While on the race I have learned about community, a community of believers trying to live out the gospel. Living with the same people 24/7 has been both exciting and challenging. The Bible talks a lot about friendships and being a part of a Christian community. Being with my team of 7 and squad of 45 on the World Race has given me an opportunity to live out being a part of Christian community. My team and I eat, sleep, and work together everyday. I have grown to enjoy the constant community. I wake up each morning to many alarms, slamming doors, and a running shower. After waking up in my room with my team, I then go to breakfast where I meet my squad of 45 other world racers. Yes, every day it’s the same six teammates and 45 squad members. Some would get bored with the same people and the repeat day, but I love starting my day with great conversation, laughter, and just being around these awesome people that I have grown to love. Through my team and squad, I have learned how to love unconditionally, to give grace abundantly, and to be a good friend always.
Love: I have been given the opportunity to show love and be loved by my team and squad. We are all different – we are from all over the country, we have varied backgrounds, and have many interests; yet, I have learned to love my new family and would do anything for this squad of 45 people. The leadership of the World Race has asked us to give each other constructive criticism in a loving way. This is something that is new to me and I have grown to appreciate since being on the WR. If I truly love someone and want them to grow, I will give them feedback. This feedback, although difficult at times, will help them to learn about themselves and become a better disciple of Jesus. It’s been hard for me, but I have grown through the process. In the Bible God says iron sharpens iron.
Grace: Living with the same people every day in tight quarters can wear on you. Some days one of my teammates may do or say something hurtful or just plain get on my nerves, I’ve learned to accept this and remind myself that I may be guilty of doing the same to others. I need to give grace and have patience, I know others have given grace to me and have been patient with me. God gives us endless grace and forgives us for what we have done wrong in the past, in the present, and in the future. I can certainly do the same for others. Because I want to be more like Jesus every day, I need to forgive others like He would.
Friendships and constant community: On the race, you rarely get to be alone (I do cherish my solo shower). Sometimes this can be frustrating but a constant, loving community is a great thing to be a part of. My good friend and I haven’t left each other’s side for more than a few hours maybe twice. That’s what you call constant community! I have people to laugh at my jokes and to translate what I just said because I talk so fast. I also can have deep or silly talks about what we think heaven will be like or what people wear in our hometowns. With my friends, we don’t have to gossip or talk badly about each other to make ourselves feel better or to fill silences.
We constantly build each other up, call each other out, and love always. Being in constant community, you tend to pick up my friends funny quirks or phrases they use often. I have picked up the phrase “love that” and we literally say it after everything. We get to know each other so deeply day after day. Healthy friendships and constant community are such blessings to have in life. A community like Jesus talked about is making me become closer and more in love with God every day. I know by the end of the race I will miss my friends and being with them 24/7. By month 8, I might not say this, but right now I am enjoying it and getting to know my friends more deeply.
Thank you all for supporting me and praying for me! I know I am changing and becoming more like Christ, and hopefully I’m making an impact with those around me.
Thank you World Race!!!!
Much Love,
Nicole
