I’ve been back in the States for a couple weeks now and finally taken the time to sit with God and process everything that He’s done in my life this past year.
Words are hard right now, but I can articulate that the World Race has been easily the most life changing experience. I can confidently say I did what I was called to do. I served people and I loved people all around the world. God taught me and shaped me so much in the process, giving me lessons and experiences I will forever hold in my heart. Here are a few:
In Colombia, I learned just how deep the love I have for children is, and just how much kids bring me life, hope and the purest joy of Christ. Here, Jesus taught and tangibly showed me what childlike faith truly looks like: you trust and you follow Him so persistently and resiliently, you are constantly humbled, amazed and in awe of His wonder, and you remain joyful and hopeful through it all.
In Ecuador, Jesus taught me about presence. How sometimes, presence is more than enough. My Spanish is poor so verbal communication was beyond hard, but everyday for 2 weeks I was able to run around and play sports with kids of all ages. I didn’t feel like I was doing enough or being useful in furthering the Kingdom, but when we left Ecuador, I was humbled by the parting gifts and tears from kids I couldn’t remember the names of. Before we left, my team and I were able to see 21 students accept Jesus. Walking in His joy, His kindness and having immense faith in Him brings Christ into the room so very clearly. People can feel it. Presence is sometimes just enough.
In Thailand, I learned and experienced both the joys of teaching, and the weight and importance of it. I taught 8 senior classes in Thailand, each full of beautifully special 17-20 year olds trying to find themselves and their way in life. My heart for this age group and discipleship grew immensely in my 2 months there. God showed me that if I really wanted to lead these kids and bring Jesus into their lives, I had to show them and walk out myself what living a Christ like life is suppose to look like – to love abundantly in every way possible. I shared my testimony more than I ever have before, I tried my best to lead my kids and leaned on God so much in the process. I left joyful and humbled, and able to see a tangible change in the hearts of some of my students.
Cambodia was hard, but fruitful. Here, I learned that being relational like Jesus was when He walked on earth is a full time job. You can be friends with anyone, give someone your time at any moment, and show anyone anywhere simple love and kindness. That is who Jesus is, and that is who He has called us to be. On one adventure day, I met a 13 year old girl while on a boat that took us to swim in the middle of a lake. We swam in the big lake together, picked and ate some weird flowers from the water on the front end of the boat, and laughed over the communication barrier because I definitely don’t speak Khmer. Before she left on a boat with her dad, she gave me a necklace made of wire and giant snail shells. I was beyond humbled and shocked, and could barely find the words to thank her. Simple love and simple kindness goes a long way in people’s hearts.
Albania showed me that every job, whether it’s gross or small or exhausting or weird or seemingly insignificant, is an act of service. All beneficial and helpful in their own way. All opportunities to show Christ to someone whether you know it or not. On the farm in Albania, we did some really strange, gross and random jobs (ie shoveling pig poop for hours on end, cutting down trees, cleaning out algae filled water tanks, building dog houses, etc). Through the difficulties of feeling useless after going weeks without sharing the Gospel or even Jesus’ name with anyone, God showed up and revealed that even the smallest of jobs is a chance to shine Christ’s light. Sometimes it’s just about giving a hard working farmhand a break and shoveling the pig poop and milking the goats for him. Albania was truly humbling.
To everyone who’s supported me financially or with prayer, my deepest gratitude goes to you. Because of you, I was able to take a year to root myself and my identity in the Lord and love on so many of His people. Lives were changed, hearts were touched, and Jesus was so incredibly present through all of it. Blogging has become a passion of mine while being on the Race, so thank you to everyone that has been reading them and supporting me in my writing. My World Race journey may be over, but the mission to love as beautifully as Jesus does is not.
Please feel free to contact me through my social media (FB – Emily Lasiter, IG – emily_lasiter) or email me ([email protected]) if you would like to hear more about my experience on the World Race!
