At the time of writing, you’re in month 8 and there’s a few things you need to remember. You signed up with wild ideas of serving the poor and hungry, living in remote villages, and falling in love with vibrant cultures around the world. And you did all of that.
You went to Training Camp so angry at God. You only went because you didn’t want to admit to your supporters that you wanted to quit and you also didn’t want to pay back that much money. You were met by a God who met you where you were at: no judgement, no harsh words, only love for you and for every single person He has created. You left renewed, in awe of such Jesus-dependent faith, and “ready” for the next year.
In January, you panicked. How could you leave your mom and dad, your best friends, your amazing church? Was it really possible to leave behind every familiar thing for a year? But you trusted that God called you, so you got on that plane, even though it was the hardest day you’ve experienced yet.
You’ve done all the things you dreamed of. But those aren’t the moments of the Race that stick with you. It’s the mundane moments that happen to be occurring all over the world. Getting dinner with friends in Nepal, grocery shopping in Cambodia, driving down the road blaring music in Kosovo. Laughing until you’re in tears and throwing your pillow in frustration.
Figuring out how to be home in 11 foreign places.
All thanks to God and your amazing family, S Squad.
Think about how your mentality has shifted. How going home is just as scary as going overseas. Remember Katie Davis’ words, “I am frustrated with my own stupidity, my human willingness to step back into dependence on stuff and these places I swore I detested.” Remember what really matters.
Treasure your memories, but don’t idolize the Race. It was another year of your life, with highs and lows, except it happened to occur in a lot of different countries in some unlikely circumstances. It was not the best God has for you. Continue to trust Him and say yes, and He will provide the next grand step.
God got you from October 2015, when you heard about the Race. To January 2016 of when you applied. To December 2016 when you became fully funded. To January 2017 when you left all you knew. To May 2017 when you left Asia, a wildly different culture that somehow felt more home than any other place besides home could feel. To August 2017 when you sat in Kosovo typing this blog. To now, November 2017 when you’re heading home.
God has provided in a way that I hope causes you to never question His provision again. He gave physically and spiritually and relationally. He will give the next step. He’s so proud of you. He loves you and is so excited to show you what He has for you.
