What a week. Having been on the Race for two whole months now, I’m starting to realize some of the new normals – a thought spurred on by one of my dear friends at home. Ever since asking what some of my new cultural norms are, I see them everywhere and all the time. Now, I think when she asked this question, she might have been referring to the cultural norms of the countries I’m in. And there are definitely some new norms I’m having to become accustomed to while I’m here. But what I’ve been seeing are the norms created by World Race culture, literally down to the phrase, “create a culture”.
I think this is actually one of my favorite parts about the Race, and how Adventures desires us to run it. So much of this experience is what you make it, and they encourage us to make the most of it. When else am I going to be able to explore God, the world, and my innermost being in a community of believers that desires the kingdom brought to earth in a radical way? So, I need to make the most of today, while it is still called today, and embrace all the little quirks of World Race culture. Some of these new norms are listed below – like receiving feedback on my growth, wearing normal (jeans and a cotton tshirt and sneakers) clothes all day, the fact that I’ve used the phrase “an intentional conversation where I was really poured into by a mature woman of God” or “Guys, so while I was evangelizing this morning…”
But all Christian lingo aside, I think the thing I’m most grateful for this week is living in a culture that desires to seek after the Lord in anything and everything, and desires that for each person, encouraging all of us along that path. It’s truly incredible to see the growth that happens in a place where every person is fighting for every other person they encounter. Wow.
There have been some other wonderful things to cause me to say, “Thank you” to God this week, like….
being able to run by myself
gallo pinto
cold showers
wearing normal clothes for a day
the precious chicas I met at Kid’s Club – Briana, Lucia, and Camila
being able to speak and mostly understand Spanish
Sarah’s passion and program for the kiddos in Jaco
working in wifi AND A/C with delicious cookies
Jessica’s leadership
successfully teaching and partaking in intercession
SQL’s that care a whole lot
learning our route to Malawi
realizing I’ll get a semi-white Christmas because of our layover in Toronto
solid, Holy Spirit-driven, loving and accurate constructive feedback
learning about the Feasts of the Lord
THERESA
EVANGELISM AND LEARNING HOW TO DO IT WELL
Sammy the Labby
podcasts from Ren
adventures in evangelism on International Coffee Day
Iglesia Radical
re-opened lines of communication with Rachypoo
my baby brother
affirming feedback/the kindness of my brothers in Christ
a fresh start
dedicated time with the Lord
conversations with Kayla
progress with my handstands
Fanny making a special omelette just for me
the Lord speaking to me three different ways to get my attention
my new friend, Dina, who wants to be a missionary in Africa
flowers from Trevor through Jessica
The most restful day of rest I’ve ever had
As always, I would love to know what you’re grateful for. I would also love to answer any questions about my World Race experience you may have – feel free to ask in the comments or in an email!!
