Manila
The weeks are dwindling as time moves closer to the return home. Soon I will be landing in the Sunshine State and greeted by my family face to face instead of Facetime. Then I feel like it will seem as though it had never happened. And soon it will fade into only a memory.
I know my Race isn’t over just yet and I’m living what’s left of it to the best of my ability and making the most of every opportunity. (THREE MORE WEEKS) It will be a part of my life for the rest of my life. I cannot remove myself from that part of my life, what it has brought into my life. Such as 40 beautiful souls I have had the privilege to travel the world with. Travel the world? Even now that hits me that I actually have circled the globe. I’m a traveler, a missionary. I now have friends and connections around the world. I’ve lived things I never thought I’d live.
I’ve heard those on my squad say that they don’t want the Race to be the mountain top of their life, and that confused me for a while. (Mainly, because I’m slow. Don’t worry, I got it.) They mean they want to keep going higher and closer and better and better. They want to keep reaching for that “something more” in life that brought them on the Race and find even higher experiences.
Even if nothing ever works out in my life, I pray that I will know that He is always there. If no one else ever loves me or accepts me, I pray I will be reminded that He always will. I am always loved dearly and forgiven. I have the breath of life in me. The spirit of freedom and adventure run through my veins. For the rest of my life after the Race, I will keep chasing that “something more” life. I’ll keep going after being free and stronger and braver and bolder and trusting God. I want to be more those things than I already am now. I want to make changes for the better and run head long into those challenges. I don’t want to stop running. This is the race of life itself.
Breakfast in San Mateo, Philippines
The Race doesn’t end here when I land in the United States in three weeks. It goes on for the rest of my life. What I’ve lived here I can live further in life. Applying things I’ve learned. This is the fire that has been lit inside of me. The fire of life. The determination in my eyes, the fight in my body. I don’t want to back down. I want to stand up. Continually.
All because of Him. The One who got me out here. The One who is always faithful and constantly pursuing and knowing. The One who has loved me and forgiven me. The One has been there and known me before I existed. The One I’m falling in love with since He has so passionately loved me and has pursued me like a lover this whole Race. I’m in love. He’s The One.
I’m dreaming of a good life. The rest of my life chasing Jesus. And that starts now.
For His glory and His story.
Until next time’s reflection. Thanks for keeping up with me.
