Right now, you are sitting in Atlanta, anticipating the start of launch and the beginning of your journey on the race. You think back on the fact that you’ve been able to spend so much time with family and friends in the U.S. this summer; of all the people you’ve seen and spent time with, who have all impacted your life in one way or another. You wonder if life might lead you back here, come a year from now. You could get a teaching job, settle down in Michigan maybe, and be near everyone. But then there’s something else. It would be great to be near everyone. That’s been the only real downside to living overseas these past four years. But then you get this nagging at your heart… “Don’t just settle for the ‘American Dream.'” It’s not that you think it’s necessarily wrong for everyone; that’s not what this is about. But God has placed these convictions on your heart for a reason, so don’t just take the easy route when you get back and ignore them.
Allow God to work in every area of your life over these next 11 months. Don’t begin to convince yourself that you will be back in Morocco or Michigan next year. Don’t focus on the “practical” for a year. Instead, be in the present. Focus on what God does in you today. Where you are at right now. Listen to the Holy Spirit and follow where He leads, even when it’s difficult or uncomfortable. You’ve already learned that causes growth.
Be present. Get to know the local people in each country. Learn the customs and some of the language- even though you know you aren’t any good at languages! Develop relationships, and don’t hold back just because you are only in each place for 30 days. Love the people you meet. And learn from them. Take the best of these cultures with you, and hold on to them. Keep them in your heart, so that you can bring them home with you, wherever that ends up being.
Take advantage of living in community. When it gets draining and you just want some space, remember that this might possibly be the only year of your life where you experience community in this way. Get to know one another’s stories. Share with one another and be open. Don’t hold back. Love. You never know when something you share, your own story, could make an impact on someone else’s walk.
And before you know it, 11 months will be gone and past. You will be coming back to Indiana- maybe picking up your things and moving, maybe staying for a bit, but you will again be able to enjoy some time with family and friends. Share your experiences and what you’ve learned. But most importantly, show love and grace to your family and friends when you are back. Many of them will not have ever experienced anything like what you will have done for the past 11 months. But they supported you through it. They supported you financially, they prayed for you, they followed your blogs. So spend time with them. Share what you can, and continue to love. Always love.
