Coming home is going to be overwhelming for some of us racers. We will have been away from home for 9 months. We, as a squad and as individuals, have learned so many new things. Some of us stepped into being on our own for the first time on the race. Some of us might have just started a real relationship with God consisting of truly worshipping Him with our entire being. Some of us have learned for to first time how to live life on a mission. Everything we learned and knew for 9 months will be shifted overnight.
Not everyone at home knows the things we’ve been through as a squad. We have been with each other through thick and thin; through limited showers, through eating bread for every meal, through spiritual growth, through defeating the devil, through loving people well, through discipling others, through healing, and through so much more. I have never been so invested in a group of people or into God as I have been on this trip. And don’t get me wrong, after this trip I will be striving to look for everything I experienced on the World Race to become reality in life at home. I thank God for the things I’ve learned and the beautiful people I’ve met, especially my squad.
I just want to brag on my squad for a little bit and tell you how stinking loved I’ve felt by these wonderful people. My squad has come around me when I needed something, they have given me such joy, they have pushed me in my faith, they have loved me no matter where I was, they have rejoiced with me, and so much more. The day when I have to say goodbye to them in the airport in Miami will be such a weird day because these are the people I’ve spent everyday with for the past year. We have persevered together and stuck it out. We are a squad who works together when things come up and I have appreciated every second of learning to not give up, but to press in even more. Thank you my beautiful people.
With all this change and amazing God moments, we are ready for what God is doing next. Right now, that means coming home to communities we left 9 months ago. To help us racers with coming home to TONS of questions, here are some suggested questions you could ask us:
- What was the coolest thing you saw God do this year?
- What area did you grow in the most this year?
- What did you learn that you want to bring into your community at home?
- What was the most fun adventure?
- What was the most fun memory with your team? Squad?
- Which country was your favorite? Why?
- What did God teach you in each country?
- Who are people you never want to forget? Why?
- What big dreams did God give you during your year away?
- What was the race like overall?
- Which country was the hardest?
- When did you feel like quitting? Why did you feel that way?
- What was your favorite thing about travel days?
- What areas were hard for you to grow in?
- Are you excited to be home? Why?
- What ministry was your favorite?
- What was worship like?
- What was your favorite food?
- Is there any place you’d love to go back to?
- What were living situations like?
Here are just some starter questions.
Personally, I am excited to return home because God has put SO many things on my heart. He has asked me to fix relationships, spend more time with certain people, invest into my church in different ways, serve my city, continue to be all-in at home with God and bring people into a relationship with God, lead missions, pursue big dreams unafraid, discipleship, and SO MUCH MORE. I cannot wait for what’s next. God has given me big dreams as well that will take me saying yes to go wherever. I’m overjoyed for this serious walk with God; no messing around.
See you soon America.
Much love, Gabs.
