Welcome back to my series on how the Lord used The World Race Gap Year to change my life! If you haven’t read part 1 on intimacy, go check it out now 🙂
COMMUNITY
Community has by far been my favorite part of the race & the biggest blessing over the past 9 months.
Before the race, I prayed for friendships like this, and now the community I’m surrounded by is richer than I could have ever imagined. At every point on the race, I’ve looked at the people around me & have been filled with gratitude, seeing the Father’s answer to my prayers through each one of my squadmates.
The first few months of the race were spent getting to know each other. Sharing & learning about all of the life we had lived up until the race. Now I know these people so well. I know their stories. I know their families. I know what makes them joyful. Frustrated. I know their quirks. More than just knowing about them, I’ve gotten to experience 9 months of life by their sides. We’ve walked through a lot of highs & a lot lows together, and I wouldn’t trade that for anything.
These people have seen me on some of my best days, and some of my lowest days, and have shown me the same love through it all. They’ve loved me enough to speak hard truth over me. They’re people who won’t settle for less than what the Lord has to offer. They display the Lord’s love in all that they do. They’re worshippers. Encouragers. They’re atmosphere changers. They’re in constant pursuit of the Father’s heart, and it’s visible in all that they do.
I could go on & on about all the ways these people have changed my life. All the things they’ve walked with me through, and the experiences we’ve shared, but it would be impossible to put it all into words.
So at the end of the day, I’ll miss this community like crazy. I’ll miss the chaos of being surrounded by 30+ people 24/7. I’ll miss squad meals. Squad worship. Sleeping in a room with my sweet team. Cooking meals. Sharing testimonies. Noisy bus rides full of laughter & music. Doing ministry together. Crying together. Laughing together. Just living life together.
I’ve called a lot of different places home in the past 9 months, but in each one, I’ve been surrounded by the people I’m honored to call family. My heart hurts so bad knowing it won’t be this way forever, but I’m so grateful for these 9 months & the beautiful promise that this isn’t the end – it’s just the beginning!
I love you big, Gap D.
