This is my second time attempting to write this, I tried on the plane ride home but ended up not being able to stop crying. Heres take two,
As I am writing this I am currently sitting on my couch at home. I know what you may be thinking, “you’re home? I thought it was supposed to be at the end of August?” and yes, you’re right, but then the COVID-19 became a worldwide pandemic. With rapid border closings, Adventures In Missions decided to bring 600 racers home from the field for safety.
You also may be wondering how I’m doing, as of right now I’m good, I’m still not exactly sure what has just happened.
How it happened, on Friday the 13th we were called to an emergency squad meeting by our squad leaders, the following day, were supposed to hit the half way point of the race. Unfortunately we found out that day we were leaving the field early due to rapid border closings, within 24-hours we were on a bus out of Eswatini on our way to the airport, within 48-hours we were on a plane ride home to the states. We landed back in the states on Monday the 16th. Now as I’m writing this a week later after finding out we were coming home, I am sitting on my couch writing to you guys about being sent home.
Being sent home was always being a threat for doing something that was against our guidelines. This is the first time in the history of The World Race that an entire squad has been sent home, let alone every racer that is currently home safely and before the borders have closed.
As all 600 of us flood the US for the next few months something each of us should remember is that were still on mission. Just because we “left” the field does not mean our mission is over, for the foreseeable future our months are spent at home ministry on the field. The amazing workers at AIM have been working tirelessly to get all 600 of usering to those around us in our home towns and cities.
The Lord knew I was coming home before I started the race, he knew before I went to training camp, before I was accepted, before I even applied, heck, he knew I was going to be sent home before I was even born. This was the plan for me and everyone I launched with. As its said in Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for YOU” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper YOU and not the harm YOU plans to give YOU a hope and a future.” The plan was to come home, to be sent home.
My last 5 and a half months, 3 in South America, 2 and a half in Southern Africa. Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Lesotho, South Africa, and Eswatini. As many of you know I have fallen love in Africa, mainly South Africa. I fell in love with more than just the fact that I was in a surf town, I fell in love with the kids, my heart hurts for the poverty they live in. A nine year old barley knowing ABCs, or even 2+2. A 7th grader barley knowing how to spell words that you and I would consider simple, not even knowing how to pronounce it and being embarrassed that she doesn’t know how to pronounce the words. My heart hurt for those kids, it even broke a little for them. South Africa really reminded me how lucky I am to of had the education that I do have. They also encouraged musical and spiritual education while learning the stuff they don’t get to learn in class. I was given the opportunity to learn ukulele and teach it to a little girl.
Thank you for all of your continued support while I was on this journey. I can’t wait to continue this and see what the Lord has for me. If you have any questions regarding the race please feel free to ask. Thank you
Erika
