I entered into the World Race with no expectations. I was intentional about not reading blogs so that I wouldn’t assume my journey would be similar. I tried not to pick a ministry or country to be most excited about so that I wouldn’t be crushed if it didn’t work out. I accepted the fact that I would eventually get sick, would fight with my teammates, and didn’t dwell on these facts.
I was completely ready for my own adventure.
Or so I thought.
We’ve only been on the Race for a few weeks, and I’ve already been slammed in the face by what expectations I have been carrying with me. Some have been far exceeded and that has been such a beautiful blessing. Some have fallen short and have been a struggle.
Our ministry contact is AMAZING. He is one of the Godliest men I have ever met and is patient with and kind to us. Raul has a heart for the people of Romania and desires for them to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior. He is eagerly pouring into the lives of those around us and has great hope for their lives.
The housing/living arrangement is probably the best we’ll experience. All fifity+ of us are residing on one property, with the forty girls inside. The house has beds (no tents yet!), a kitchen, mostly hot showers, flushing toilets, and fairly thick walls. I have not gone more than two days without a shower and have enjoyed sleeping on a real mattress.
These have been awesome blessings. It’s been great to get some sleep at night with fewer mosquitoes buzzing around my head. I’ve also really appreciated getting to work with such a respected leader in Romania’s limited Christian community.
On the other hand, it has been far from perfect. Living in one house with fifty people is hard. Really hard. Each person here has his/her own version of what’s clean, quiet, early, late, appropriate, and positive.
The squad has also recently been rocked with the knowledge that we’re actually on the World Race now. There’s limited communication and no access to returning home for the big moments. We’ve been rocked already by death, serious accidents, surgeries, and illness.
So we again are learning to turn to and to trust God. We know this life is in His very capable hands. There is a lot we don’t know and can’t understand, but we know that we have to accept that God is in control and that His plan is perfect. We may not be aware of why we’re with the exact people here or what we are to learn, but we are open to His words and to His lessons.
But what about you? As the squad and I reel from disappointed expectations and our inability to play our roles at home, we are finding new peace in Christ who gives us strength. What is He teaching you? What lesson do you still need to learn?
