"What we call the beginning is often the end and to make an end is to make a beginning. The end is where we start from." – T.S. Eliot
Final Debrief. Two words that sum up something that I have been both dreading and looking forward to in the last few weeks and it's finally here. It is hard for me to believe, and in some cases accept, that it really is that time already. It is hard to put in to words how strange it is to hear those two words. It is difficult to go out in to town knowing how precious these last few moments, the last meals, the last laughs, the last little bit of sharing feedback, with my squadmates truly are. At the same time it serves as motivation, motivation to be intentional more than I ever have been before. I have struggled with shyness over the course of my life but living in the community of the World Race has taught me that being intentional, while it can be uncomfortable at times, is worth the effort. Intentionality leads to vulnerability which leads to accountability and blessings and growth beyond anything we could ever dream of. During this process of breaking chains and discovering more about who we are there is sometimes a tendency, usually unintentionally, to leave the good things behind along with the bad things. Moving into this next phase of life, that is something that I desperately want to avoid. I have learned so much from being around these crazy spirit people that I've found myself wondering what I'm going to do without them and, quite frankly, it scares me.
Over the course of the race a common theme that my squad has talked about has been steps, paths, phases and seasons. Regardless of what term you use, each of these things has something in common. They all have a beginning and an end. In my season of life before The World Race I had a great job, a great church community, a fully paid for car, a roof over my head and more McDonald's than I knew what to do with. I was living the American dream, a much poorer version of the American dream but the American dream none the less. It was my American dream. Over the past 11 months I've lived the simple life. This season of life has included no microwaves, refrigerators, or cell phones, and limited internet. I have walked and talked with those trapped in poverty, prayed for the sick, played endless amounts of soccer, taught English to more children than I can count, seen miracles, allowed myself to be vulnerable with my community of believers, led many to saving faith in Christ, and endured winter weather, sweltering heat and demonic attacks. Through it all Jesus has been the one constant thing that has held me up and pushed me forward. Even though this season of my life is over it is comforting to know that His good work in me will continue and because of that my good works through Him will also be endless.
