Hey there!
Long time, no see, am I right? (I know, except for the time I didn’t blog for two months. And, yes, I’m still blaming that on India.)
I’ve been home for 12 days now, and if you’re a real fan of my blogs, then by this point, you’re starting to put two and two together and realizing that my little Europe excursion I wrote about earlier in my “Goals and Plans” post didn’t exactly get past the ‘planned’ stage.
Rough times, I know. However, since I’ve been home, I’ve been able to run into faces, both familiar and brand stinking new, on the street that I otherwise wouldn’t have. I’ve been able to share sobs and whole gallons of ice cream (what? haven’t you ever been sad before?) with friends that were going through hard times that, if I had chased after Europe, I wouldn’t have been here for. I’ve been able to celebrate a birthday with Carol, my homeless friend just outside of town and if I’d gotten off that airplane, I would’ve missed it.
I would’ve missed it all. And I wouldn’t have realized that I didn’t need Europe to cement, or solidify what I’d already learned. While it could’ve taught me things I’m sure, it couldn’t have given me the tools I needed to be at home for those people. It couldn’t have surprised my best friend at her house or cut a cake with Carol. It couldn’t have given me my presence here in Arkansas where I would be required to rely only (lol, yeah, I know…”only”) on the Race and the things I gained from it.
Because I did gain from it. I gained so much from it. So much that I could** write you 700 more blogs on the things I learned and it still wouldn’t be enough.
**No worries, I won’t. You’re welcome.
It changed my life in such a way that I have trouble even imagining what life would be without it. I never ever want to know where I would be if I hadn’t found the World Race and I never ever want a day to pass where you wonder if you made a good investment. If it was worth more than just a tax deduction. If the Lord heard those prayers you prayed each time I asked. If your time would’ve been better spent keeping up with the Kardashians instead of this blog.
The Lord is the only reason I was able to go on the Race, but if you hadn’t been obedient when He called you to support me (financially or spiritually), I would have missed out on something really special. My gratitude for each of you goes beyond what I can put into words. You have all played a role in this journey that only you were created to play. No one else could have taken your place. The Lord called you into obedience in a really special way and you made my race what it was.
You will always be a part of one of my favorite stories that I get to tell.
Thank you for your obedience, your support, and all your love.
Love, Lauren
