I heard that The Race changes you. So I started this thing wondering what that would look like for me and honestly, not really wanting it. But rather than change me, I would say it has amplified things that were already a part of me. Over the last couple months I have become aware of how much I love being outside, how my whole countenance changes when I haven't exercised in a few days, that I am extremely independent, eternally optimistic and have been given an extra dose of patience in most situations.
I have also learned how deeply my friends and family are engrained on my heart. I think about, talk about, and pray for them countless times throughout any given day. Not only that, but I can see how aspects of who they are have become who I am. I have the work ethic of my dad and my brother, especially when it comes to manual labor…I don't respond well when someone tells me to take a break or carry less (Don't worry, I'm working on the whole being submissive thing, but thats a whole another blog).
(my dad and brother)
(dad and brother again…setting the standard for me of what it means to be a hard worker)
I find the same joy as my sister, Kelly, when interacting and playing games with children. I have also started packing like her…still waiting to develop the same excitement about packing, however. I have come alongside my teammates through some difficult times, much like I've seen my other sister, Lisa, do with her friends recently.
(me, Lisa, and Kelly)
Most shocking of all, my mom's cautious nature has even started to rub off on me. I had a moment of minor panic on a bus, when most everyone around me was calm. In that moment, all I could think was, "Oh my goodness, I really am my mother's daughter."
(my and my momma)
So I guess I'm learning more and more to embrace and intentionally build up the parts of my personality and character that resemble Christ and redirect the things that hinder my closeness with Him and other people.
You may still be asking…so what's going on on the trip and where in the world are you? Well, I left Ukraine a week and a half ago, having successfully finished painting and started flooring the third floor of Beth-El.
We said our good-byes to our August family:
As expected, I may have wanted to take a child or two with me…
but I was able to refrain and get on the bus to Moldova. Not Russia. Welcome to The World Race and route changes! We spent 5 days with the entire squad (55 people) for a debrief at a camp in the Moldovan countryside.
We had a lot of time to enjoy being outside, to relax with friends and with Jesus. We also worshipped together in the evenings, celebrating the things God is doing and freedom He is bringing in each other's lives.
On Friday we arrived at our new home (pictures to come soon). We are staying in, and working with Immanuel Church in Chisinau, the capital of Moldova. So far we have helped prepare the yard for a playground that is going to be constructed next week, assisted with an afterschool program and participated in youth group. We are being extremely well taken care of by the people in this church and don't go more than a few hours without talking about how blessed we are to be here!
