“What’s the biggest thing you’ve learned on the Race?”
As the time quickly approaches for me to return to American soil, I am trying to conjure up the right response to answer this question.
There has been so much I have learned. Whether it’s been learning how to live in community, coordinating logistics for 50 people, sleeping in every place imaginable, preaching in a Nepali church, making bracelets with kids, experimenting with weird street food, caring for orphans and babies, using a squatty potty, visiting a variety of hospitals, or learning to never to flush the toilet paper, you always experience something new (and mostly unusual).
I’ve learned so much about God, too. In South Africa, He showed me my true identity in Him, and that I don’t have to hide behind the labels that have been placed on me. In Swaziland, I felt His love for the first time, and began falling in love with Him. In Mozambique, I was searching for more of the Holy Spirit and experiencing Him through the Old Testament. In India, He gave me opportunities to be bold for His name’s sake.
In Nepal, He showed me that spiritual warfare is real, and to rely on Him to fight through the battle. In Vietnam, He showed me what it’s like for Christians to live in a closed country where they have to be careful how they profess their faith. In Cambodia, He taught me to be still in His presence, and that this Race was never about me. In Thailand, He showed me His faithfulness as He began freeing me from the bondage of my insecurities and fears.
In Guatemala, He exposed my pride and I realized I was more concerned with getting His gifts rather than actually wholeheartedly pursuing Him. In Honduras, He showed me that in the midst of despair and darkness, He knows exactly what we need and always provides. And now in Nicaragua, He is revealing truths to me that have opened my eyes not only to His love, but also His judgement as well.
Overall, I’ve learned that in order to follow Christ, I must deny myself daily, pick up my cross and follow Him. This isn’t easy by any means. But I cannot imagine my life without Him no matter what the cost. Once you see just a glimpse of His glory, it’s impossible to turn back.
I don’t want these memories and experiences to be forgotten. I want these truths to be imbedded into my soul so that the Lord can continue to use me however He pleases. I am simply His servant, and I couldn’t be more ecstatic.
