The six weeks between Training Camp and Launch are weird. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.
It’s a transitional season in lots of ways. I’ve been saying actual physical goodbyes of course through family and friend going away parties, but also I am in the process of saying goodbye to comfort. Goodbye to my bed. Goodbye to America. Goodbye to whatever plans I had in the states for the next nine months (and trust me, I had quite a few). Goodbye to traditions for a while. Goodbye to Tennessee football. Goodbye to my sweet city. Goodbye to my conventional church.
Goodbye to expectations.
I know this next season will be an incredible one and I will come home changed. I can only know that though through my faith in the Lord. I can’t go into this trip with a closed heart. I can’t go in trying to sneak a few extra American comforts into my bag. I can’t go in marking off the days on the calendar until I come home and tell everyone what an awesome time I had. I must be present with my team and ministry. I have to be willing to be the vessel that God made me to be.
I chose this experience because I felt an undeniable tug on my heart from the Lord. I didn’t half sign up or half fundraise. I decided to jump in head first and submerge myself in God’s perfect plan for me. Now, I have to actively choose that again for myself every day. I don’t want to live a life of comfort. Not even just physical comfort but also comfort in knowing what my day will look like. Y’all, If you only knew how many times I tried to decipher the “schedule” they gave us at Training Camp I would be embarrassed. My human nature loves to know the details. I want to know the minute we arrive somewhere and the second we leave, but as many loving people have told me, The World Race takes away that comfort too.
But that’s becoming okay.
Jesus pursues my heart every single day, and he expects me to pursue his. If I’m wasting this nine months worrying about details or missing out on things in the states then I’ve missed the whole point. I’ve missed seeing God move through the giggles of street kids or the beauty of spending time with a teammate.
I don’t want to be unintentional with this next season, or the one I’m living through now. What I’m learning is that this is a daily choice and surrender. That whole “daily bread” thing is no joke, y’all. If I can actively pursue Christ for all things then I will see him move when he’s ready to show me, and man I can’t wait for that.
– Elizabeth
P.S. I just want to thank any of you that have supported me financially or been paving the journey before me in prayer. It means the whole world to me.
P.S.S. I MOVE TO CAMBODIA IN LESS THAN TWO WEEKS!! eep!
