Here are some questions y’all asked:
1. In what ways has your relationship with Jesus developed over the course of your race? I have grown tremendously with Jesus throughout these past 9 months. One specific way my relationship has grown is in listening prayer. I have been able to hear the Lord so clearly sometimes through words, visions, or pictures. Another way I have grown in my relationship with Jesus is that I have been able to see Him so clearly in more aspects of my life. I have learned how to speak to Him more often (pray without ceasing) and that has been such a cool thing to be in constant communication with the Lord.
2. What has the Lord revealed to you about your identity while on the race that you didn’t know before?
He has revealed to me that I am a calm and steady presence towards others no matter the situation. He has revealed to me that I am a patient and loyal friend with a willingness to listen.
3. Has God shown you what your future endeavors will be and what path you will take?
He has shown me what my future endeavors could look like. However, I’m not sure of the timeline of any of these things, but I feel as though the Lord would like for me to do the El Camino in Spain and use that as a chance to evangelize and talk to people about Jesus and all that He has done in my life thus far. He has really shown me what I have a passion for, which is to make life more accessible for physically handicapped people. I’m not sure if that looks like starting a non-profit or finding an organization that already does something along those lines. That has been a passion of mine for a couple of years, but the Lord really highlighted it to me during the Race.
4. What is the grossest thing you eaten?
The grossest thing I’ve eaten is probably liver and that was just the other day.
5. What is your favorite country?
As of right now my favorite country is Peru.
6. Who is a host you will keep up with after the race?
Probably the host I have right now since she is closer in age and is super awesome. She does everything with us and is from the United States as well.
7. What is the most interesting scripture analogy?
In Ethiopia we sifted dirt before we turned it into bricks, so we had to make sure there were no rocks or giant clumps. The sifting process could be compared to the verse in Psalms 12:6 “The words of the Lord are pure words, like silver refined in a furnace on the ground, purified seven times.”
8. What would you differently before starting the race?
One thing I wish I had done more of was pray. I feel as though I didn’t pray enough throughout the day before I left for the Race. I also wish I would have trusted the Lord more in knowing that He has control over everything, and that I just need to be obedient to Him and be bold because if He is for me who can be against me.
9. What would you tell a future racer?
I would tell a future racer to pray bold and big prayers. Don’t be afraid to get out of your comfort zone because it’s going to happen multiple times on the race and that’s when you’ll grow the most. Feedback is a way of loving your teammates/squadmates and it helps them grow-don’t be afraid of it.
10. What has been the most mentally challenging part for you?
There are a lot of things actually. One thing that is spiritual and mental is learning how to trust the Lords voice over my own thoughts. Sometimes I have gotten homesick and miss the luxuries of just being able to do things on my own time frame without anyone else. There is also this thing we call “fomo”. It is a fear of missing out. I sometimes have this interal struggle where I have fomo or if I should just stay home spend time by myself and with Jesus.
Thank you for giving me questions to answer and for all of your prayers and support! In a small amount of time I will be back in the USA.
