The pictures I post on Instagram don’t always show the true reality of the World Race. The World Race isn’t always-or usually-beautiful sunsets, smiling babies, and trying “bucket list” experiences. It’s hard, really hard. It’s challenging physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. This isn’t a pity party post, or a outlet to complain. It’s a way to give you insight to what our reality looks like beyond occasional Instagram pictures.
Our adventure days are only a tiny portion of how we spend our time, but ministry isn’t a spectated event; hardly ever is it appropriate to take pictures during ministry hours.
I’ve watched teammates and squadmates be sick and hurting, and not have access to proper healthcare to heal them.
Electricity has not ever been guaranteed.
Squad mates and teammates have missed funerals of loved ones.
Many of us have missed weddings, births, and not been able to speak to our families on important holidays.
Multiple times I’ve eaten moldy food, because it was either that or don’t eat.
Hot showers are a rare gift.
Showers at all are a gift.
I’ve seen sick and starving animals and not been able to help them.
Our clothes are full of holes, full of stains, and full of sweat.
I’ve been told that I wasn’t liked because I’m “too loud” and “too bubbly.”
I’ve been told I’m “too quiet” and that I don’t talk enough.
My country is changing, and I am so far removed from it I honestly have no idea what’s going on back home.
I don’t have control over who my friends are, what food I eat, where I live or where I sleep.
The combination of dehydration, cheap and processed food, little to no exercise and not great sleep makes me feel exhausted most days.
We travel hours and hours and hours to reach our destinations.
I’ve averaged a new place to sleep every 7 days for the past 7 months.
Multiple of my squadmates have been robbed while on the field.
I’ve seen children who are desperately poor; who dig through the dump for clothes to wear, toys to play with, and food to eat.
Men have said vulgar things and have been aggressive with my teammates and I.
There have been times I’ve felt shame for being a woman.
The mission field is messy. Every frustration, tear, and wave of homesickness is well worth the Kingdom purpose, but it doesn’t make this an easy process. There is so, so much beauty and joy and love and kindness throughout this journey, but there are trials and heartbreaks, and disappointments, and long travel days to get you there.
But through those trials, we lean on God alone for clarity and strength. Without his guidance we would be lost and angry. Some days on the Race can feel like walking through the valley of death. But, God is walking along beside us and keeps us moving. He doesn’t allow us to take a seat and stay there. With God, we find abundance even-and especially in the valley.
Thank you friends and family for interceding for me. I know my name as well as the names of my teammates and squadmates are being brought before the Father, and it is making a difference.
Tomorrow I depart Southern Africa and move forward to the last leg of my journey, Southeast Asia.
We’d love prayers for safety and favor as we travel to South Africa, Dubai, and finally Malaysia to begin month 8!
Much love
Elizabeth
