This was the question I asked as we rolled into the capital of Moldova to begin month 10. In the most southern accent my squad mate said he had ever heard come from me the entire race.
It is official, month 10 has begun and God has great things in store for me this month. It feels like yesterday that I had my phone interview for the race while sitting in the parking lot of Concord Mills mall about to meet Rachael Ray. This was in December 2012 and now I have been to 9 countries to serve the Lord in various ways. I didn’t know what to expect from the World Race but I never in a thousand years would have expected the growth in myself from the Lord. His hand has been upon me every second of this journey, while I have taken the name of Jesus to the nations.
I do not know where the past 9 months have gone, but I do know that every single day has been such a blessing to serve among the nations. The reality of returning home really hit me last month when we were told the date we would be flying home to the states. I will be spending the last weekend of May in NYC then onto Charlotte the 3rd of June. As I begin to ready myself for my return home, I really have no idea what this will look like or how I will respond to being back in America. For 11 months I have been in a World Race community and culture that is unlike anything I have ever experienced before. Our living conditions are usually very tight and we live almost on top of one another. We live on a $5 a day budget for food and lodging, which is unheard of in the states. These factors alone will be major adjustments for myself.
Am I ready?!?
You may be wondering if I am ready to return home. As much as I LOVE LOVE LOVE the World Race, this time is only for a season and what a sweet season it has been with so much personal growth and fruit. I can honestly say I am not the same person who left Atlanta in July for Thailand and I pray I never go back to being that person. Who I am now, is more in the image of Christ and I have a bigger heart to serve Him for the rest of my life. Although I will only be home for 2 months this summer, I am excited to see you all and share all about these 11 months. My time will be very busy and full but I know God will continue to bless my daily needs. Other than sharing in a few churches, Project Searchlight the last week of June (time for my squad to gather and talk post race life and be together one last time), and a weekend trip to the beach with my family; I don’t have any other plans. I will spend my time resting, getting ready to go back on the mission field, visiting with each of you, refilling myself, spending precious time with my family, and ultimately getting ready for the next season of my life in Nepal.
I would to thank each of you for the ways that you have and continue to support me on the World Race! There are not enough words for me to use to thank you but know that your support is for the betterment of the Kingdom. I couldn’t have done or been on this experience of a lifetime without each of you supporting and continuing to cover me in your prayers. I look forward for time to share all about my experiences and ultimately share about all the ways God showed up these 11 months. May all that God did through me this year be for His glory, honor, and praise.
Pics from the field: top left the children of Nepal and why I am going back to share the gospel, top right me sharing my testimony at Hope Church Romania, bottom left the most beautiful sight my eyes have ever seen the Himalayans in Nepal and Mt. Everest, and bottom right Q squad who I serve alongside daily.
