It’s funny.
I remember crying to my mom at launch in Atlanta, Georgia about leaving home. Two nights ago I cried to my teammates about going back home. A lot has changed in the last seven months- spiritually, mentally, and physically. The race has been absolutely nothing like I expected it to be and yet I would not change one second of it for the world. God has shown me what life can and should look like. He’s shown me how to freely worship in South Africa. He’s shown me how to steward the things He’s blessed me with in Ecuador. He’s shown me what true servanthood looks like in Cambodia. He’s shown me love through complete strangers. He’s shown me community through my squad. He’s shown me healthy communication through my teammates. He’s shown me integrity through my leadership. He’s shown me boldness in evangelism. He’s shown me discipline in teaching. He’s shown me patience in cleaning and organizing. He’s shown me peace through countless sunsets. He’s shown me how to surrender through many unbearable days. He’s shown me His faithfulness day after day after day.
I thought I would have more time on the race. “I’m not done growing and learning, God. I’m not finished serving your people or proclaiming your name boldly, Jesus. I still want to commune with your sons and daughters, my brothers and sisters, Father.” He responds confidently with, “Why do you think you are finished?” It’s silly of me to think that these things have to end when I enter back into normal life. That’s just me putting Him back into the box I had him in before. Reality is He knew this was going to happen the whole time. He wasn’t surprised when I heard we were going home. He has us in the palm of His hand! He wanted me overseas for the last seven months, and now He wants me in the US. He’s given me no reason to doubt the plans He has for me before, so I will be wherever He wants me to looking as much like Christ as possible.
God’s our best teacher and our perfect father. He never throws us into a test or situation he has not prepared us for. He’s constantly growing us. He’s never finished. I’m done with the World Race, but not my race. Not the race the Lord has marked out for me. And I’ll continue to run as long as He’s still telling me to.
Until next time,
Julia
