Hola Famila y Amigos!
As I am sitting outside a café in Spain, it is weird to me how this scene has become normal. Being a part of a different culture. Watching people walk by as they are going about their day to day activities. School children walking home with their parents. Coworkers stopping to have a drink after work. Listening to people speak different languages. Everyone walking, sitting, talking, all with different stories. Young or old.
As fast as this year has gone by, I have really learned how to slow down. What it means to sit in silence, to observe people around me, to stop to say hello, smile at someone, listen to a story, see the rich history in buildings as I walk by and take in the beauty of the world we live in.
This has been an absolutely BEAUTIFUL year.
As we are almost done with our month here in Spain, I feel that our hike on the Camino has been such a good wrap up before coming home in a little over a month. Wow oh wow, it’s happening!
In brief, my time on the Camino has had both its ups and downs. I have LOVED being able to be out walking hours in nature. From hills, woods, to flat countryside farms. Being out in nature brings me so much joy! I have had many wonderful times sitting, praying and reading the Word with the Lord out in His creation, as He knows I love so much.
Also the people I have met and conversations that have been had have brought so much life. I cannot say enough on how impactful the community we had on the Camino was to me. Hoping to write a blog on that soon:D
Throughout all of this there was also a mix of challenges. I ended up hurting my knees pretty badly early on, experiencing lots of swelling and pain walking. So in reality many of my days consisted of me busing from city to city, meeting my team and hiking fam once they got there. This was frustrating for me at times because I wanted to be out doing what I love, hiking.
But, there came a point where I didn’t want to strive for something that wasn’t going to become a reality for a while. I wanted to be content with the situation I was in and thankfully, the Lord was able to help me change my perspective on all that was going on. Not hiking I was able to have more intentional conversations with those I bused with, I was able to rest and process and have renewed energy when our people arrived after each hike.
….Some Pictures on the Camino….
All of my months on this trip have been so similar, yet so different. Many overlapping themes of community, growth, challenge, adventure, love and intertwined through it all, Jesus. I cannot express enough how impactful this year has been.
I give the Lord all the glory.
He is showing me how to live Loved, Free, Hopeful, Joyous, Overflowing, Purposeful, and Fulfilled.
I also want to take the time to thank each and every one of YOU! All of you who have supported me continually in prayers, finances and words of encouragement. Thank you for your help in making my World Race trip happen. I will absolutely cherish this year forever!
With that being said, I have an update to share with you all.
>>I AM FULLY FUNDED!<<
Yeah Yeah!
All $18,700! Thank you so much for coming alongside and partnering with me in this year of growth, community, new experiences, seeing the world, sharing the love and life of Jesus and so much more. I appreciate all of you so so much!:D
As I mentioned, I will be landing back in Minnesota the beginning of December. Which I am super pumped about!! Can’t wait to share all that I have learned, experienced and seen this year. Be ready for all the stories, pictures and videos!
December is going to absolutely fly by, and for more than one reason. One, is for adjusting back into the States culture, catching up with everyone again, Brit’s wedding <3 and Christmas. Two, is that I will actually be heading back out into the world in January for about 3 more months!:D
I know I know, only a month home after a whole year gone, crazy right!?
That is exactly what I thought when I was first asked to be an Alumni Team Leader for a World Race Expedition trip leaving in January. Asking myself if I would even be ready to go out travelling again.
Am I physically, emotionally, spiritually, mentally prepared for this? What about the funds? Is this too soon? After a year of new experiences?
But, through lots of processing, prayers and making a pros and cons list for this decision. I felt like this was an added opportunity the Lord was providing, that I didn’t want to pass up on. Taking on this role of leadership for a team that was going out to experience all that I have and more, I wanted to be a part of that. I want to be able to come alongside them on this journey that changed me. Sharing with them my joys, struggles, growth, faith moments and so much more.
All of those questions that I had asked myself, the Lord provided the answer. That this trip was going to be alright.
He is before me, behind me and all around me.
Trusting the Lord in the upcoming months, was no different than this past year. Over and over He has shown me His love, grace and provision. I am excited to be taking on a couple more months journeying with the Lord on the World Race. Even though this is different than what I was planning, I’m so thankful to seize another opportunity for more growth, change, challenges and experiences. To continue to deepen my understanding of the life and love of the Father.
