In approximately ten hours, I will be heading on a flight to Atlanta, Georgia, for the World Race training camp and, well, I'm writing because I can't sleep.
How do I feel? I guess mixed – mainly I'm really excited, but a little nervous. Kind-of the mix of emotions when you are getting ready to go to a big family reunion – you want to make a good impression, but you know to do that you just have to be yourself. I'm not too worried about it – the men and women I meet will literally be my family for the next eleven months, for better or for worse 🙂
And I feel privileged to have the opportunity to spend a week with them in Georgia – getting to know them, receiving cross-cultural ministry training, doing team-building exercises together, and much more. I'll be sure to let you guys know how it goes!
Tonight, I've been thinking about my journey, and what things had to happen in my life for me even having the privilege of going on this trip. It's pretty awesome to think about how God really orchestrates your life like that.
I heard about the World Race originally from Jenny Hill, when she was doing a volleyball fundraiser for the trip in the spring of 2010. I got a random email about her fundraiser and decided to attend. When I met her, and she started telling me about the Race, something in me really resonated and I started to pray about it.
The World Race literally changed Jenny's life – her prayer was that God would show her where He wanted her to serve long-term. After the Race, she fell in love with a guy named Jesse, and they just got married! They will be serving in Thailand with the Outpour Movement, with children who have been orphaned as a result of genocide. You can follow them on their journey here: http://jesseandjenny.wordpress.com/
But – would I be going to the training camp for the World Race tomorrow, if I had just ignored that particular email about Jenny's fundraiser? Would Jenny have met Jesse if they hadn't attended an event together after they both served separately on the World Race? It's amazing how one thing leads to another when you start to think about it.
Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
The more I live, the more I've started to understand how true this is. God has a mighty plan so much bigger than we can see or wrap our eyes around! Everything we go through – every high, every low, every challenge, every joy – everything, absolutely everything, has a purpose. He uses each one of our experiences to mold and shape us to the person we become, so that in all that we do, we become more like Christ. I came across this video that I took last year around this time, where Jenny & I went to coffee after she had just returned to the States from completing the World Race. It's cool to hear her reflect on her experiences and to see the joy of the Lord pouring out of her. Watch it here:
The path in front of me is a big unknown…For some people, the unknown is uncomfortable, overwhelming, the uncertainty leads to a shakiness. But to me, the unknown is exciting. It's an adventure. Who knows what this year ahead will hold for me?
Proverbs 19:21 "Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails."
Although I have some ideas about how this upcoming year will change me and impact my life, only God knows the big picture. So I don't have to worry about it – my job is just to rest in His love. Carefree, at complete peace, just like a baby in her father's arms.
Psalm 37:24 – "The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delights in his way. Though he falls, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholds him with his hand."
Jesus, have your way in my life and in the world. Have it your way.
P.S. Not to break the mood, but isn't "Have it your way" Burger King's slogan??? 😉
