What’s Next?
I’ve been on the World Race for 11 months, away from family, friends, and everything that I once called comfortable. Many of the things I once knew are completely foreign to me now; hot showers, the ability to flush toilet paper, brushing my teeth with water from the sink, living in the same place more than 3 or 4 weeks, having a bed, and I’m convinced air conditioning isn’t actually a thing outside of the United States.
I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. – Philippians 4:12
I’ve learned to live on so little yet I’ve never felt so full of life. I wake up each day with the realization that everything I have and everything I am comes from my good, good Father.
Each month we travel to a new country, attempt to learn a new language, partner with a new ministry, and are introduced to a new set of people the Lord has strategically put in our path.
So here I am… Month 11, about to say goodbye to a ministry who once again has become my family, precious girls who have become my sisters. Then in 11 days I will say goodbye to 40 incredible humans who have been my rock for the past year.
I am going to leave these incredible humans and enter into Month 12, alone. I will board a plane from Texas to Charlotte, alone. I will wait at baggage claim, alone. The Race doesn’t present many opportunities for alone time and honestly I’ve forgotten what it feels like.
Today it hit me… I have a new set of hellos waiting for me when I arrive in North Carolina. I am not the same person you said goodbye to 11 months ago, and neither are you. In 11 days we are saying hello to strangers in a way. Over the past 11 months we’ve all grown, we’ve all changed. During Month 12 I will be entering into a culture that I no longer understand. I’m reuniting with friends and family who have had equally the same amount of good times and bad, happy times and sad. I’ve missed your laughter, your jokes, your tears and your fears.
Which leads me to the purpose of this blog entirely; What’s next for Kayce?
In Month 12, I’m coming for YOU!
I am coming into Month 12 just like I have entered into each of the 11 months prior, with God at the forefront of my mind. I will be living out my life radically on fire for Christ in Winston Salem, North Carolina!
I will still be your local insurance representative at State Farm Insurance, volunteering in the Davidson County/Forsyth County community, attending The Summit Church, Kernersville and in January living in my same apartment complex.
What’s different?
ME!!!
I am not coming back the same girl who left 11 months ago. Who could, really? The Race has grown me. The Race has changed me. I have been given a clean slate to walk out my life putting Christ first. Putting into practice all I have learned over the past 11 months, pouring it out on each of you!
What an incredible gift I have been given!
While I was listening to sermon from my church called “Keep It Going” on Podcasts I was reminded of a few things and challenged by a few others.
I was reminded that sharing the love of Jesus Christ is on ongoing process. That how I live my life is how the world will know I am on God’s Mission. I was reminded to be careful not to revert back to a self-focused, self driven lifestyle. I was reminded that my mission is not complete.
The World Race is simply my Launching Pad.
I was challenged with the question: Why are there so many people around you that are far from God, but strategically close to you? Strategically… because God has placed them in my life, in my family, in my workplace and in my neighborhood.
I MUST GO BACK!
I MUST PRESS ON INTO THE MISSION THE LORD HAS LAID BEFORE ME!
Matthew 28:19 says “make disciples of all nations” … not all nations except the United States, except North Carolina, except your hometown.
I’ve had this incredible experience and now it’s my turn to give back. To return on the investment that each of you have poured into me through prayers and financial giving.
This isn’t the call for everyone, but it’s God’s call for me. It’s God’s call for me in Month 12.
Spoiler Alert: I have been asked by my local church to LEAD a team to… wait for it… NICARAGUA for a week long mission trip. Indeed, I have said YES!!!
I will continue to say YES to the Lord and all He has planned for my life! Buckle up Winston Salem, looks like you’re apart of it!
The Lord knows my heart, just as much as He knows yours! I know He will continue to allow me to travel the world sharing His Word and loving on all His children… from now on I will do it ROOTED in Winston Salem.
Stay tuned! God’s not done yet!
Love,
Kace
