11months seems like a really long time when your standing at the beginning looking forward. This year however has flown by faster than I could have imagined. Looking back to before the race I remember one of my biggest fears and prayer requests was in regards to community. The thought of 24/7 community for 11 straight months kind of terrified me. But I will say it has been such a crucial and beneficial part of my journey this year. I got to do life with 30 of the most amazing people ever. We laughed more than you can imagine, we’ve cried quite a bit, we served side by side, we shared the gospel and love of Jesus in word and deed, we worshiped with all we had, we prayed with and for each other continually, we ate some pretty interesting things together, we faced fears, grew, broke down walls, and LOVED! What was my biggest concern is now the thing I dread leaving the most.
A question we get a lot is would you recommend the world race to someone else. My answer was always it depends on the person, but now my answer is yes… to anyone! No it’s not all rainbows and joy, no it’s not always easy or comfortable, no it’s definitely not glamorous, BUT it’s life changing! I can’t deny the growth I experienced this year, or the way I participated in the kingdom here on earth, the opportunities we had, the freedom I experienced through Christ, the people we met, the memories formed, and the beautiful world I got to see.
I don’t know exactly what’s next for me. I wish I came away with a neon flashing arrow from the Lord pointing exactly to it, but that’s not the case. I do know that He is with me, I do know that he has plans for me, and I do know that he has given me skills and dreams and passions. So I trust that he will continue to direct my steps and that I am safely in His righteous right hand. I’m excited to return home and share His love and my story with everyone. I’m excited to build an amazing community around me. I’m excited that life is ministry and ministry is life no matter where my feet are planted. We had final words to our squad on our last night together and I shared this quote; “results are not your responsibility, obedience is your responsibility.” I know that I was obedient this year. I may never know all the results but I have faith for that and know that results are His business not mine.
I can not say thank you enough… I have however learned how to say it in 11more languages!! Thank you to those who supported me financially! Thank you to those who prayed for me along the way! Thank you to those who followed my blog and encouraged me along the way! I could not have done it without you all! It makes me excited to get home and embrace my home community! See you soon!!!!!!
