I had a lot of expectations when I left 9 months ago of what God was going to do, what I was going to do, what I was going to see, etc. I quickly learned to lay my expectations down and just give God complete control.
The one thing I did not expect or even want was to make friends. This might sound weird, but I thought I had enough friends at home, I didn't need anymore. (I am a private person and prefer one or two loyal best friends over a handful of surface level friends.). I even laughed when someone told me month 1 they were praying that through this trip God would give them lifelong, best friends.
I have met some amazing people this year, but it wasn't until this past month that I began to realize and appreciate the individuals God placed in my life. All over the world He has provided me with contacts, friends, and mentors that have challenged me and changed me.
As I watched The Bible series from History Channel with Jenni one afternoon, I realized I am a lot like Sarah. God promised Sarah and Abraham a child and Sarah laughed at the idea; and even though she doubted He was faithful and true to His word and provided her with a child. I laugh and doubt about things I don't think I deserve or things that seem to small to matter in the grand scheme of things like friends but God ignores my laughter and is faithful to provide because nothing is too small not to matter.
Four of my best friends gave up a day of relaxing on the Nile River to take me to the airport. (That is a travel day I'll never forget!) The memories I have of these beautiful sisters in Christ make me smile, laugh, roll my eyes, and cry. Over the past month all four of theses ladies loved and fought for me even though I couldn't understand at the time…they loved me enough to release me to come home.
Abby- Before we became teammates I'm not sure if we had ever had a real conversation, but when team changes were announced at the end of Malaysia I was so excited. Abby is an amazing, strong, beautiful sister in Christ. I have learned so much from her. She brightens a room when she walks in, and her smile is contagious. She loved me when I was at my worst. She challenged me when I didn't want challenges, spoke truth when I didn't want to hear and couldn't believe it for myself. She fasted with me and was my accountability partner when I gave up sugar for the month. She challenged me and encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone and teach at Bible Study. She sacrificed her month in Uganda when she became my nurse and took on hospital ministry for the month. She loves like Jesus and truly is a servant after His heart. Never complaining or expecting anything in return and always giving, serving, loving, and praying for those around her.
Beth- I was never lucky enough to be on a team with this amazing lady, but our teams served together and lived together in Malaysia. This was one of the best and hardest months of the race. Our friendship started with a simple question before we even got to Malaysia. "How can I specifically pray for you this month?" Instantly we were friends and were inseparable. Our month was full of chicken fried rice dinner dates, late night conversations in the prayer room or out on the roof, friendship with the baker's family in town, a walking tour of street art, and attempting to be team leaders for the weekend! It was Valentine's so we schemed together and surprised our teams with cupcakes, games, and video clips from loved ones back home. By the time we made it to debrief someone made the comment that we would be lifelong friends and I couldn't agree more. We had become so close that when our teams weren't together the next month it felt like we had experienced team changes between the two of us.
Kaitlyn- This beautiful friend has been there for me since the beginning. We started the race together and she was there as my race in Africa came to an end. Our first team was hard, and God knew we would need each other. She encouraged me to start exercising so we walked every where we went and did P90x…I die!!! She was my cheerleader! Two of my favorite memories were celebrating her birthday at the girls home in Honduras and waking up early and having sunrise quiet time in the labyrinth in Nicaragua. Team changes at the end of month 3 separated us and I was mad, but again God showed up and knew exactly what we both needed. At each debrief my heart swelled with pride as we caught up over lunch and hid out in our room with how much she had grown and all God was teaching her. Our friendship is stronger than I could have ever imagined, and that's exactly what happens when God is at the center of any relationship.
Sarah- I was with this crazy, amazing girl for all 9 months (to be honest her crazy side scared me so I stayed away from her in the beginning!!) Beginning in Honduras she threatened to "snuggle" with me almost every night, I told her maybe by month 11 and her dream came true in month 6! Our friendship started as we soaked our chemical burn/flesh eating bacteria hands in Honduras. There are so many memories with this girl! We experienced the good the bad and the ugly and every situation just brought us closer and closer. Prayer walks, double stuffed Oreos, Oreo ice cream on the side walk at midnight, ATLs, passing bread out to kids, walking to ministry in flooded streets, machetes, elephant rides and Dramamine, lice, team changes and hospital stays….she's been by my side every step of the way. Life together will continue after the race when I move to Wilmington for a few months (there you go Sarah, it's official!)
I didn't ask for friends this year but once again God knows what I need better than I do and has blessed me with lifelong friends. As the taxi drove away from debrief Monday morning I looked in the mirror at my squad mates and realized I have 50+ of the most amazing friends a girl could ever ask for. I didn't ask for them but I'm forever changed and I'll never give them up!
