In one week, my World Race is over. I’ve done it! Its crazy to think where I have been, what I have done, and who I have met. The Lord has taught me so much, and I have grown in intimacy with Him in so many different ways. This year has not been easy, but one thing has gotten me through.
The love of the Lord NEVER NEVER NEVER fails.
He has shown me this time and time again, and this year has been a love story of sorts between myself and the Lord.
It all started in January when I left for the Race. It is no secret that I love dogs…like I really REALLY love dogs. Before the Race, I worked at a dog boarding facility, and played with dogs everyday. It is such an integral part of who I am. When I left for the Race, I thought I would not be able to pet a dog for the whole year. It is no exaggeration that I was heartbroken.
However, starting in month 1, I started meeting all these sweet adorable dogs and it brought me so much unexpected joy. My teammate Julia even went so far as to call it a “Hug from the Lord.” Ever since then, I started documenting these “hugs” so I would remember that God loves us in the little intimate ways just as much as He loves us in the big, miraculous ways.
A LIST OF MY “HUGS”
1. Snoop Dog:The First Hug. Trujillo, Peru
I met Snoop Dog while fishing at Huanchaco Beach. He brought me so much joy I almost cried. His owner was snorkeling and wanted him to jump in the water, but he was too scared. He decided to give me kisses instead.
2. Guapita: Casa Blanca. Quito, Ecuador
3. Unnamed Stray: Caspigasi, Ecuador
This girl had been abandoned by her owner because the villagers don’t want female dogs. They are “too much trouble.”
4. Luna, Pelucho, and Regalo: Medellin, Colombia
They all lived on the farm where we lived.
5. Masha a.k.a “Wolfie”: Podgorica, Montenegro
6. Unnamed Stray: Park. Tirana, Albania
6. RUBY: Kombinat, Albania
Let me explain something to you. If there was any way I could take Ruby home with me, I would. I found him on the street as a stray, but soon he became a part of the family in Albania. The church still takes care of him to this day. He was by far my favorite dog of the Race.
7. Snoopy and “Needy”: A Slum in Kathmandu, Nepal
8. Unnamed Puppy: School outside of Ongole, India
9. Puppy Named “Puppy”: Ongole, India
10. Unnamed Fluff in Pad Thai Restaurant: Chiang Mai, Thailand
11. Stylish Canine in Fashionable Boutique: Chiang Mai, Thailand
12. Mocha and Latte aka the Cafe Princesses: Zion Cafe. Chiang Mai, Thailand.
13. Unnamed House Puppy: Our Home, Takh Mao, Cambodia
This photo is a victory because this pup was terrified of me at the beginning of the month, and now we are best friends! 🙂
14. “Girl Doggie” and “Boy Doggie”: Village English School. Takh Mao, Cambodia
Countless times on the Race, I have felt these small little acts of love from the Lord, and it makes me realize just how much He thinks of me all the time.
The Lord is infinitely huge, but He takes the time to care about things as small as making you and I smile.
How cool is that?!?!
I challenge you to ask the Lord how He is loving you today. You may be surprised what you find.
