Dear Community Who Made Me
As I went around and said my goodbyes to my loved ones, friends, and community members who showed me nothing but support over these past 8 months I feel an urge to explain how I even got here to begin with. Yes, this did begin with a calling in some ways. I felt as if my life had continued to push me in this direction (no matter how hard i pushed back). Yet that is not where it started in my eyes. I believe that people are greatly influenced by those in their community “a product of their enivorment” as some would say. It seems in many cases people ether use the way people treated them as an example of how to treat others or how Not to treat others. I feel truly blessed to say that my community gave me a great example of what to mirror rather then reject. My whole life I have been shown to love others and show them support in their time of need, How to just be an example of kindness when your kindness is tested, how important it is to encourage and push the ones around you to true personal growth, and how love should always come first. And I dont think the ones back home truly understand what their influence has meant to me. As I would go around talking to family, friends, and my community about this mission im about to go on I got a vast amount of different responses. I would hear things such as “that is incredible i cant believe your going on such an adventure” to things like “thats absolutly insane” many would say “I wish I got that oppurtunity but I couldnt do something like that”. The reality is though that not everyone is meant to live out of a backpack for a year dedicating themselves to things like mission work. It just simply isnt for everyone. (Can you imagine if we all packed our bags and left for a year… haha I think America would be in trouble). But without people around me my whole life doing things like showing me love or kindness or understanding would I have a desire to do this in the first place. And I especially would never imagine this without those people who jumped at the chance to support my trip finacially. The fact is that it takes a community to make a difference. I may be going out and physcially doing this Mission, but without the love and support I constantly recieve from home I would never be here. Without being shown what it means to truly care for someone would I have the urge to care for those who dont know that. Without the encouragement from my community would I have the courage to leave for 11 months and go to places I have zero comfort being in. My community has made me a product of itself and for that I will forever be greatful. This community does not consist of a boarder such as a town or state but simply a mass collection of those who have spoken into my life and made me the man I am today and the man I will continue to try to grow into. I write this to you today because there is a large chance if your reading my blog and have kept up with my journey then guess what.. you fall into that community, and you deserve a Thank you, A hug, and if your proud of my mission then be proud of who you helped create. Some say “it takes a village to raise a child” and ive never been more greateful to be apart of my “village”. I will carry each of you with me as I go to reach those with love and encouragment. So I wanted to take a minute and hold a mirror to you who this relates too. Smile as you read my blogs and follow my journey and watch as we touch Gods people. Because no racer would be here without a community pf people and you are a part of mine which brings me more greatfullness and gratitude then I could even write in a blog. God bless to you and may your heart fill with a sense of personal responsibilty when you are impressed with the work you see. Thank you never is enough but truly I thank each and everyone of you. And I cant wait to see the gorwth we all expierence this year. Until we meet again forever proud of my Community.
Love your World Racer Jon
