How was I called to this amazing journey you ask?!
If this past fall, someone would have said "Liz, you are going to be called to join the World Race. Traveling (backpacking) to 11 different countries over 11 months with 6 others, spreading God's word." I probably would have politely laughed and asked if it was a new Real World (bad MTV show) twist??
Not that I would have been laughing at the idea of spreading God's word, but a year ago I thought I had it ALLL figured out. I was cruising right along on my "life plan". I had just graduated with a B.S. in Biology, and I was heading straight to grad school to find the cure for Cancer and AIDs….(big dreams I know…."Reach for the moon, even if you miss, you'll land amoung the stars" :D)
Lets back track a bit here…examine, if we will, my childhood:
As a little tott, my parents took my brothers and I to church every Sunday morning, and enrolled us into the local Catholic elementary school. I was a devout scholar of Christ's word, didn't know any different….oh to be young again and be filled with the unquestioning faith that children have.
As a freshman in highschool, I left my comfort zone (physically and spiritually). I left my home, friends, family, PARENTS, and the life I had come to know. I enrolled at college prep school in Minnesota (boarding school), here my education and hockey skills flourished. However, I had left the place where my faith was optional mandatory. Oxy moron, I know, but it was. I had the choice to not pray, attend church, and read scripture….but at the same time it was installed in my school day, home life, etc.
I was thrown into a world where I controlled more aspects of my life than most highschool freshman could dream of. I had to regulate my everyday life including things like studying, doing laundry, maintaining my faith…. my mother was now 8 hours away and no longer able to remind me of my piorities.
Hard to admit, definitely shameful, but true….God was put on the back burner. I am sure that many teens and young adults experience this same struggle. When given options, often we choose the "fun" things over those that are benificial. Leading a Christ like life isn't cool Ridiculous, I know, but we have all been there.
As, a Junior, I attended a Young Life summer camp in Colorado, Crooked Creek. This is where God first began to break into my life. Every day, thing, word, song, and game were smothered in Christ. He was back….but again…it was optional mandatory again. Easy to be faithful when everyone around you is also basking in God's love. I attempted to continue this life style when I returned home, but I failed….
My senior year, I was introduced to young girl, who became not only one of my best friends, but also a mentor. I am a strong believer that people come into our lives at specific times for a reason. This person, and believe me she knows who she is, has been a large inspiration in my life. Through every bump, question, doubt, etc. she has been there to reassure me of God's love.
Okay, to sum up, Great childhood, rocky young adult life.
Brings us to How did I get called to do this.
I went to college, took every science class I could get my hands on, had amazing friends, etc…..but there was the massive hole in my heart that couldn't be filled. I thought maybe I just need to graduate, get into grad school, and there the hole will be filled because I will finally have meaning in my life. Or maybe if I just get these migraines under control, my heart will be happy again……..nope
I was missing God. Those of you that have lost your way, and have been found again understand this feeling all to well. This past Thanksgiving, God stepped back into my life, filling the expanding void in my heart. My good friend, mentioned above, told me the bible camp she worked at was hiring a camp nurse for the summer. With her help, I took the first step back toward God.
A month or so later, I was discussing the future with my father, funny how the plans we have been set on for so long, can change so quickly. The possibility of the Peace Corps arose. While attempting to determine if this was the next step in my life, God handed me a giant sign that read The World Race. A friend mentioned that a couple people she knew were applying for it, but she really didn't know what it was. Hello new favorite website addiction. After reading blogs of current racers, and hours spent talking about the race, I applied. Boom. Week later an interview…week later I get the phone call…..
Oh the phone call…..oh the butterflies….oh the doubt I had…..The enemy was present….placing thoughts such as "Liz, get real, they aren't gonna choose you. You just started on this path with God again, they want devout people, people that know the bible in and out….you are not it" Then Kim's comforting, awesome words….."Liz we just wanted to let you know that we would love for you to join on this journey, Take a few days, talk with God, make sure this is the next step in your life"
Oh how my life has gone tumbling in wonderful directions! The next week was a blur of emotions, but I can recall all of God's signs. Everytime I feel even a sliver of doubt, I am filled with God's reassurance. Starting the car and the christian radio station comes on, playing a song filled with lyrics that feel as though they were written just for me.
As I read the blogs of my fellow squad mates, I occasionally feel the enemy try to interfere with my new bond with Christ. I feel those familiar words again "Liz, they are far superior to you, they have been walking with Christ for years now…you will never be good enough"…..but then I am touched again…..a video posted by Dan in his blog "Moved" reassures me that it is never late to turn back to Christ. That if you make the effort, He will do everything He can to help you back to Him.
As I take this journey, and as I completely give myself over to God's will, I ask for all of your support. The enemy is still following me, trying in every way to disrupt this path. I know I can do this, those of you that know me well, know that I am an all or nothing girl. It only seems fit that God would call me to this journey as soon as I started to return to him…..All or nothing.
Thank you for all of your support! I hope you will continue to read my blog, and that my words will inspire you to either continue to expand your relationship with Christ, or possibly show you that it is okay to admit you haven't been living the life He would approve of, and that, you too, can make a change.
This song by Anberlin expresses my thoughts, better than I can!!!
"Breathe" by Anberlin
