FAMILY, FRIENDS, and ALL OTHER BLOG READERS!!!!!
I have really been struggling this week with some things and even though I know I’m supposed to continue the race, I told God that if I didn’t meet the deadline today (Friday, September 27th), I wasn’t going to. However, I knew better and that I was just being stubborn and that no matter how much I hated some things, I would continue until I got sent home.
I walked to the park to get wi-fi, and checked my account. It was $100 closer to the deadline and still in need of over $1,000.
We were about to leave and I decided to check the account one more time in case anything changed. I have no idea why I did that since, from past experience, the account typically only refreshes once a day.
A donation from my mom showed up in my account for $1350 + processing fees. I thought it was a mistake and asked her.
This is what she said:
“What, you think it was an accident??? …Your work is not done and you aren’t supposed to come home yet xoxoxox”
I couldn’t believe what I was seeing and reading! I know this was a huge sacrifice for my parents to bless me in this way and I needed to hear those words of encouragement.
God is far more gracious with me than I deserve. My heart is not a huge fan of this journey. God has been so kind to me, but my heart hurts. Community is hard and loving well is HARD. The Lord teaches us that even non-believers love those who love them back, but as Christians, we stand out because we are called to love our enemies. We are called to love the people who we do not get along with, including those who even hate us. That hurts!
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Matthew 5:43-48 ESV
But, the Lord knows it is for the best and He is so carefully making it nearly impossible for me to walk away. I am so thankful because so often I know I’m on the brink of walking away from Him, but His love is too much and He never walks away from us. His love is so deep and He has not ceased to pursue me. I believe He will not stop until He has His way. I believe He will keep pursuing me until He has my heart, all of it, and He transforms me to look like His Son, Jesus.
Thank you all for all of your prayers, support and encouragement! I have now officially met the deadline and only have the remaining balance due January 1st to be able to finish this World Race journey!
May the Lord bless you tremendously for the kindness and generosity you have all shown me!
Just to clarify, I DO NOT hate The World Race. I have enjoyed this opportunity and wouldd not trade it for the world. I have enjoyed experiencing new cultures, people, places, God’s beautiful creation, foods and seeing this world outside of my small little US bubble. I have even enjoyed aspects of the community and been plesantly surprised by the love my team, squad, squad leaders, mentors and parents have shown me, but the journey is still the most difficult one I have been on to date, but there is still so much more to see and so much more for the Lord to show me. I can’t give up yet! I cannot go home yet! The Lord must finish this work He has begun in me and there is still work left for me to do.
Philippines, I will see you soon!
