This time last year I probably would not have been able to tell you where Swaziland was located in Africa. And now, this month, I probably have travelled through most of the country. 

Let me tell you a few facts of this place and some of my observations. First, I have probably travelled the whole country of Swaziland because it is about the size of New Jersey. It is landlocked and surrounded by South Africa and a small part of it borders Mozambique. Swaziland is actually quite a peaceful country. This is unique to Africa as we have met many South Africans who live here as long as they can because their villages are being destroyed and families are murdered. Swaziland is poor compared to its westernized neighbor. This nation and culture is threatened by HIV and AIDS. While the official statistics is about 45% of the population with HIV/AIDS, the actual amount is probably over 70%. This means that there probably will not be a country of Swaziland by year 2050.

In the beginning of the month, some of our parents had joined us to be a part of the World Race for a week. We stayed and served at an orphanage. It was in the quiet countryside of the mountains in northwest Swaziland. There were no paved roads for at least 45 minutes by car. Now, I am located in the small city of Nsoko in southeastern part of the country next to the not so busy highway. Here, our ministry and work consists of home visits, working, discipling, and teaching kids at 10 different nearby “care points” and working on the property and garden. Running water sometimes gets to be problematic, but it’s kind of cool having random cows, chickens, turkeys, and donkeys walk past the front door often (and sometimes even try to get into the house).

This time last year I had also completed my first marathon. It was definitely quite an accomplished bucket list item I did not think could have been checked off. It’s no accident that I am on the “World Race” which is based on the following bible passage:

Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. (Hebrews 12:1-2)

As I reflect back, I find similarities between my experience with running the marathon race with the World Race and running this race called life. Here are some thoughts on it:

• Training required. You can run a marathon without training, but you’ll be in a lot of pain and there’s a good chance you might not finish well or finish at all.
• You need a team. Sometimes running by yourself can be fun and enjoyable, but so often, you will find yourself without motivation. Knowing you have supporters, friends, and teammates are there and will encourage you helps. I probably would not have picked up running were it not for the friends I’ve made along the way. They have changed my life and helped me endure the tough times when nothing else was around.
• You need a mentor, coach, or someone experienced. In running, at first I did not know there was a technique that would help you run more effectively and efficiently. It is a little odd when you get told you don’t run right. It took someone else to teach me and show me how to run properly and it made a huge difference. Plus, when times get rough and you want to quit, they’ll be there to get you through it.
• Willingness required. You can choose to run or you can choose to sleep in. You can choose to listen to advice from someone experienced or you can just get offended and ignore them. You can choose to push through or you can choose to give up.
• Perseverance required. Yes… Sometimes it does suck to run. And yes… While you are running, you’ll still wonder why you are running.
• Enjoy the view. A lot of people do not take up running because it is boring to them. One reason how I got to enjoy running is to enjoy the view as well. Whether it is building deeper relationships with your running buddies or exploring the city or taking in the fresh (sometimes cow pasture) air in the countryside, take the sights in. You might see something you may have passed by too quickly in a car.

After a long time, I started to pick up running again. Well, watching the gorgeous Swazi sunset against the African land while running also helps. This time, I get to play the role of a coach too. If you ever have the itch to want to run a marathon, I definitely think that almost anyone can do it. (Come on, I’ve had 70 year old women, smaller than me, pass me during races and I try to keep up with them.) When I run, I often am reminded of this quote from Eric Liddell, “I believe God made me for a purpose, but He also made me fast.  And when I run, I feel His pleasure.”  Ok… so I’m not fast and I’m quite slow, but whether it is running, on this world race journey, or in life, I will do it faithfully according to God’s will and I know He is pleased with me.

So whether you are physically running, going around the world or sitting in your cubicle, becoming an executive or being a missionary, do you feel God’s pleasure upon you? Are you doing what you were made to do?