This is James again, taking another shot at this blogging thing. Kristin and I have started going through the packing list and planning what we need to get for the World Race. I don’t think I realized before what we were all going to need. We go camping, at least a couple of times of year, and we travel on occasion. But our back packs and sleeping bags are from high school. Our tent was a wedding gift. All of our either gear is second hand and not meant for real backpacking. We know that if we are going to live out of our packs for 11 months, we will need a few upgrades.
I have never enjoyed shopping for myself, at least when it comes to things that concerning my body. Don’t get me wrong, I like my body and the way I look. The problem is that I am 6′ 4″ and the majority of you are not. Sadly most companies manufacture things for the majority, so buying things like clothes, sleeping bags, tents…. it all starts to get annoying for me.
Looking for all these items reminded me of growing up. I was always having to get new jeans, or new shoes, or new shirts, all because I was growing. It seemed like jeans never last more than 6 months because I either grew out of them or I destroyed them (sorry Mom!). I was happy when I finally stopped growing! Jeans are still hard to buy but they seem to last a lifetime now (a year is a long time for me).
I thought I was done growing spiritually, too. I was happy with where I was at. I knew I was saved and felt that Kristin and I were living a happy, loving, Godly marriage. But then we started playing with the worship team on occasion, and now we are worship team leaders in our small church. We started playing music with the Youth Group, and are now full fledged Youth Group leaders. Every Wednesday we do a lesson with these kids and often times find we are learning just as much as they are. We are still growing up spiritually.
It seems there is no end to our spiritual growth, and it feels like that is how it should be. God wants us to continue to grow, to strive to serve, and desire to learn as much about him as we can. He has blessed all of us with gifts that can only be used to their full potential by glorifying him. That is why I want to go on the World Race. I am not done growing yet. I want to find the gifts that God has given me and practice them, develop them, and learn more about Him and myself over this 11 month trip.
Thank you to everyone who has supported us so far. We feel so grateful and are truly excited. I hope we can make you proud as we serve God and help the world with your support.
