As you can probably imagine, getting prepared for the World Race has been tough, emotional, rewarding, trying, exciting, and a whole plethora of different emotions. I wanted to write about the people in my life that have helped me get through this time, in one way or another.
First, there’s mom and dad. When I first told them about the World Race, they were skeptical to say the least. Both mom and dad had conversations with me about whether or not this was really the right thing to do. I know it must have been scary to hear about their only daughter wanting to travel the world to tell people about Jesus and serve in various types of ministry settings. In fact, I think it’s still scary for them. However, after several conversations, something beautiful started to happen. They were able to look past their own fears and thoughts about the trip and see that this was something I was truly passionate about. Since then, they have supported me and backed me in my journey over this upcoming year. My mom and dad are not only my biggest cheerleaders, but also two people that I look up to and can tell anything to. So, to you mom and dad, I love you both and I can’t thank you enough for your support!
Secondly, I want to mention my work family. Boy, from the the get go, my amazing co workers have supported me! They have encouraged me to do this and supported me financially in some really big ways! My manager has graciously offered to bring me back on staff when I get home and the rest of my coworkers have been a blessing in ways they probably don’t even know!!
Next, I want to thank my friends. WOW. I honestly would not have been able to get this far without the amazing support of my closest friends. Whether it’s the continued support of my closest friends here in Boston, asking me how things are going, how they can help me, and being willing to listen to me as I cry about my fears as well as talk non-stop about my excitements.
Then, there are the friends, despite being all the way in Roanoke, Virginia, that not two minutes goes by after posting a support or fundraising post on Facebook and those friends share it to try to get more people to support me. Also, there are the phone calls on the way to work every single time we are headed there just to talk, laugh, and cry about life and my journey ahead….to share in my excitement and anticipation as I prepare for this trip as well as my fear of leaving friends behind, or feeling lonely, or having anxiety.
Then, there’s the friend that’s all the way in North Carolina, that no matter what, supports me, prays for me, and encourages me to follow what Jesus is calling me to do. She buys me supplies I need for the trip and lets me vent to her when I’ve had an emotional week.
Sometimes you need someone to pray for you, and just like you knew He would, God provides a wonderful friend from small group that comes along side you as you prepare for this trip and prays for you…those are needed more than anyone could know.
Sometimes, you just need to sit in the middle of the kitchen drinking wine and talking about anxiety and relating with one of your very best friends, knowing that you aren’t alone and that someone really does have your back.
And then there’s times when you just need to smile, and another best friend and her son are there to shop, eat dinner, talk about life, and get through some of the roughest times. I don’t know what I would do without those times.
Then, there’s my World Race squad family. This group of 50 people have been my backbone. They have not only prayed for me, made me laugh until I wanted to pee myself and cried with me, but they are also going through this with me! They understand what my other friends can’t. I am so unbelievably excited to be able to do life with them for the next year. We have already grown so close, and I can’t wait to see how God grows us closer as a family in months to come!
Lastly, there is my Heavenly Father. If I am being honest, the last few months have been HARD! I don’t think I’ve ever felt this lonely, despite my wonderful support group. But in the same breath, I have never felt the presence of God more in my life. He is here and working. I may have feelings of loneliness, but God is always there. He has never left me and is not going to start now. He is teaching me, molding me, and leading me. I know that I can only do this with HIS strength. Without it, I would be nothing.
