The saying goes “time flies when you’re having fun” and let me tell you that was definitely the case these past 11 months…..before I knew it my squad and I were taking our last group picture in Budapest
and then boarding a plane for Chicago the next day!
Warsaw airport heading to O’Hare
My squad on the plane
And here I am writing this blog from the comfort and familiarity of my own home….with the air conditioning on, food in my belly, and the love and presence of my parents and friends. Wow! What a blessing!
Dad, me & Mom on our deck
What have I learned?
That’s a heavy question that would take pages upon pages to answer….many of the lessons learned I have shared in my blogs. I do look forward to sharing more thoughts about my race both in person and through my blog in the near future.
How’s the transition back to life here in the USA?
Well I think pretty good! After landing in Chicago, I had some fellow racers stay over at my house before they headed home….what fun! We had a cookout, shared stories about the race, ate milkshakes, and called it a night.
My fellow racers (L to R)
Adam, Joshua, Kristin, Christopher, Margeaux, & me
The next day we held our own church service in my house and enjoyed this time of worship and fellowship together. Afterwards I insisted they eat some DEEP DISH pizza before leaving Chicago….and boy did we enjoy it! Thank you Lou Malnati’s for some great deep dish pizza!!!
Church service at my house
So what’s next for me?!
Well if you recall I was given a sabbatical from my teaching position at Plainfield North High School. After much prayer and contemplation I have decided to go back and continue teaching and coaching there….PTL!!! I’m excited and super pumped! Aside from having the peace of God about the decision, I know this is what I should be doing because I am already excited for lesson planning and stepping back into my classes!
I plan on continuing to blog but perhaps through a different blog sight I’m not sure….for many of you I will be seeing you IN PERSON real soon – yeah! I’m looking forward to catching up with you all and keeping in touch these next 11 months!!!
While my World Race journey comes to an end, I see that the Lord has still another journey for me these next 11 months…..as He does for you too! And as He would have it, this next journey keeps me here in the USA! May we seek Him in all things and encourage each other on our journeys!
For His glory!
Lauren
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2 Corinthian 5:15
