Before the race I worked a full time job at a large church doing graphic design and photography. I was blessed to get the job only a few months after graduating using my degree and for ministry. Perfect. Though I was doing what I loved, over time it began to feel like a chore. I didn’t feel challenged and it wasn’t as fulfilling as I thought. It was shortly after that I began looking into the race. I quit just shy of the 3 year mark leaving with their blessings and said goodbye to some amazing people. As I was packing my stuff I contemplated taking my laptop, but chose not to because when I came home I anticipated having to do freelance until I could get a solid job; I couldn’t risk it getting stolen or damaged. That and part of me was looking forward to not having to do anything related to graphics for a year. I could finally take some pictures for myself how I wanted too.
Month 2 God surprised me with the task of doing some branding updates for our host in Thailand. Thanks to my good friend Emma we collaborated and using her laptop gave Zion a fresh look. Now they have the new branding all over the restaurant and hostel which floored me because I never thought it’d become that big a thing. My heart is still to travel back and visit Emmi and see all the new renovations. Now, God placed another opportunity in my lap I wasn’t expecting. Our final month in Africa we are paired with 2 other teams in Doma, Zimbabwe helping Eden Children’s Village. This place was started by a couple 17 years ago with nothing more than a calling to help the orphans and Eden was born. The place lives up to its name as the surrounding area sits on a hill overlooking the landscape. They serve not only 200 kids, but provide free medical care to locals, clothing, food, schooling, housing, and a plethora of other things with ample room to expand. I was already helping with a fundraising video and was asked to give the ministry brand a facelift. Again I was blessed to have a squadmate with the proper programs on their computer for me to work with.
When I sat down to begin working I was doodling in my sketchbook and paused to think about what I was doing and why. Twice God granted me the honor of literally leaving a mark on a place, and part of me wonders if it’ll happen again as we finish in Europe. Future Racers will see my work and probably hear my name. I was able to help a ministry be encouraged by using my skills, but something wasn’t settling. While for a fleeting moment I felt accomplished, I had turned the outcome on me. I had forgotten a basic fundamental: that ALL honor and glory belong to God. I just get to bask in the shadow of it. Dang.
It wasn’t me who was leaving a mark. It was God. It wasn’t me that was creating these ideas. It was God inspiring me. It wasn’t me that designed the brands. It was God who provided the media and programs I needed to work with. It wasn’t my name that was something special to be remembered. It’s God’s. Ultimately it’s not me that is making an impact in the ministry. It’s God through me.
We come on the race knowing what we do can make a difference to some extent, or none at all. How that happens is up to the choices we make and he does the rest. I didn’t think it was even going to be possible for me to use my talents like I have, but he made a way. If you’re a future racer wondering what you’ll end up doing I can guarantee you’ll do something you hate, and something you’re passionate about where your skills will shine. You seriously cannot anticipate anything that’ll happen and even if you do, God will still surprise you with something you haven’t thought of.
The people we have met have impacted me beyond what I think they even know. Their faces and stories are now a part of my being. I’ve visited extended family of the kingdom and got to share in their joys and sorrows. I know something as small as giving a smile is enough to make a difference for someone.
