After 8 months spent in Colorado with new experiences gained and a refreshed perspective of my now slightly larger world, I have returned home.
That’s right, my family and I have moved back to Texas, just 30 minutes away from the flooded house we left behind last September.
My time in Colorado was not wasted or a failed attempt, in fact it was quite the opposite. I learned that I do not like the snow, no matter how stunning it could be. I discovered mountains are beautiful, but you cannot dig your toes in the sand and swim through crashing waves. I found that the “southern charm” is a real thing. While I missed kolaches and Whataburger, I did not miss steamy humidity or bumper to bumper traffic on I-10.
Colorado felt like a whole different world than my small corner of Texas and had its effect on who I am. But this did not discourage me. It did not intimidate me of The World Race.
It captivated me.
Just a state away, I made a new life. I grew in who I am. I got to love new people, make a difference in their lives, and let them impact me. I made mistakes, I went through rough patches, but I made relationships that kept me sane and strong. I also triumphed and those friends celebrated with me too. I kept deep, solid relationships with people a thousand miles away, laughing and crying with them, just the same.
My journey to Colorado emboldened my desire for The World Race.
A different state has nothing on a different continent. 1,000 miles has nothing on crossing oceans. If such a short travel held this much significance, I cannot even begin to imagine how amazing it will be temporarily living in four new countries. Encountering new love from diverse and unique people. Shining God’s light into the darkest corners of the world. Doing all that I can to make a difference in the life of each and every person I meet.
