When I signed up for my particular route for World Race to launch October 2018 I knew this route was the one I needed to be on at that particular launch date. What you do not know is there was a route to launch January 2019. When I picked October I knew that meant being gone during the holidays. I very easily could have done what was comfortable, go January instead so I wouldn’t have to be gone this holiday season and would be back just in time for the next holiday season in 2019. God had other plans and so here I am sitting in Malaysia 5 days till Christmas. Thanksgiving has come and gone and honestly I was completely fine. I have been away from my family in Florida and have stayed in Tennessee the past two years for Thanksgiving and so I feel that was the Lord preparing me for what was to come and being away.
Christmas, however, I knew was gonna sting a little more being away during the most wonderful time of the year. So many more traditions and family/friends moments surround the month of December. Let’s be honest, there’s truly no place like home for the holidays. Home has been defined a little differently for me this Christmas season. My squad and team have created my home and safe place for me on this journey. There are no presents to be wrapped or gifts to be bought, no Christmas tree to admire in my parents home where I spend every Christmas, I haven’t watched one single Christmas movie, away from my family and friends back home. I was in a coffee shop a few days ago and the most comforting Christmas songs were playing and I cried because it just hasn’t felt like Christmas buttttt I’m realizing when you are stripped from all things that we let define our holidays you can focus on the true meaning. I GET TO TELL PEOPLE ABOUT JESUS AROUND THE WORLD. And that’s what Christmas is all about.
I’m not sure I will ever quite look at Christmas the same again. I’m truly reflecting this year unlike any way I ever have about what Christmas means to me, to Lauren Kelly. And I’m humbled and so extremely grateful to find myself being the hands and feet of Jesus throughout the nations this holiday season. To hug people of all religions, to love like Jesus loved, and to shine where darkness prevails. The light of the world came in the form of a baby to eventually show us the most sacrificial love we will ever know. He came so that he could live in me, live in you, and that we might be salt and light of the earth.
I want to thank each and every one of my supporters, to each person reading this, my holiday season this year is made all the more sweeter because of your part in getting me here and I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I pray that your Christmas is full of an abundance of blessings as you enjoy all the joyful things surrounding your holiday. We are coming almost to the end of our time here in Asia as we close out the year and what a time it has been. Thank you for your continued suppport and prayers.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!
Much love to you all!!!
