On the laptop screen, it was only the difference between two little numbers: World Race Route 2 or World Race Route 4.
It didn’t seem like that big of a decision. It was just one number, after all.
But as the route was solidified, as training camp rolled around, as we boarded the plane to launch for our first country, and now as I am a couple weeks away from returning home, I can see how that one little decision changed everything.
When I chose Route 2, I chose the squad mates I’d be serving alongside of for a whole year, which in turn gave me my teammates, and from my teammates, ministries were assigned to us, and from those ministries were faces and stories and relationships which will affect my little one-number decisions in the future.
It was the difference between my 49 squad mates and some 30+ strangers I have never met, between 11 countries that hold a piece of my heart and 11 countries that I have no attachment to, between the faces I’ve met that mean the world to me and the faces I don’t recognize, between every story I cherish from over the last year and stories that were never meant to be written, between the combination of all these things which changed me to the Diana I am now, and a combination that would have turned me into a Diana I have never met.
Route 2 or Route 4? Such a small question that changed the course of my life.
And God’s hand was in it all, even when I didn’t understand it. Why, for example, would I love Europe so much, and not be drawn to a route going to Europe? Why would my dad express discomfort at me going to Ukraine, and not to Vietnam? Why, if I want to spend my life living abroad in Europe, would I not be able to serve there for three months on a route I was called to?
But God knew. He used my dad to advise my steps and my discernment to lead me to choose the route He was going to use me and transform me on.
Life is fragile, and it would be kind-of scary to think that I would have to make seemingly little decisions in the future which could change my life drastically, all alone. But it’s not scary, because I know that in everything I do, the Lord is walking with me, watching over me, and guiding my steps right where He wants me to go, in the right timing and with the right intentions.
As I reflect back over these 11 months, I wanted to introduce you to the faces which made a deep impression on my heart. God used these faces, through that one tiny decision, to change my life.
So welcome to my heart’s World Race Hall of Fame:
India-
Isaiah is my baby from India. He taught me that joy is not based on circumstances. Despite a disability which hindered him from walking or talking, he laughed often, and didn’t allow it to affect his spunky personality. Isaiah, thank you for showing me how to be thankful for what I have.
Nepal-
Tov taught me how to love like Jesus loved. As I sat with her, I could feel the heart of the Father beating in my own chest. Tov, know that you are not too far gone, that the Creator of the Universe loves you with all His heart, and that I will never forget you.
(See more in my blog from Nepal: She is Created Tov)
Thailand-
My hosts in Thailand taught me that the Lord takes delight in granting the impossible. In the three weeks we were there, they adopted Alicia, whom they had been praying for for six years. Pastor Gong, P-Sook, thank you for teaching me the faithfulness of God through persistent prayer, and for letting me be a part of your celebration.
Cambodia-
This kid. <3 Cha-Ah Park showed up to English lesson with more eagerness to learn than I’ve ever seen in a child. Every day I would talk myself into circles trying to explain English rules that made no sense, while she would patiently take notes and ask questions accordingly. Every time I asked if she wanted to play a game, she’d say, “no, I want to learn English.” Cha-Ah, thank you for showing me how to go after what I want, and take what could be a barrier to my goal (like an inept teacher) as another opportunity to grow stronger.
Vietnam-
Long was my Vietnam baby. He couldn’t sit still for more than five seconds, and his laughter was the sweetest sound I think I have ever heard. In this picture, he wriggled on his belly back in-between my legs to watch tv with me. Every evening, after his shower, he would bring his pajamas to me and let me dress him, then snuggle with me for a minute or so before running off to play again. Long, thank you for showing me that in one of the darkest countries, from the one of the poorest families, passion for fun and joy can still shine through. The Lord’s hand is evidently on your life, and I am so glad I got to be a part of it.
Ethiopia-
We called them “Behind the Fence Kids”. They lived in the village (in the background of this picture) that sat right beside our compound and would gather daily to watch us play with our ministry kids. Many of their parents were farmers, and they wore holey clothes that were too small for them. Through them, the Father showed me that He has intentionally given me the gift of including the outsider, and He gave me the boldness to use it by making them my ministry instead of playing with the kids in the compound. I won’t forget their joyful faces as we played ball, or painted their nails, or the way they tried to include each other in everything we did with them.
Rwanda-
My host in Rwanda was an angel. She pastored a church that had four seven-hour services a week, as well as was in charge of a pre-school that she built for underprivileged kids. She was my sister in Christ, and treated me as such. She would have deep one-on-one talks with me, and even snuggled with me and watched some Monster’s University on my laptop when the power went out in our house. Mom Africa, thank you for teaching me that a faith which moves mountains is not limited by fear, and that the Lord thrives on answering impossible prayers.
Bolivia-
This woman is the cutest woman I have ever met, but don’t let that fool you. Gabriella was a warrior for the Kingdom of God, who fought with reverence, prayer, and joy. She stood in front of the church and jumped up and down every worship song, dancing unashamedly. She always had a sweet smile to lend me and a kiss on the cheek. Gabriella, thank you for showing me that true praise of the Lord comes from our heart posture and our actions.
Peru-
In the five minutes I knew him, I learned that Angelo (in the red) served weekly in children’s ministry at his church and that his parents had been violently fighting that morning. Later I learned that Angelo had only been a Christian for one year, and that none of his family knew Jesus. He asked us to pray for him, so we gathered around and laid hands shortly before this picture was taken. Angelo, you inspire me to serve even when I don’t feel like it, and to humbly admit when I can’t do things alone.
Ecuador-
Rebekah Leek, my girl. She is the daughter of our hosts in Ecuador who moved there from Virginia when she was eleven. Bekah would immediately lock eye contact with me when I opened my mouth to say something, and even if there was nobody else listening, she was always focused attentively. She modeled deep respect for her parents, quiet hard work, a gentle spirit, and an immovable faith. Bekah, you are going to change the world with your testimony and your love, and I am so thankful to call you my sister.
Colombia-
Never have I ever met a more incredible group of guys. These guys each work voluntarily with YWAM Mercy for the duration of a year or more, serving as house parents to 30 kiddos who live at the base. From learning Spanish, to helping them with homework, keeping the kids in line, bed time routines, and everything in between, these guys go above and beyond to show kids what true love looks like. They serve relentlessly with joy (not once did I hear any of them complain), patience, and the heart of God. They weren’t just my hosts. They became my brothers and some of the best friends I’ve made on the race.
#swedishdanielcan
I will never be the same again because of these faces and these experiences. And for that, I couldn’t be anymore grateful <3
