As I sit trying to reflect on this month, I wonder what it is that I have taken away from this month. It was a pretty chill month for us. Having three World Race teams together (20 people) did add a new aspect. There were some things that I can say I learned from this month that I will not only take with me for the next 6 months on the Race, but also when I head home.
1. Rest is good. Usually I am go go go person. I like to always be doing something. I hate to be bored. I like to occupy my time and to accomplish things. And though we had some ministry to do this month (digging trenches and moving dirt for 3 hours every morning), there was a lot of downtime. It was then my goal to occupy my free time with something, while in the middle of the country in Romania. Sounds fun right? Well I learned that downtime is nice. It allowed me time to rest, spend time with God, build relationships not only with my team, but with others on the squad. This was definitely an “internal ministry” month.
2. It’s okay to trust. Ever since month 4 debrief in Bucharest, I have been struggling with opening up and truly trusting my team. It was something I desired, but the whole acting upon it was something I was struggling with. Then I saw myself little by little beginning to open up and confide in particular members of our family. But that wasn’t very fair to the other 3 Family Force 6 members, and so I decided it was time to give up the fear of judgment and know that my Family loves for me and cares for me.
3. Feedback isn’t such a bad thing. Feeback had come to now be such a positive thing for our team. I always had this fear of giving constructive feedback because of being unsure of how it would be taken or was it for selfish reasons that I was telling someone this. There just seemed to be a lot involved. And receiving constructive feedback from others made me scared because it pointed out my faults and pretty much how I disappointed people which I truly hate to do. Towards the end of this month we had Super Feedback. And in reality it wasn’t that bad. I was able to help the others in my team be challenged and pushed UP into greatness and the same as for others gave me feedback. It was great.
4. God is working no matter what. With not really having constant ministry it was difficult, but it was keeping the mindset that even though I was not holding orphans all day, that what I was doing in Romania was worth it. Whether it was pick-axing away at the frozen earth or spreading out piles of dirt. God is working. Ministry may not be exactly what I wanted it to be, or even what I really desired it to be, but whether I realized it or not, God was still working and using me this month. It wasn’t a complete waste after all.
5. Greater things are yet to come. Never stop doubting what God is doing or even what He is going to do! Being almost halfway through the race brings joy but also sadness. I have had great experiences the past 5 months in both South America and Europe. I have loved every minute of it (almost). I have seen God do some great things and have experienced freedom like never before. But this isn’t the end! It will only continue throughout the next 6 months in Africa and Asia and is only beginning in my life. Expect God to do great things and He will come through!
**THANK YOU FOR ALL THE PRAYERS AND SUPPORT YOU HAVE GIVEN ME OVER THIS PAST YEAR OR SO SINCE I SIGNED UP FOR THE WORLD RACE! I STILL HAVE 6 MONTHS LEFT ON THE RACE ONLY IF I RAISE $1,500 MORE BY JANUARY 1, 2011! IT'S ONLY PENNIES TO THE GOD OF THE UNIVERSE! PLEASE KEEP THIS IN YOUR PRAYERS!!**
