Written Jan 21, 2017. I realized I had written this blog in January and hadn’t posted it, so here ya go!
The weeks before Project Searchlight felt a lot like the end of Matthew 14. You know, right after the craziness of Jesus and Peter walking on water – the disciples being scared out of their minds… witnessing a miracle… and then things calmed down. I was in that moment where Jesus and Peter climbed back into the boat, the winds and the waves settled, and the disciples went into a sweet time of praising Jesus.
I’d seen the miracle, witnessed the crazy whirlwind of the World Race, and I was in the middle of a sweet moment where the wind and the waves were calm and it was time to just praise Him.
Then came Project Searchlight and my life turned upside down again.
Project Searchlight was amazing. I can’t describe the feeling of seeing my squad after several weeks apart. There’s a level of vulnerability you step into when you do life as closely as we did, and seeing my friends made me realize we were still just as close.
I belly laughed, dance and sang my heart out and celebrated the end of a journey with the people I started it with.
Honestly, I really just came to see my friends, but the Lord had a lot more in store for me. And the sessions were amazing too! I went to breakout sessions on re-entry, learning to manage yourself, and building community after the Race. The sessions were really good – I learned a lot and recorded most of them – and plan on listening to them at least one more time.
And then the Lord threw me the curve ball. If you’ve been following my journey, you know I’ve been planning on starting a non-profit. That plan is still in the works, but I’ve taken a slight detour on the way to get there.
I had a feeling it was coming. The first night, Seth Barnes spoke and mentioned a new position the World Race was creating. I immediately knew it was something I would be interested in. He explained his vision of sending alumni racers back on the field to help current racers with their blogs and social media. The position would be for five people very passionate about story-telling and a desire to go back on the field. The passion for storytelling is a given – and the funny thing is, since the Race ended I’ve had a desire to go back on the field to help new racers! I’ve had it in my mind though that five months on the field is too long, and I keep thinking about a one month trip – but that just didn’t seem long enough. This position is three months. I couldn’t help but feel it was a position tailored just for me!
I honestly didn’t think I would get the position. 26 people showed up to the first interest meeting, passionate storytellers who would be more than capable of the job.
But somehow, I got asked to do it!
So, I’ll be going back on the field in a few weeks. I’m packing my backpack and it’s a surreal feeling. Its much lighter (and about half the size!) than when I packed last year. I’ll be joining R squad and will be traveling to FIVE (yes five!!) countries in three months. South Africa, Swaziland, Madagascar, Malaysia and China. South Africa for a debrief and Malaysia just to wait out a visa for China. Swaziland and China are new to me. I’m thrilled about Madagascar – it was a favorite for me on my race and I’ve looked at flights I don’t know how many times because I want to go back so badly.
And the CRAZIEST part… I wanted to go to Swaziland last year on my race, but the routes that went there weren’t open when I applied. It’s one of those places that the Lord puts on your heart for one reason or another (Haiti was like that before I visited). Now it all makes sense that I didn’t get to go there on my race! The Lord knew I would be there just a year later.
I can’t wait to start this journey and of course, I’ll be blogging the whole way. Can’t wait to take you along with me!
Oh, and by the way, if you are curious about my nonprofit, I am still 100% planning on it. I’ve put it on the back burner for now but it’s still in the works! I will continue working on it as soon as I get home. I’m planning on being at craft fairs this summer selling goods… and just applied for a vendor booth at ROMP (the Bluegrass festival in Owensboro, Ky). Will let you know if I’ve been accepted!
AND – I’m leading a week long trip to Haiti in November! It’s an ‘extreme’ trip to reach a very remote village on top of a mountain. 5-6 hours hiking and we’ll camp at the top! There are about 50-60 children who are living in extreme poverty there. If this is something that might appeal to you, reach out to me and I’ll send you details.
