{Our wifi was down yesterday, so this is a little late but here’s my blog post for the 4th!}
Though we’re living minimally, there are a couple things that we experience an abundance of on the World Race. One of them is sickness. (There are plenty more things we get an abundance of incl. grace, love, patience, pouring into, rest days, life experience, mentorship, prayer, by the way.)
During our Nepal debrief, I had to stay back from session + activities because of some stomach issues. Thankfully, I had a tea kettle, a hot water bottle, a warm bed, squadmates who brought me roti, and wifi. So I decided to use the day to answer some questions from my Instagram followers about the World Race.
I ended up loving the reflection that went into pondering these questions, and wanted to share some of the answers with you, also! Some of the answers have changed between February and now, but there is tons of truth in where I was at during Nepal debrief!
What’s your favorite coffee shop you’ve visited?
Kaffe in Puerto Plata, DR. It’s a victorian house-turned-café where God pulled me out of a really rough spot spiritually and I got free cake!
How is everything so far? What do you miss most about home?
Life on the Race is full of ups and downs, to say the least, but I’m so in awe of the Lord for giving me this crazy wonderful life! Currently missing furniture, Chick Fil A, driving, leading bible study, and having more than three outfits to choose from.
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
God can redeem ANYTHING, even the grittiest parts of your story. And when you realize He carried you through the hard things so that you could minister to His children and tell of His glory, you see how hurts can create harmony, and the result is a song of praise.
What has been the hardest thing to live without?
MOBILITY. Yes, we’re moving every month and this journey takes us to incredible places, but I will never again take for granted the ability to walk where and when I want to, hop in the car for a drive, or go for a run freely. Living in so many compounds and gated spaces makes me antsy, even though I know we’re being kept safe.
Favorite food so far?
Pani puri! No, wait—rusks. Ugh. I can’t choose.
What are your 5 top essentials in your pack?
1. Kindle (with my ESV study bible downloaded)
2. Yeti mug (fun fact: used this to shower in Zambia because #racelife)
3. Universal adapter
4. dryer sheets
5. tape
Funniest story so far?
Still Julia getting mugged by a baboon at Victoria Falls. (Sorry Julz, love ya. RIP your pringles)
Other than weather, what hardships have you endured from the WR?
Whew. Tons. I’ve been sick every month, gotten lice, been afflicted by tear gas, and that’s just the physical.
Spiritually, devoting your life to Kingdom work makes you a target for spiritual warfare. My patience has been tried, and it’s easy to get spiritually drained. Being away from home for both the good news and the bad news is trying. As a woman, harassment and disrespect is unfortunately pretty universal and has challenged me in trusting the current and future men in my life.
On the race, you’ll endure a ton of hardships, from injuries to emotional wounds, and warfare you wouldn’t expect, but this mission and the Gospel is so worth all of it.
Which country has been your favorite so far?
I’m seriously torn between South Africa (month 3) and India (month 6). I have so much love for both these countries and could see God calling me back to either one.
What do you feel was a defining moment(s) in your 6 months on the field?
I’ve been trying to narrow these down to give an answer! I’ll share two:
1. In South Africa, I finally embraced the truth that I am a joyful person who embodies Christ within her, via a tearful convo with our host and a subsequent run alongside some giraffes. Seriously, it was probably one of the best moments of my entire life.
2. In Zambia, while walking to kids ministry, these two girls were sharing a pair of flip flops (each wore one), like my sister and I used to do on the beach. But it hit me (for the billionth time) how insanely blessed I am, and how things as silly as a Chaco tan are just reminders that I live a life of luxury, whether I know it or not.
Truthfully, I feel like I have one of these moments at least once a week. Learning, growing, being wrecked for the Lord and letting Him put you back together on a regular bases is the lifestyle we’re living. I had a defining moment of the race yesterday at breakfast. It’s insane how much He is shaping me through this journey.
What is one thing you weren’t expecting to get out of this that surprised you?
So much random slang and accents that I don’t even know what country I’m from anymore…
What is the most difficult lesson that you have had to learn?
You have to leave. You have to say goodbye. It doesn’t make you a horrible person. It doesn’t mean you don’t care. But you can’t choose salvation for anyone else. They have to do it on their own.
When God tells you to, you have to walk away. And the only way to do that—to survive the goodbyes—is to fully trust that the Lord will take care of the people that you love so much.
He’s got your family. He’s got your friends. He’s got that person you met in that village once or twice. Entrust them to Him, and don’t fool yourself into thinking that they need you, when they really need Him and only Him.
What would you say to someone who wants to apply [for the WR] but is nervous?
If everyone who experienced nervousness about applying or fundraising or going on the race didn’t apply, I would probably have a squad of zero instead of 31.
I was nervous, too! Apply and continue to ask the Lord if this is His will for you. The AIM staff will support you and help you ask the right questions. And they’ll keep pointing you back to Jesus as you go through the process!
There are squads all over the world right now and they’re all full of people who said, “yes,” despite their nerves. Remember that Love trumps fear (and anxiety and worry). Hit “submit” and see what happens!
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I would love to do another Q + A soon! I can’t even believe the amount of experiences these answers don’t take into account from the last three months. What questions do you have about life on the field or lessons I’ve learned? Drop them in the comments below!
