A Year Ago Today
A year ago today I applied for the World Race.
What the heck.
A year ago today I didn’t know that I would experience the most challenging year of my life so far.
I didn’t know I would experience a spiritual and emotional desert that left me feeling broken and defeated.
I didn’t know that I would crumble under the shame of sin.
I didn’t know how ill-prepared I would feel to embark on an 11 month mission trip telling the world about Christ’s love.
But that’s not all.
One year ago today I couldn’t have ever imagined the tangible presence of Emmanuel with me every moment of everyday, that I experienced this year. Through the highest and the lowest moments, He was with me.
One year ago today I wouldn’t have ever thought that I would be able to empathize and love at such a deeper level.
One year ago today I never thought I would struggle with sin or be FREE of it like I am today.
I didn’t know that my World Race friends and staff would become some of my best friends in just six weeks of knowing them.
I didn’t know that I would spend my 22nd birthday in the Philippines celebrating with strangers who immediately treated me like family.
I didn’t know that I would be welcomed in to life with a bunch of teenage boys who are willing to call me sister.
I didn’t know I would swim in rivers with kids in a secluded village in the mountains.
I didn’t know I would comfort grieving mothers or console confused brothers.
I didn’t know I would pray with women in prison.
I didn’t know I would climb volcanoes and share the Gospel.
Get in jeepneys and share the Gospel.
Go to malls and share the Gospel.
I didn’t know I would feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and in all of it bring the hope of the Gospel to all those who were willing to hear.
One year ago today, I had no idea what this year would hold. But God pulled through. Not just despite of the lows, but through the lows, He taught me that He is God, He is in control, only He knows what this next year has in store. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.
My God has been so graciously faithful to me in this year, and I see His fingerprints all over this past year of my life. I’m so excited to look back and see what He had in store for me a year from now.
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Ps.
I also didn’t know that I would be spending October 28, 2018 riding in a van with 24 people (I’ll post a video soon – I’ve never laughed and sweat so hard in my life).
I love you dear people! Thank you for reading, thank you for praying, thank you for loving me! Spend some time with Papa today, He’s excited to talk to you about your year too.
