Well, it's that time. Time to embrace the unknown and enter a continent where the customs, traditions, clothing, food, and culture are all completely different than the ones I have become accustomed to in the past six months.
It's scary, it's exciting, it's an adventure. There is no way to know what it will be like in Africa… will we have running water? Will we be sleeping in tents or have a room? Am I going to like any of the food? What will our ministry be? Etc. etc. etc.
One thing I know for sure is that this is going to be a growing period of the race. I feel like I'm going from Washington D.C. to India like month one, except now it's Vietnam to Uganda. All the stories I've heard about Africa aren't exactly comforting but the fact that it's challenging is a good sign. I want that challenge. I don't want to get comfortable, not yet. Not ever really. At least not in the sense that I'm not growing or learning or changing. I remember when I was a senior in high school and you had to write what your future plans were for the yearbook. Mine was something along the lines of never being too comfortable where I am to not be willing to go where God calls me. That is something I always want to live by. I don't mind having the "comforts" of home as long as they don't consume me to the point that I'm not willing to leave them.
To be honest, I got pretty comfortable this month. We had all the conveniences and ammenitites we could want right at our fingertips. It's still not exactly like it would be at home, but it's the closest we are going to come on the race. Now it's my last night in Vietnam and i'm frustrated with myself and my selfishness. I spent my last day going to see two movies and consuming food I know I won't have access to for another five months. I wasn't thinking about the people I met here this month, or even my teammates who I spend every day with. I was going to do what I wanted to do and nobody was going to stop me. There is nothing wrong with how I chose to spend my time and nobody really cared, but at the end of the day I'm upset. I'm upset that I didn't spend my last day here, or much of the past month investing more in the things that really mattered. I figured this was my month to do what I wanted and I was going to take advantage of it as much as I could. I threw selflessness, self-control, and self-discipline out the window. Like any other month, there was an opportunity to grow in new ways and to pursue the Lord throughout each and every day. I can't say I did that. However, I'm learning from my mistakes and asking for forgiveness. I have already asked for accountability from my teammates in setting up a plan to be seeking the Lord daily and have been challenged by them step into more of what God has called me to do and be. Things like speaking wisdom, instead of holding back and leading in the ways that He has gifted me in.
On another note, I'm super thankful for all the support and love I received this month. From packages, to letters, financial donations, skype conversations, facebook messages, emails, blog comments, pictures, and videos… I couldn't be happier for easy communication with family and friends! You have all blessed me tremendously starting long before the race even began and continuing still. Thank you!
I'm pleased to announce that I am officially fully funded! If you would like to continue supporting me, there are many extra costs on the race that our initial fundraising does not cover. Things like all the gear we had to purchase to travel and live with for the year, extra food, clothing, and other regular expenses that you would encounter at home… not much changes when you travel haha. So please feel free to continue helping me not worry about any financial stress when things come up. Unfortunately, money sent to my account once I am fully funded does not go directly towards me so you can send it to my parents instead and they will make sure it goes towards my World Race expenses. Their address is as follows:
Jaime Cox
1234 W. Springhill Ct.
Cary, NC 27511
God Bless! Updates from Africa might be few and far between but I'll do my best. Love you all!
(Forgot to post our Christmas video we made in Cambodia, enjoy!)
