be traveling with. I am praying and hoping, they will be a place of comfort, safety, harmony, encouragement, and love. These co-racers will be my family for the next 11 months…we will be facing this new adventure together, each of us for the first time! I am hoping that strong friendships will be formed through our time together.
On a more surface level prediction: I’m sure I will be introduced to foods I will NOT like! Foods that will look disgusting, smell funny, and maybe cause a few stomachs to turn. And I will deal with these situations the best I can when I face them. But I’m guessing I will also make some wonderful acquaintances with some delicious foods. Which makes it even more fun…just another bonus of an incredible journey.
I’m sure there will be some beautiful landscapes, people, relationships and memories created while I am on the mission field. And, I look forward to all of this plus everything else that will occur during my time overseas.
God has blessed me more than I ever thought possible. I am honored and excited to be brought into this amazing journey with Him and all the other racers I will be working alongside. God is SO good!
