I’m now one of those Racers who leave part of their heart in the country they’re leaving. I never really considered what that would feel like until today, when the goodbyes happened.
At training camp in May, one of my squad mates prayed with me prior to really knowing me. She spoke over me that the way I love others is unique, but it is powerful in its own way, and adequate.
She’s right- I don’t often love others in a really mushy, sweet way. That’s not to say I’m not emotional, because I am. I’m a firm believer in experiencing the whole array of emotions the Lord created. But as I reflect on how I love people, it’s often in the context of wanting to see them grow and be challenged and to thrive. I’m comfortable asking difficult questions and nudging them in their growth spurt.
This month in Macedonia revealed why I have been specifically created this way. Hanging out with rowdy kids requires setting boundaries, which means loving them (and myself) enough to (attempt to) maintain those boundaries.
It’s relevant in this community/sisterhood where Team Geronima’s health entails both feedback for improvement, and also to be poured into. I’m not saying I’m expertly skilled in either of those realms, but I’m not afraid to try. And it’s delivered with my own personal flair.
Even though I didn’t fall in love with the kids in a typical/cuddly way this month, I’m still leaving a piece of me behind in Skopje.
And all the other ministry activities drew me closer to the Lord- the prayer walks, evangelism in the park, testimony sharing, and even Geronima’s unofficial mission of witnessing to the majority of our taxi drivers.
Romania-bound tomorrow!
