When we left La Paz for Rurrenabaque, I was not in the best mood. We were on a bus that was covered in dirt, stains, pictures of scantily clad women, and horrible smells. The walls were rusting and we were missing the front bumper. We were traveling down the “Deadliest Road in The World”. On our 28 hour trip, we didn’t have any stops at bathrooms, the side of the road was our only option. We had a flat tire and then while pulled over we proceeded to have black smoke blown all over us while we were brushing our teeth. I had an emotional breakdown at a small town named Caranavi that we stopped at because I smacked my head on a metal bar and was so overwhelmed. This was all within the first 48 hours of being on the World Race! It had me wondering to myself if all of the uncomfortable, unfamiliar, unpleasant things were even worth it. Guess what? They absolutely were.
Throughout the past year, I have been in a fog with my life. It has felt like I have just been going through the motions without any real emotions. Nothing brought me true sadness or pure joy. It has felt as though I was alive as far as the world could see but dead inside.
We arrived in Rurre and were welcomed by a gorgeous sunset. I stepped off the bus and saw a giant mural on the wall beside us that said, “Jessica”. God was speaking to me already that he would pull me out of the abyss and into a new life.
Over the next month, I was encouraged by my beautiful team of women that I was with. I experienced unconditional love from my host family. I experienced true fun and friendship by being around the Godly, protective, vulnerable, and hilarious guys that I got to constantly hang out with. I woke up every single morning with new energy and a smile on my face because I knew that I got to spend another day in Rurre with my incredible friends. God had finally given me what I had been wanting for so long. God gave me joy.
So would I travel down a horrible road in a cramped stinky bus again if I had the choice? You bet.
Are you stuck in a place of feeling dead and just going through the motions? Just know that God has an abundant plan for your life and sometimes you have to take a step into the unknown. He has not left you and nothing can separate you from His love.
Ciao from Bolivia,
Jessica
