Yesterday marked the halfway point of #myracemyrace. Five and a half months down. Five and a half months to go. I’ve been told, “It’s going to go by so fast!” I’ve been told the same thing about everything I have experienced thus far in my extensive lifespan. Middle school, high school, college, trips. I’m always given the advice, “Enjoy it!” well, except for middle school. But, let’s be honest, who really “enjoys” middle school (no offense, James)? In order to better enjoy my remaining months, I want to reflect on what I’ve learned in the places that I have been so far.
Guatemala
• The value of history and culture
• Flexibility
• How to live in my tent
El Salvador
• Maintaining purity in the midst of corruption
• The life and joy of children
• The resilience of children who have been abused
Nicaragua
• Generosity in spite of poverty
• The importance of refinement
• How to pick lice
Philippines
• There are worse things than lice
• Complete dependency on the Lord for my physical safety
• The importance of giving hope to the hopeless
Thailand
• Community dies when there is no depth
• The emptiness of idol worship
• Reconciliation is always possible
Malaysia
• Never take freedom of expression for granted
• The passion of the persecuted
• We must share in Christ’s sufferings in order to share in His glory (Romans 8:17)
I can’t wait to see what the Lord has in store for the next five and a half months. Please pray for L squad, as the second half of this race will probably be much more difficult (but also rewarding) as we travel to Cambodia, India, Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya… for now. That list will probably change. Thank you all for your support so far.
“For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.” – Romans 8:15-17
