Before Training Camp started, some of my squad mates and I participated in a workshop that taught us more about storytelling. It was a perfect first day together to get to know a few members of my new family and a way for me to explore new ways of telling people my story using social media. During this workshop, I had the chance to meet Erin. We became instant friends through a similar sense of humor and her endearing southern accent. Plus, whenever she laughs really hard her left eye squints more JUST LIKE MINE! After hearing her story, the two words that kept running through my head were expectant joy.
She has a heart for taking care of people and showing them the hope of Jesus. World Race was placed in front of her after asking God to use her and help her grow. She said yes to this journey as an act of obedience and trust in what God has placed in front of her. She has been working as an elementary teacher in Alabama with a great family and support system around her. You might be thinking,”How can she want to walk away from that?” The truth is, she is not walking away from anything. She is walking towards what God has put in front of her. God has called her to the unknown but she keeps moving forward knowing that God is guiding her path. The way she put it was,”I feel like if I didn’t do this, I would not be following what God has for me.” After doing some short-term mission trips, she wanted to help more of the world. Erin taught me that even though life may not make any sense in the moment, when you look back on it all, the story that God orchestrates for our lives is so beautiful. Our lives are created to ultimately bring glory to God and expand His kingdom. I pray that through this coming next year, her heart for people will grow even bigger and her joy of life will surpass any circumstance. I only met her for one day, but after training camp I became so excited to see the love that she will get to show the world.
Photos taken on Iphone 6, permission from Erin Stephens you can see her blog at www.erinstephens.worldrace.org
