This week didn’t feel like the week leading up to my birthday; it wasn’t as exciting as it had been in the past and I felt like there wasn’t anything special to look forward to this year. But I know my team much better than that.
Out of the 8 girls on my team, 5 have already had their birthdays on the race, and I’ve learned that we NEVER disappoint on a birthday. Without a doubt we go 110% for the birthday girl with surprises throughout the day and a celebration in the evening. Mine was much the same.
Although we had ministry on my birthday, I woke up excited for our plan of staying at a hotel that night. Throughout the day I got cards, hugs, gifts, and many birthday wishes, but I also got a chunk of free time where I got to sit with the Lord and reflect on my 19th year.
From my journal:
“Wow I’ve bade it 19 years- 19 laps around the sun. THANK YOU LORD! Thank you for making me the woman I am today, giving me the experiences I’ve had, and taking me to unbelievable places. Thank you for choosing me, calling me, and appointing me to be one of your disciples. It is my honor and joy to serve you all the days of my life. Thank you for blessing me with the most supportive and loving family. Thank you for giving me the best lifelong friends. Thank you for my World Race community that is teaching and growing me so much. Thank you for my team of sisters in Christ who love me, encourage me, and support me so well. Thank you for a 19 year long relationship with your Son, Jesus, and that it will last 19+ more years. Thank you for making me a leader, a lover, and a big sister. God you are so good to me and I will always live boldly for you.
Amen y Amen”
That night, my team and I took off across town in a tuk tuk to our beautiful hotel. We swam, ate pizza, and they surprised me with THE CUTEST little birthday cake (coconut flavored/ they know me so well). When it got late, and we got kicked out of the pool, we crashed into our beds in the cool AC (it’s a blessing because we have neither at our current home) and slept like rocks through the night. The next morning, Ella and I got pancakes for breakfast then went back to the hotel for more swimming with the girls. Sunday I came home with a sunburned face and feeling the happiest I’ve felt since being in Cambodia.
Even though I wasn’t home with my family and friends for my birthday, I was with my sisters and felt the same family kind of love.
Thank you Lord for 19 years of blessings and many more to come.
Many blessings,
Gracie J
