When I applied for the Race back in September, I felt as if I had all the time in the world to prep for this journey. The holidays came and went, and while I focused on being present during those months, it didn’t hit me that being home for the holiday won’t happen for another two years until earlier this week. On one of my few days off of work, I got my 4 shots for the Race and I also bought my sleeping pad at REI. As exciting as that was to lay in what will be my bed for a year, it dawned on me. That this is REAL!
I am beginning to already have my ‘lasts’ of here in the United States
AND I don’t leave for exactly 5 months (But at the same time I LEAVE IN 5 MONTHS!!! 
)
I was driving home late at night from St. Paul after hanging out with a dear college friend for the entire day. Events as such don’t occur all that often, so when I realized I won’t attend another basketball game for at least another year and a half, my heart sank. When I realized that I won’t be able to alpine ski until Winter of 2017, my heart sank. When I realized my ‘lasts’ of here in America are already happening, I asked God, “already?!?!?” It’s not that I care a whole ton about basketball, or that I won’t be able to do my favorite winter hobby, but about the quality time I have with such important relationships. Days like Thursday with her (or any of my friends) can’t be replaced. I know God has blessed me with incredible friendships from college, and I am so thankful. But as I began to process the above, I can only realize that a new fear has crept in to my life. I hate fears, they bring all sort of emotions, usually the negative ones: disappointment, anxiety, doubt, etc.
Fear of losing friendships whether we’re already friends or not.
And missing the chance of building relationships while being gone for a year
As I sat in quiet time, He began to remind me of the various opportunities I’ve had in the last 5 years, when I have been pretty bold in trusting where God places me for summer opportunities. In each instance, I trusted Him in going and obeyed, and my expectations were clearly different than His (And His, obviously, are a lot better than mine). I often desired to find a mentor, a best friend, or even a husband in each of these places. And to be honest, none of that happened, sure I made friends, but each of those relationships did not last more than a few months after the experience was over. While His expectations included many ministry aspects of being flexible, creative, teaching others, as well as learning from others. And in the five last year, I have lived in 7 different places (5 different states & 1 country), and each place still holds a dear spot in my heart. My relationship with Christ grew immensely in each place and I know it will continue to as I travel the world. Each time I’ve returned home, I have been reached out to from those life long friends and family who cared to hear about my experiences from all around.
I often find myself, wishing I lived closer to my best friends in Iowa, when in reality, I am only moving farther for a year [And who knows it could be longer, only God knows what my future holds after The Race]. It is hard to accept (even though I don’t leave for another 5 months) that I will be separated from people who are so special to me. Yeah I am bummed about missing some of the fun activities and events in here in the states, but its the friendships and potential relationships I fear of losing the moment. God keeps reassuring me that He’s got me & not to worry. The World Race will help me create a stronger foundation with Christ, new friendships, new brothers and sisters- in Christ, and so much more that I can’t even fathom.
“Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; For the LORD GOD is my strength and song, And He has become my salvation.” Isaiah 12:2
As time will only go quicker as I near the day I leave for the World Race, I ask for prayers that I can continue to process my ‘lasts’ of here in America as many more are to come. Prayers to prepare my heart, mind, and soul as I am diving into a journey of change with strangers who are also called to go. Prayers to stay healthy- physically, mentally, and spiritually, so that I can continue to be present and stay focused while I spend quality time with those I love. And last, I ask for prayers as I continue to fundraise. God keeps reassuring me that “The World Race” is for me. That I am called to go, to be His hands and feet to many tribes and nation. I am excited to announce that I am 80% funded with what I currently have in my account as well as my monthly donors up to the month of August. Praise the Good Lord! God has been so faithful, and I am excited to have friends and family who constantly support me, encourage me, who have been praying for my squad and me, and, ask me how this journey is going.
I am thankful for the time God has given me to prep for this Race. To have the extra hours I can pick up at my two jobs, to have the ability to house / pet sit as friends and neighbors are away, to eat meals around the family table with all 8 of us, to have the ability to fully process what God is already showing me before I even leave. I am blown away at his faithfulness and His grace. With each card, donation, smile, hug, and words of encouragement, I feel so loved and special. I cherish our friendship and I am excited you are following me on this journey! I hope you are ready to come along and feel all the feels I share on this blog because it is going to be quite the ride.
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