You guys asked, I answered (as best as I could without going on a huge long rant).
If you got mas preguntas (more questions), comment them and I’ll get back to you!
ALSO!! I will be home in like 27 DAYS!!!!!!!!! CRAZY STUFF! Time flies and what not.
What is one thing that made the World Race worth it to you?
(Like the question states, this is just one thing that has made the race worth it to me)
Definitely the work the Lord has done on my identity. When you are constantly living with people, constantly working with people, it is literally IMPERATIVE that you make sure you know what the Lord thinks about you. If you don’t, you will be utterly EXHAUSTED. The only way Jesus did constant ministry was through the overflow of his intimacy with the Father. Every time I think I’ve mastered a facet of my identity, the Lord seems to test it in another capacity and I fail to put all my worth in Him. Now I know it’s a lifelong process, and the joy of learning all over again is all mine.
If you could go back to when you applied, would you do it all over again?
100% yes. Don’t get me wrong, this has been without a doubt the most challenging, tear-filled year of my life (by a long stretch) but I wouldn’t take back a single moment. I know that’s probably the obvious answer here; no one really expects me to answer “Nah,” or “Maybe not?”
And the truth is, even if my experience on the Race was the WORST (believe me, everyone’s is different) I would still say with confidence that I would do it all over again. Not because of the community here, not because of the cool places I’ve seen, or even the cool things I’ve seen the Lord do. Simply because I know with all my heart that this was a step of obedience for me. That the Lord really really called me to this and has walked with me and held my hand every single second of the way. And that in itself is of surpassing worth to me. Anywhere he wants me to be is where I want to be.
Weirdest food you’ve tried on the race?
Um, honestly nothing super out there. This one time in Malaysia we went to a fancy charity dinner and ate a bunch of strange asian foods of which I couldn’t tell you the name. I try stuff; not really a picky gal. And if you want really weird foods you can find them. (For example: A traditional Ecuadorian dish is Guinea pig. Like the whole body fried on a platter. Heard it tastes like a weird chicken. Haven’t tried it for myself, YET).
Where have you seen God the most?
Couldn’t tell you just one story to answer this one. One common theme to all my stories, though, is that You will always find the Lord if you’re looking. Usually in the most unlikely places. In the seemingly most hopeless situations. In the people you never see coming.
What Carrollton restaurant do you miss the most?
EASY PEASY. The Corner Cafe, hands down. I cry if I start thinking about spinach dip for too long. But that’s also true of Chick-fil-a sauce, chicken nugs, and those fREAKING VEGGIE WRAPS THAT ONLY OUR CHICKFILA MAKES. Shoot. I love my little town.
Favorite memory from each country?
Thailand: last night at Sending Hope International. A home for girls who are at risk for human trafficking. Spent 2 weeks there and fell in love with the most humble, kind, joy filled little humans I’ve ever met. Our last night there they sang for my team and washed our feet as they prayed over each one and we got to do the same for them. Honestly a moment I will be marked by forever. To truly become like children is to become like Jesus.
Malaysia: One night during outreach (we go out in groups around the city to talk to people, pray for them, and love them!), my buddy Ben and I went to an area of Penang where a lot of homeless people live. We talked to one man that Ben had met before and been building a relationship with, and he mentioned to us that He was feeling sick, specifically feverish and having chest pain. We asked if we could pray for him, and when he said yes, we laid hands on him and asked the Lord to heal him in Jesus’ name. We opened our eyes and looked at him as the BIGGEST smile spread across his face. He grabbed at his chest and said “I feel so much better! I don’t feel sick anymore!”
This was my first time witnessing healing. One thing the Lord has continuously taught me on the Race is how to actually take Him at His word. That means, when Jesus said, “Whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these”, he meant what he said (John 14:12). I’m so thankful for moments like this that increase my faith.
Costa Rica: My team went to a small town on the coast called Puerto Viejo/Limon. There we got to do door to door evangelism the week of Christmas. It’s by far been my favorite ministry. Taught me that evangelism isn’t about saying the right words or asking the right questions. It’s about showing in love and carrying the Holy Spirit. That will always be enough.
Ecuador: Haven’t finished this country yet, so here are some of my favorite moments so far. Soaking up every last second with these people I have to say bye to so soon. Washing my parent’s feet. Worshipping with my people. Conversations with Mabe and Fabi (our hosts). Really hard goodbyes that remind me I have loved well and been loved in return.
5 things the Lord has taught you?
Jealousy is believing the lie that God doesn’t have enough for you.
God’s capacity for trustworthiness exceeds my ability to trust.
Being present is the best way to live.
Everything I do is worthless if it is not done in love.
He delights in ME, not the things I do for Him.
Hardest part/biggest challenge on the Race?
People. People are the biggest challenge of being on the Race. Whether it’s kids at my ministry, boys who catcall my team on the bus (yes, it happens here too), or even my squadmates, people are never easy to love. I have been hurt deeply by community, but my heart has also been transformed by it as well. Even in month nine, I still struggle to love even the people I live with and know inside and out. But I have learned to truly thank the Lord for comments that hurt and for the faults I inevitably find in people–even the people of God– for it reminds me that I cannot place my identity in what anyone thinks or says of me, and it points me back to the Rock on which I claim to build my life.
What’s something you wish you would have known before going on the Race?
To be honest, people probably have a really glorified misconception of what my life is like right now. Most people think, “Wow! She’s on a 9 month mission trip! Her life is so cool!”
Haha. I thought the same thing when I saw Racer’s instagrams/read their blogs. It’s hard not to when all you see is a highlight reel. I think I wish I would have known that the mundane moments will far outweigh the crazy adventurous ones. And that’s okay. There’s goodness and beauty in those too. And it’s so very crucial that I don’t wish those moments away while wishing for the ones that blow my mind. If I do, I’ll miss all the good things and people that are right in front of me.
What’s something you would want to tell a future racer?
Never stop being present. Actively thank the Lord for as many things as you can think of each day. It’s okay to have expectations (it’s impossible not to). It’s also okay to have your expectations not met. Just give them to the Lord. Make the most of every. single. opportunity. There are some people you will only meet once; be kind to them and always say yes to the Lord when he asks you to do even the smallest of things. It will be so worth it. Learn how to just be. To be still and know that God is God and you are loved. Your worth isn’t dependent on what you “do” for the Kingdom. Ask hard questions. More importantly, ask the Lord hard questions. And if people ask you hard questions, tell them to do the same. This is how you make a true disciple.
I LOVE YOU GUYS! Also, just to keep you in the loop and also so you can keep me in your prayers, I still do not know what my future will hold when I get home. I am open to any and all things the Lord has for me, but for right now, He has made it very clear that I should simply be present where my feet are and wait on Him! All in His timing, friends. Pray for discernment when it’s time to make decisions and peace and patience when it’s not.
In love and gratitude,
KT
