I am home. I am driving my car, unpacking my room and catching up with as many friends and family as I can fit in. But I am struggling to talk about the Race. A lot happened over the last year, but so much of it was small little moments that are hard to summarize for other people.
But you deserve to know. It is friends and family that supported me and prayed for me. So this blog is for all of you.
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During my final week of the World Race, my coaches asked us to describe our World Race in a single word. My word: perspective.
The World Race gave me a broader perspective and a greater awareness for God, the world, the church, other people and even myself.
God is everything. This year would not have been possible without Him. I can travel the world in the name of missions, but God is the one who does the work. God saves people. God changes people. He is love to all people. He is constant, even when we are not. He is enough. He is powerful enough to overcome any enemy. He is comforting in all circumstances. He is a bringer of hope and joy to the poor. He is faithful to his promises. God is so much more than I could ever describe.
The last year expanded my view of the world as a whole. We live in a world full of beautiful diversity in people, cultures, and landscapes. However, I also learned that for as much difference there is in the world, there is also a lot of similarity. The world is made up of people who have stories; people who need other people; people who need love. Also, the entire world is in a spiritual battle. The tactics of the enemy look different from country to country and sometimes it is more obvious, but the struggle exists everywhere.
The good news is that in the spiritual battle, the church is fighting against the enemy around the world. God’s church is not a building and God’s church is not limited to America. The church is made up of people being the light and love of Jesus all over the world. The church answers the call of missions wherever they are but it doesn’t always look like something big. Sometimes the mission of the church is just to step out in the small things like having a conversation with someone new or sharing an encouraging word with someone who is struggling. I am so thankful for the opportunity to be a small part of God’s global church and to be a witness to what the church is doing around the world.
This year also showed me that other people are the key to a full life. We are designed to love and to be loved. We are designed to be different so we can balance each other in strengths and weaknesses. It is our calling to be Jesus to others, and therefore it is in others that we can best see Him. Other people often bring our greatest challenges (not surprising when you spend 24/7 with the same people) but they also bring the greatest reward (so incredibly thankful for my G squad family)!
Throughout this journey I have seen more of myself. I have learned more about my strengths but also my weaknesses. Through people on my squad as well as hosts, I was better able to see my gifts and talents. I was also encouraged to overcome my struggles, reaching out to those around me. By gaining a better understanding of myself, I can more effectively move forward.
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The World Race has come to an end, but a new chapter has started, one that can build on the perspective and awareness I have gained. If you would like to hear more, I am willing to share. Just send me a message! Thank you for your love and support. I would not have been able to go on this journey without you.
Love,
Naomi
