What a whirlwind.
What a Father.
What a beautiful world He has created.
In one week, I will be on a flight back to the United States. I will no longer live as a foreigner, I will no longer live with my C Squad sisters in our C-sterhood. God has done a major work in me this last year, a work that I could have never dreamed of myself. That being said, I am excited to say that the Race is not going to be the greatest year of my life. No my friends, it is just the beginning. The best is yet to come. I truly believe God has a major plan and purpose for my life, and the World Race is just the tip of the iceberg.
Without further ado, here is where the Lord is leading me after the Race:
#1: Gear Up to Record My Album
Surprise! After taking a break from the music scene, I have decided to return back as I have gained fresh inspiration and perspective. I discovered this year a far greater depth for my love of music and a greater need to encourage musicians around me that feel burnt out or not satisfied in their profession. My purpose in life is to love them, to feed their soul with good art, a peaceful presence, and a real sense of identity. I miss singing, playing, performing, and teaching with my friends, and I cannot wait to make sweet music again.
My album is called “Discovering Home.” Home has been a big word for me this year, a word that I never quite understood until now. As I have made many homes the last 11 months, I have discovered where my heart has felt at home in the Lord and His goodness. My album is a compilation of songs influenced by my journey before, during, and after the Race. Many songs talk about dreaming, freedom, and are influenced by the people and places I have met along the way. I began writing this album before I left for the Race and have continued to write while I have been out on the field. I will finish it upon my return home, pray for the necessities for recording, and eventually have a work that I can call my own.
#2: Become Fluent in Spanish
I took 2 semesters of Spanish in college, but now I have decided that I want to be proficient in another language. Now that I have been a foreigner in all these countries, I know what it is like to struggle with language and how that can be a major disconnect between me and society. Everybody else in the world knows at least two languages, so it’s time for me to step up my game. I also believe the process of studying a language will actually help me become a better musician and a better teacher as I relate this process back to learning. I am excited to connect with the Spanish population in Kansas.
#3: Return to Panama
Yet another reason for me to become proficient in Spanish! God has been confirming over and over again that I need to return to Panama in January. I will go for two weeks and return to a couple places I left behind. I am open to the idea of staying longer, but only if God calls me. Over and over again the last several months, many people have prayed for me and confirmed this calling. I also got to know a little bit about the need for jazz music and for mentors in that area. While there, I plan on returning to Las Lajas (the place I stayed during the Race), attending their annual jazz festival in Panama City, and doing prayer walks wherever God deems necessary.
All of these things are bold steps of faith for me. I am trusting God to provide what I need in all things – spiritually, financially, and creatively. I have decided to take initiative and really dream with the Lord, even if it doesn’t make worldly sense, which is something He has been teaching me on the Race. He revealed to me how much of a dreamer I am at heart and how I thrive from possibilities. I trust God will open all the doors for me to walk through in my journey. As I return to Kansas there is an even bigger fire in me to walk out the purpose God has revealed to me. Honestly, I don’t know where I am living or what I am doing, but I do know that God is moving and working and His plan is far greater than my own. I have complete peace with not knowing all the answers. I am baffled and humbled that God chose this small town Kansas girl to go and love others around the world.
I have experienced love, release, and freedom in a totally new way this year. I have had the opportunity to serve the orphaned and widowed, the poor and the sick. I have a new understanding of life, a new understanding of God and the way He sees this world. You, my supporter were a huge part in that, and I honestly cannot thank you enough. I have gained an understanding that is indescribable, an experience that will now fuel my purpose and ministry in life. I understand life in the Lord, forgiveness for myself and those around me, communication, love, and many other things that are so important in our life journey. Thank you for being a part of this time of serving and healing. I have made lifelong sisters, amazing connections, and new memories and beginning.
And the most beautiful thing about this journey of life? The best is still yet to come.
With love, gratitude, thankfulness, and awe,
Mary Beth <3
P.S. – Stay tuned for my last blog post, a VLOG on our Batad Hike. God bless you all!
