Did Not Finish
The final official full day on the World Race is officially over! A night full of pizza, ice cream, celebrations, prayer, worship, encouraging words, group photo, and the men making complete fools of ourselves doing impromptu skits to entertain the women. The day marked the end of a long journey consisting of 11 months, 11 countries, 13 unique teammates (not including “MANistry” or else it would be 18), 4 teams, and countless insights God has allowed me to see! Up to this point in my relatively short life of 25 years, I would have to say 2014 has been my biggest spiritual growth year!
Some might see this as a “finish” line! Woohoo Eric, you did it….now back to what you were previously doing.
I would say, I did not “finish” and there is still work to be done! God blessed me with another morning of air in my lungs, and passions in my heart; so I am going to seize the opportunity. The World Race is technically over but the lessons I have learned this year are still being developed and refined. Walking in obedience daily is an ongoing process. The Race has set things in motion that I wouldn’t of experience otherwise and for that I am grateful; and to that I will grab ahold of and make the most of it!
To me I see the World Race as not so much a finish line, but a STARTING block! Launching me into a new season in this life backed by an amazing community of 43 family members that I refer to as Z Squad. Cherishing all the moments we spent together, cementing this year for what it was; but most importantly LEVERAGING it going forward. I truly believe the best is yet to come for each and everyone of us.
I am also very grateful for all the love and support from the blogging world! It has been a blessing to share the experience of the World Race through words and some pictures! I hope you were encouraged, challenged, empowered, and had a couple laughs over the year!
Just a fair warning, I have never done this before! Never have I been outside of the United States for 11 months; live in 2nd and 3rd world countries for extended period of time; and experience some of life’s harsh realities that people have to live in daily. All that being said, I am a different person than when I left in January; and I have absolutely NO IDEA how I will respond to being back in America! Just like there is no real way to prepare for being abroad so long; there is also no real way to prepare to come back either!
Next up is 19 hours and 40 minutes worth of flight time with one overnight layover in Qatar before landing in JFK the day before Thanksgiving! My hope is to dominate jet lag so I will be conscious for Thanksgiving!
Future would be G42! Taking 6 months at the beginning of 2015 to further refine the visions God has laid on my heart! It will be a 6 month period of being poured into, equipped, and encouraged to make the visions a reality! Over the past year I have seen many needs around the world, different methods of spreading the Gospel, and endless ways to advance the Kingdom of God. Some broad takeaways concerning my vision:
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My love for Asia (especially Nepal and Thailand!)
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Business as mission
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Empowering the local community!
If you would like to continue (or start) to invest in me financially; to be apart of seeing my vision become a reality – check out my World Race home page or email me at [email protected]! I would love the opportunity to answer any specific questions you might have and connect on a one-on-one basis! Prayers is also much needed!
Again thank you for following the journey, reading the stories, and showing grace in grammar.
Here is a wonderful video created by the one and only Mandi Gummels! Also a must read blog by her is It’s the End of the World As We Know It
World Race – Month 10: Vietnam from Mandi Gummels on Vimeo.
Photo Collection
