I have grown and I have been transformed because of the places I have visited and the people I have encountered.
Many times in life we encounter people and move on. Not gaining anything.
What if we go through life with, what can I learn from them? Instead of, how can I get through this as quick as possible. Taking each encounter as if you are meeting Jesus in flesh.
God talks in scripture about meeting his Son Jesus in flesh and that because he came in a different form we never invited him that we never fed him.
“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’
Matthew 25:37?-?40 NIV
As I have traveled around this year I have encountered Jesus in flesh. Each country has been an experience with my creator.
Colombia, with my first team Sweet Heat. I learned that I am worth getting to know and that dreams never die. In Guyana meeting a perfect stranger that welcomed us into her home because she wanted us to know the best part of Guyana. Then she made it her mission to connect us with a pastor and church, in the middle of Guyana savanna. Then in Suriname I encountered Remnant Road trip! This team help me discover the joy of allowing God to surprise us. I learned to step into what God is already doing around me. In French Guinea, I realized how much I shut myself off, how much I put myself in a box. My teammates patiently and lovingly showing me the truth. In northern Brazil is where I learn that I had lies rooted that need to be uprooted. Trusting the voice of my Father in Heaven and my teammates as truth. Amazon River more encounters of God’s amazing grace and unending love. That one time we arrived a day early with no place to stay. Then we encounter a group of tour guides across the street, where we witness a man in complete surrender, give his life to Jesus. Then God decided to bless us yet again, and we got a beautiful jungle experience at a discounted price! But this also where I learned even more deep rooted lies in my life, and they need to be uprooted and replaced with truth.
This is when a shifted happen in me. I realized the importance of allowing others to speak life, to point out areas that are not true in me. As I pulled roots of past lies, I learned to quickly fill it with truth. As we continued to drift down the Amazon river, my identity needed some polishing. Places we go are wonderful, but it’s the people around you that cause you to change. God’s way of shaping this piece of pottery.
Here is what I learned from the people I have encountered on the World Race.
My teammates, squadmmates, strangers God has no limits.
Let’s start at the beginning, with my first team, Sweet Heat & Remnant with Kelsey, encouraging me to not stay down, to get back up and fight. Candace bringing wisdom into polishing my identity. Lila showing and speaking truth, when I would speak lies. Susan reminding me that I am never alone. Esther teaching me never to lose my smile and that we can always find joy in a situation.
Team Dauntless, help me discover I truly enjoy working with children. Yet they also help me to feel good about trying out my other talents as God leads. Tiara, help me to see that I can do more with the talents I have. Anouk showed me that God’s plan is best and to always bring my heart desires to the feet of Jesus. Chrissy showed me that my words are important and that I need to keep speaking them out. Morgan has shown me that there is power in watching what God is doing around me and finding balance in using my voice.
Then we switch to team Emmanuel, which changed in to team HYGGE, they taught me about fighting for joy, in the mist of suffering. As a team we also learned to love people where they are at but with that same love not allowing to stay the same. God used Alli, to show me how to walk in freedom in my identity in Christ. She showed me you can dance in the faces of those who tell you, you can’t. Alex has taught me that you to the balance of business and fun. She showed me it’s important to remain the same person in all situations. Raychel taught me the importance of finding the truth in scripture and to speak it out loud. She helped me celebrate the beauty inside and out because I am beautiful and wondfully made. Then there’s Patrick, my brother from another mother. He showed me brotherly love, and allowing him to speak life into me in the mist of struggle showed me we need a male perspective from time to time.
Then there’s team Waka-Waka W-trek hikers, with whom I spent just five days hiking Torres del Paine. Eric another one of my brothers, sharing with me and encouraging me more in my patience in waiting and praying for my future husband. And to keep moving when the going gets tough. Kristen showed me that there’s always room to learn more about God’s ways of speaking to us and to truly hear his voice. Tera showed me the importance of my testimony. That my story has value to Jesus for that reason it needs to be shared. Emily, my damsel in distress, I learned how to serve even when it seems impossible and there’s always time to explore new places and things.
And as I left Chile I joined my new and final team, Coddiwomple. Joining the mix two more of my squad mates to get to know deeper and strengthening my relationship with my former teams.
Our time in Cordoba, I gleaned from the families in one the most welcoming church I have been ever. Where I had the wonderful opportunity to learn from Franco and Damaris, as they opened their arms and hearts to us. They show us what a loving Godly marriage looks like in Argentina. Then there’s, Jony, my Argentina brother, that taught not only how to be cool in Argentina, but about the heart the Father has for his son’s. He also showed me age is not a limit when it comes being a disciple. Then I met, my Argentina twin. Ruth is a beautiful single women, patiently waiting for God’s best. She allowed me to see that this part of my story and hers is important to share.
Then we have team Coddiwomple. This group of amazing and fun women has allowed me to spread my wings and fly. They have challenged me spiritually. As I close my time on the race, each one has as cared for and loved me. We have had SO much fun. We have laughed so hard, cried and praised Jesus while traveling towards an unknown destination. Madison has shown me what it means to have honor and integrity in life. And how to make Oreo white chocolate popcorn! Kaitlyn has taught me that I need to say what’s on my mind even if it’s going to hurt the person I say it to. To give up my fear of rejection.
Each and every person that has came across my life during this 11 month, 12 country journey has made me a better version of myself. They have all been God’s hand on this here piece of pottery;
Yet you, Lord , are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand.
Isaiah 64:8 NIV
I look forward to you all seeing the new person I have become. The transition back home is not going to be easy. I would like your prayers as I and my squadmmates adjust into life back in the USA. I am uncertain where God may be leading me next, all he has asked of me is to trust and that is what I am going to do.
How has God used people in your life? Let me know, leave a comment.
If you would like a little more information about a World Racer’s return let me know.
