Many of you know that I have been in a relationship for nearly 3 years now. So when I announced that I was doing the World Race, many people were shocked that I was willing to leave Joshua for an entire year. So many people asked, “What does he think about that?” And with pride I got to say that he has been my biggest supporter and cheerleader this year. From the very beginning he has been encouraging me and joining me on this journey. He is truly amazing. I asked him to write a blog from his perspective. Enjoy!
I will never forget walking Erin back to her dorm from a game night our freshmen year of college at Evangel University. We were still just getting to know each other and she decided to let me in on a little secret (but I think she was mostly trying to scare me off!). She told me she felt called to leave for a year on this thing called The World Race, where she would be ministering to people all over the world for 11 months. That blew my mind, but I was stubborn and a few months later I was asking her to be my girlfriend. As you can probably tell, I am not great at taking hints! I wouldn’t change it for the world though because I have had the chance to pursue Christ with, have great adventures with, and enjoy life with the most wonderful girl for almost three years.
When she left, I had no idea what would happen, all I knew is I had faith in God’s hand in our relationship and in the call He had given her to travel the world spreading His love. I never knew how much I would actually be challenged while communicating with Erin on the trip. While she was gone, I was in the midst of the busiest semester of my college career. As a music education student, I was in the process of completing my hardest classes, a senior recital, concerts, a self-directed Broadway benefit concert, and impending graduation. I was glad to be kept busy knowing full well I would miss Erin so much. Little did I know that God would use some of the incredible things He was using Erin for all the way across the world in Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam, to even encourage me of His faithfulness and providence back in Springfield, MO.
Don’t get me wrong, long distance has certainly not been easy. I even think the term “long distance” doesn’t quite cut it for this type of situation. Communication is so hard. Being a male who exhibits classic male deficiency in texting communication, I have had to really keep myself accountable to responding when I have a break in my day because Erin has often been on a completely different sleep schedule, time zone, or ministry schedule than I am used to. Switching between 7, 8, 9, 12, 13, and 14 hour time differences has been interesting to say the least. But, this just makes all the time I get to talk to her, pray with her, and hear her incredible stories that much more meaningful and exciting.
My favorite story was certainly the incredible opportunity she had to share the good news of Jesus Christ with some refugees in Bosnia. Though I only could experience it after-hand through a FaceTime call, I could feel the energy all the way in the US as she explained the exchange to me. Is it not incredible that the message of Jesus Christ transcends all barriers? Language, culture, gender, race, political affiliation, personality, etc. The Gospel speaks to something deeper, and no matter how uncomfortable, we hold the responsibility to share that Good news. Each time I hear a story of God’s providence across the world with Erin, I am reminded that we too, here in the good ole US, can experience the same things if we challenge ourselves to dive deeper into the marvelous presence of our Creator.
I challenge you as Erin has challenged me, to read these blogs not just for a good read, but as a personal challenge. How can we bring Heaven to Earth wherever we go? Whether it be 11 countries around the world, or the coffee shop right down the street! Let us commit to being the tangible hands and feet of Christ.
Also, I highly encourage dating a World Racer! Sure it takes a lot of commitment, prayer, faith, and intentionality, but wow the incredible spiritual and relational growth that has come from it has been irreplaceable!
Thanks for listening and God bless,
-Joshua
