This week we had the opportunity to ride horses at the school where we were teaching English. I was the third one to ride the horse and made it successfully around the soccer field once and was told I could go around again. Confidently, I turned the horse back out into the field. Within moments, he started to gallop. We were quickly approaching a line of trees I wasn’t completely certain he saw. I pulled at the reigns and yelled “whoa!” in my most commanding voice, trying my best to stay on. When he finally stopped, his owner caught up with us and expressed all of the things I should’ve done in broken English before telling me I could keep riding. I politely declined.
What makes me chuckle at most (now that I am safely on the ground and can laugh about the whole thing) is how I felt while the horse was completely out of my control: I felt a sense of inevitability. I didn’t feel shock or even much fear. I simply felt as if the exact thing that should be happening was, indeed, happening.
I chuckle because I know I’ve lost my mind.
One of my prayers for the Race is for God to allow me to experience some adventure. I’ve asked Him to take me outside of my comfort zone, to give me a taste of the wonder of the world He has created. Whimsical, heart-racing and awe-inspiring are all descriptions I hope to use in this chapter of my life.
So I’m not shocked when my horse takes me on a thrill ride. Or when I have to be pulled out of a rushing river. Or when I’m squeezed into the tiniest space possible to ride on public transport. Because those are all things I’ve signed up for, things I’ve prayed for.
What I’ve found to be the most shocking is how often God surprises me in the mundane, ordinary moments. Like when a song we all know is sung at a Thai open-mic night. Or the times our team is full of laughter during dinner. Or when I eat a banana so wonderful I nearly tear-up.
I came on the Race asking God to take me on an adventure, to give me once-in-a-lifetime experiences and moments that take my breath away, and He has certainly delivered. But, what’s even more magnificent, is that He’s been taking me on this adventure all along.
My eyes are wide open. I’m prepared for a few bumps and bruises. He’s led me off the beaten path and I couldn’t be more ready.
P.S. By popular demand, I’m starting a hashtag on Instagram labeled “Sherbsgonerogue” to catalogue some of the moments (like the horseback ride) God takes me on. If you’re interested in following my journey via photos, feel free to check it out!
