I’ll just say I know this blog is uncharacteristically short, but I just wanted to share with you a pinch of what I was reminded of in these last few weeks.
We just experienced what the World Race calls “The Awakening”. So there was us… 15 world racers doing 11 countries in 11 months with 4 alumni squad leaders who will eventually be dropping off and returning home after month 5. And then there was two gap year squads. Gap year squads are groups of 30-50 young adults (18-21) who go to 4-6 countries in 9 months with predetermined ministries in each country. In total there was just under a hundred people who met up in Quito, Ecuador. One group traveled from Malawi and are staying for three months in Ecuador. One group came from Peru and is on their way to India/Nepal for three months. Our group finally made it to Peru and are finishing up our time here in South America before heading to Europe!
I can’t lie… it was a little overwhelming thinking about so many people getting together in one place, only to get to know each other and build bonds for a short few days and then say goodbye again. However, the hype and energy filling every space was so encouraging. You would have never known the other two squads were in month six of their trip. We stayed at a seminary/school type place where everyone had a bed, the showers were hot, and the food was on point. Blessings abounded… but things only got better as we got to know one another, exchanged stories about the LoRd being incredible all over the world, and experienced worship in a community setting. It was such a refreshing time to be prayed over, poured into, and given the opportunity to do the same for others.
As time went on and I felt like I was answering the same questions over and over again, I noticed one phrase that kept coming out of my mouth “…And then the LoRd.” First when I would talk about moving from religion to relationship with Him, and then when I would explain the season of wrestling with the LoRd about going on the race. In both of these cases (and really a lot of different situations throughout this life now that I’m thinking about it), the LoRd stopped me in my tracks. He turned me around. He saved me and redeemed me. He brought me into relationship with Him. He graciously wove Himself into every fiber of my being. He is so good. He goes above and beyond. I smile every time I think about Him and rejoice over how He has gotten involved. I was on one path, going in one direction… and then the LoRd.
