First of all, I need to apologize for the less then mediocre blogging over the past months. My last month of the race and nearly first month of being home were hectic to say the least. I’m currently in Santa Barbara visiting with friends and supporters and talking about the race. I’ve talked more about it in the last few days than the rest of the month combined, and it has been great. Reflecting and sharing the things that were hard, the things that were great, and really all the reasons why it was incredible and worth it to go, but also why it is great to be home too.
I’ve spent the last few days answering some of those questions and a few others, so I figured for those of you who I don’t get to grab coffee with I’d cover those:) so here it goes:
What was your favorite month? (apparently I’m pretty transparent since many loyal blog readers knew the answer to this one… didn’t know this about my writing style until recently)
My favorite month in terms of life and pure incredibleness was Croatia. It was a month of not only creature comforts, but really cool ministry. We spent the month serving at a cafe and meeting people in Split. We made friends with our contacts and really got to see how some long-termers live out their lives as missionaries in Europe. Our apartment and after church cliff jumping fellowship, didn’t hurt Croatia’s chances of becoming a favorite month either:)
My favorite month of ministry was The Ukraine. I spent all day everyday with a seriously irreplaceable and wonderful group of orphans. I was so blessed to become part of their lives and I doubt they know how much of an impact they had on me. They are the ones I still think about and the ones I wish I could go back and visit (and hope to one day). I actually loved these kids, they were children in the most wonderful, and sometimes frustrating, ways. The boys got into trouble, but secretly loved movie nights and hugs as I left. The girls were twelve and therefore way too cool to play games with the boys, but the swings always got them laughing. It was freezing cold that month on the outside, but no other ministry warmed my heart like those kids (cheesy I know… but true).
What was the craziest thing I did?
Rafting. The. Nile. Yes, I thought I might actually go unconscious as I fought to get to the surface on one of the rapids…. but isn’t that what makes it the craziest? It was so cool and I’d probably do it again. It was so fun (except that one rapid) and hello… I white water rafted the Nile River! There is a GREAT video of rafting at the bottom of this post, sorry I didn’t post it earlier!!
What was the weirdest thing I ate?
Here is America my picky eating habits are no biggie, and really nothing compared to many… so many don’t know my big secret, I’m a picky eater. Weirdest thing I ate…. maybe the fish that was caught, walked to shore, cooked over a fire, and served within 5 minutes (I don’t eat fish, so this was a big step for me). I also tried Stinky Tofu in China (gross and to call it dessert is just rude). Other than that I was blessed with teammates who would switch plates with me or a situation where I could refuse the fish stew or turtle slop;-).
What did you take away from the World Race?
Walking away from the race I’m confident that my identity is not about what I do; now what I do is more wrapped in who I am. My identity is all about who Christ is and who He made me to be. I am a beloved daughter of the King, and walking in that leads me to acting like that. I am not a spoiled princess, but a woman who is responsible to act on what she knows. I can’t turn a blind eye to injustice and pain. I am not here to get anything and everything I want; I don’t deserve it. I am here to serve God in whatever capacity He sees fit, in any situation He puts me in.
What is the best part about being home?
The 3 F’s. Family. Friends. Food. I am so glad to be home, and to have been able to be a part of my older sister’s wedding. It was 10 days after returning to the states and it was incredible. Everything went perfectly, it was beautiful, she was beautiful, and I’m so happy for them. Its just wonderful to be part of everyday life with my family. Its been seven years since I’ve lived in San Diego, so its been a long time coming. It is great to be with friends I haven’t been with for a year. I can also easily reach most my friends from the race via cell phone, so that’s nice too. Having every option imaginable in the culinary world is great. Its great to share delicious food with the family and friends that I’m with:) Okay, I also just have to add driving in my car, having alone time and sleeping in a BED! I’m done, Cali is great, no surprise there.
three sisters:)
Did you meet anyone special on the Race?
Yes! Absolutely, I met 48 incredible people who traveled the world to bring God’s kingdom to earth. I met children in every country who love because their innocence allowed them to let me in. I met pastors who serve God and work endless hours to meet the needs of their communities. I met missionaries who live on the opposite side of the world from their families and loved ones to labor for the Living God. I met strangers who knew nothing of who I was, or what I was doing, who blessed me in random ways. Yes, I met many special people:).
Are you glad you did it?
I would NEVER take back this experience. I am forever blessed and changed because of it. I am a better friend, daughter and sister after it. It was hard,do I want to pack my bag and do it again? Not right now. Did I want to come home? Yes. But it was undoubtedly the best decision I’ve ever made. He fashioned my entire life leading up to the race, and now I’m on the other end anxiously looking forward to how He is going to use that experience for the rest of my life. Whatever that prepared me for, I’m excited to get started on.
What’s next? (this is my least favorite of all the questions… at least I have a witty answer for the “did you meet anyone” question)
I don’t know exactly. Especially in this economic climate, I’m not sure most Americans have an answer to this question. I am currently living at home with my mom, brother and sister in Carlsbad, Calif. I don’t plan on moving back to Santa Barbara, but this visit has made it much harder to say I won’t. I’m looking for a job that I can believe in. I am open to using my background in communications and public relations, but part of me wants to go into the social work arena. I don’t really care what I do, as much as who I do it for. I know I can glorify God in whatever situation, but it will be a lot easier if I know even when I’m doing paperwork I’m supporting a business or organization I know is furthering the cause of Christ. (I was writing my resume and really wanted to put that my objective statement was to “Bring Kingdom,” but I made that idea more of a statement that translates a little better… )
So there you go, a few of the answers to the most common questions. Now if I do get to coffee with you, tell me you’ve read this and you’ll get all new answers…new questions would help with that of course ;-). Love you all!!
