Adventures WorldRace SethBarnes Sponsorship Giving

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If I had of known what stretching would have been done in me this month, I would have tried to run. It started with the getting here and now being here – after believing and standing firm on my faith and hope of being here in Split! Now I’m here and still growing…still learning and changing and being molded…
 
Okay…it hasn’t been that bad. In fact, it has been amazing. It’s been helpful to help re-learn what it is like to work and to make the most out of the time I have with the people I have grown to love – my team, my sisters, my friends!

Upon arrival and getting to know the Global Cafe team, I heard David playing guitar…and was immediately captivated, knowing that it’s one thing I have missed this year – being able to play guitar. It is something I enjoy, but do not take pride in or will do in front of people. I love leading worship and being involved in corporate worship, yet it’s another thing to do with a guitar in my hand…

Things quickly began to change, as I was allowed to play David’s guitar and space to play to my heart’s content…then I was asked to LEAD for team devotions. It would only be for my team and them – so a handful of people – yet it was still stretching. I did it willingly, yet it was hard to immediately jump at the opportunity…

I practiced and practiced and practiced…and kept trying to pray about what songs to do…and trying to remain focused on HIM and not about me, what I do or how I play…but making it worshipful regardless of the sound from my end. I was nervous…playing and singing myself is not hte same as having others sing WITH me! Yet, the more I played, the more comfortable I began to feel, and the more I
fell in love with HIM all over again – I was in a daze, my own little
world. Just me and God. Yes, others were there, but it wasn’t about them, nor for them. Something so “simple,” yet so stretching was exactly what I needed in order to get over my fears, rejection and comparison. 

Not only have I been stretched, we have spent countless hours as a team, going over how we have seen each other grow this year…as well as sharing our favourite memories, fears and the excitements of going home.  We have been standing up for each other, speaking our hearts, hurts, concerns, joys and blessings. What a blessing to have this time together…everything from movies to bible studies to laughing, playing games, praying – and at times, even crying!

We were blessed to receive FREE tickets to the Opera. We were planning on buying tickets, yet when we went to get prices and seats, found out that a promotion was on…so we were able to get free tickets! It was a great time as a team to get dressed up, go out and taste a piece of Croatia!
I am blessed to be where I am, with the people I am with, and learning all I am learning. It doesn’t matter if I make a mistake while playing guitar or have a huge smile because of a little unexpected blessing – we STILL love, care and appreciate each other. Just because this is my LAST few days with my team and the LAST ministry of the race as I know it, does not mean it is the end of ministry – ministry is a part of me, and will go with me wherever I go! My team may not be right at my side like they have been the last 11 months – accessible 24/7 – but they are no less my sisters, and they will always be a part of my life and my family!