Today marks 5 months that I have been away from my home and sweet family so in honor of that I thought I’d give a little recap of what I’ve learned.
1. You really can live out of a backpack for 11 months. All that stress and frustration I had about how to get the things I need in a 70L pack were not necessary. You can live in the same couple of t-shirts and pants and you can find the things you need abroad if you run out. Don’t fret.
2. Taking the time to see someone, speak to someone and just love them changes everything. “By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another”. – John 13:35
3. Beauty truly can be found in everything – even in the most broken of places.
4. Quality time is important. Taking the time to have the deep conversation with a teammate is just as important as setting out on an adventure on a couple of bikes with no destination in mind.
5. I embraced the bucket shower and learned how to bathe using less than 5 gallons of water – a mighty accomplishment if you’ve seen how long my hair is these days!
6. Worship does not just come in the form of singing a few songs – it can be expressed through dance, poetry, sitting quietly with Jesus and so much more, each of which are beautiful in their own way.
7. Bugs really aren’t that big of a deal. Name ’em and enjoy the new friend you have. The same applies for lizards.
8. The race is not one huge mountaintop experience where you are constantly consumed and overwhelmed with the presence of God. Some days are actually quite simple and some might even say boring. But it’s what you put in that you get out… Choosing to spend time with God, choosing to embrace His presence, choosing to give God the glory can make all the difference in your time on the race.
9. When crossing the street, do not make any sudden movements. Just walk, pray and see the cars and mopeds drive around you.
10. Eat the street food. It’s worth it. (just don’t go to the vendor that no one else is)
11. Embrace every moment, every stranger, every country and make it your home. A month really isn’t that long and that’s all we get to make a difference, make it count.
I’ve learned so much more since leaving home and setting out on this crazy adventure with Jesus called the World Race. It’s been difficult, challenging, hilarious and more than I ever could have imagined.
I have 5 1/2 months left ahead of me on the World Race…if I get the $2,900 I need to be fully funded. It is my hope and prayer that will continue to support me in my race so that I can finish this thing. God has been so faithful and I know He will continue to be. Thank you so much to all of you who have supported me thus far – I can never thank you enough!
All my love
– J
