In the last two weeks leading up to launch I have discovered a lot about myself. The most important discovery I have made is that I don’t know how to relax. I thought because I was adaptable and low key that meant I was a relaxed person…NOT TRUE. I may not be high strung but I am incapable of being where I am at. It is really hard for me to not think about the future. It is even impossible for me to shut my mind off. One of by biggest fears for the race has been the unstructured time. A lot of racers find themselves struggling with how much time there is that isn’t planned. But I can choose how I spend my time I am very interested to learn how to live missionally wherever I go.
Several people have asked me what I expect out of this year and I wasn’t quite sure of the answer. At the New Year I asked for words about what to expect for this year. What I heard from the Lord was “Growth” & “Strength”. I have decided to ask for a word for this year and the word is “Devotion”. Several previous racers have spoken the words “Discipline” and “Rest” over me. A friend told me before I left “I know God is going to use you in big ways, Kelsey. You have the faith for big miracles, I’m not worried about that. But I believe God is going to develop a deep devotion and connection to him in the quiet times”. I am really believing this year is going to be a year of greater intimacy with the Lord.
I was concerned at how calm I have been leading up to launch. I barely cried at of the dozens of hard goodbyes. Even the night before we actually head for the airport none of it has hit me yet. I was afraid I might get abroad and have a melt down but I have so much peace. I know this season is going to be hard, but I have never been so sure that this is what God has for me. I know that God is going to do incredible miracles in the nations. But I am excited for all he is going to be doing in my heart as well. I am open and willing to be changed this year and grow in my intimacy with him.
The greatest advice I have ever gotten stepping into this season is to “be where you are”. I need to learn to just accept where I am at with processing each lesson that God is going to teach me this year and not expect to be somewhere else in the process than where I am. This is a year I get to be the hands and the feet of the gospel. This year I get to remove all distractions and know the Lord in a greater way. I get to create a space for Jesus and develop healthy disciplines that I can carry with me for the rest of my life. This is a year of opportunity and I couldn’t be more excited.
We leave tomorrow morning to fly to Cote De Ivoire. It is going to be a very long 35+ hour of travel. I will update more once I know more information and we have wifi. I am super excited to start this journey with the Lord and the 50 amazing members of my squad. Thank you to all my supporters who have helped me get here.
I AM 65% FUNDED! I need $2,000 before my next deadline before the end of September to remain on the field. If you would like to support me further you can do so here on the blog by clicking “support me” above. Thank you for all the prayers and support. I will try and blog regularly but I would LOVE LOVE LOVE personalized emails. If you want to keep up with me or hear even more specifics about what I am up to that would be fantastic! Email me at [email protected]
XOXO KG
