While this is long overdue and my title is pretty dramatic, I am excited to share some final thoughts in my last world race blog!
As I write to you, I am sitting on a bench aside a quiet stream in the North Georgia mountains. The chilly breeze of autumn and the gentle sounds of water greet me, inspiring me to reflect (and also procrastinate my studies). I am a college student. It seems so simple, so ordinary when compared to my many travels this past year. I suppose this is why we shouldn’t compare—as to not degrade the power and purpose in the current moment. So, I choose instead to reflect and remember the many experiences that led me here, thankful for the then, expectant for the next.
The memories are still so fresh upon my soul that I find my mind wandering throughout most days, finding reminders of the race just about everywhere I turn. If I focused on the trickling water sounds of this stream, I could easily be taken back to my adventures at that hidden waterfall in Thailand—when my friend Zoe and I were filled with such wonder that we decided to wade through it fully clothed. Or, of course, there’s always that special spot I so often would sit in Malaysia—where I would always find great peace as the waves of the Indian ocean crashed so softly into the rocks along the seawall. Even still, the simple sound of water could also take me to that secluded village in India—where the local women would greet us as they collected water from the well on our walk to the meal tent.
The photos in my camera roll, the recordings in my audio library, they all spark deep nostalgia in me, sometimes paired with deep confusion as well. My heart becomes heavy as I hear the sounds of laughter from those sweet Indian kids who somehow managed to make their way into my heart, or as I see photos of my friends and I on random adventures. Now that I have experienced other cultures, and such drastically-different ways of life, it is challenging to comprehend how both coexist.
The life I experienced on the race and the life I experience now in America, how do they both happen at the same time, on the same Earth, in my same life? When I had first returned, I was plagued by these questions, especially as I walked through stores like Walmart, wondering and frustrated about the excess we live in daily, and knowing the need that exists elsewhere. To be honest, I miss it. I miss the intentional way of living, the daily dependence on God’s guidance, and the incredible community of Christ.
The world race was not a vacation. It was not some “cool trip” I went on. It was an intense season of challenges and growth, one where I found the Lord’s presence so intimately.
Overwhelmed by the task of summarizing something so significant, I decided to create a list of 10 things I learned/that influence me now…
- The Holy Spirit is a real and active part of the trinity that we should not be weirded out by.
- The love of Jesus, and the Gospel, is unlike the love of this world. It is messy, it says the hard things, it calls us higher, it points us to Truth, and redirects us to pursue holiness.
- I. Am. Flawed. And corrupt with sin! Through my many mistakes as Lexi Hatten and team Sonrisa’s leader, the Lord showed me grace by blessing me with the gift of humility.
- He is our provider. In a physical sense, God was my comfort. Through my constant knee pain He created the need for me to constantly practice the release of my worry. I learned it is ok to express ALL emotions to God, even anger. By more authentic expression, we can actually receive powerful release. I’ve always heard in church that we should “give it to God,” but it wasn’t until the race that I learned about how messy that giving process can be when it is authentic.
- The God of the old testament is not distant or outdated. HE IS THE SAME God of the new testament, who sent His son for us. God is love. But God is also power. He is capable of much more than we like to remember. I would argue that we should be aware of this, and hold a healthy fear and reverence for His sovereignty (I wrote a poem about this).
- We must not criticize the church. No community of Christ is perfect, but these imperfections are opportunities for grace. We have FREELY received an unworldly grace and forgiveness in Christ, so let’s FREELY give it as well.
- I need to consciously evaluate the various entitlements that sometimes exist in my mind. Our world, and American culture, tells us that we “don’t deserve” certain things, or that we are justified in our initial reactions. Who are we to expect a life other than the one God provided, and who are we to judge anyone, regardless of what they have done to us? The truth is that we did NOTHING to deserve our full and free salvation. God chose us anyways. I am not entitled to the comfortable life God has provided me, so let me instead focus on praising Him for it.
- Gratitude can carry us through dry seasons, especially when expressed often to our creator.
- We can actually hear God. Of course, I think He speaks differently to each of us. This being said, though, I was challenged to acknowledge and exercise a very important part of my prayer life—LISTENING.
- Kindness is powerful. Christ made everyone feel seen and heard. That’s right—not just His buddies or His family! Let’s have an interruptible spirit, and break some routine behaviors! He has a place for everyone at His table. The invisible boundaries that exist between us socially can inhibit us from practicing kindness. Strangers aren’t that scary! Simple eye contact and a smile in passing, or a kind word to the person who tells you your total can go a long way! We are ALL His children, so let’s work on acting in this truth!
Thank you, Jesus, for working through this missions organization to change my life.
Thank you, Jesus, for giving me experiences that gave me a greater perspective for the world you have created, and your children everywhere.
Thank you, Jesus, for working through many hearts to support me financially and prayerfully to send me around the world.
Thank you, Jesus, for the World Race!
Anyways, I should get back to my studying now. Thanks for all of the incredible support I have received throughout my world race gap year experience. Currently, I am studying psychology at the University of North Georgia, here on American soil!
I am considering starting a new blog from a different platform, but I am not sure yet. If you are interested in hearing more about my trip, or you have specific questions, I would sincerely LOVE to share more about my experiences with you.
Feel free to email me at [email protected] !
The End.
– Lexi Hatten <3
