Is it a dream? Is this actually happening? Can I REALLY do this? Did I really just say 'goodbye' to my friends and family back at home for 11 months? Did I really just give my mom one last hug for the next year? 'God, I do not think I thought this one through when I signed up for the race! Please tell me what I was thinking!"
I woke up this morning, here in Atlanta- in the hotel room where we are staying until we fly out to ALBANIA. To fully describe the emotions going through me, is hard. Yet I know that there is a really GOOD chance that my fellow 50+ family members (aka squadmates) are feeling close (if not exotically) the same thing. You know what? There is great comfort in that!
Truth be told, despite the 'goodbyes' that I said, reality that I will not being seeing those back at home has not 'hit' me yet. In a way, I feel as tho I am on a short, 2 week missions trip and that a group of world changers just wanted to get together one more time and hang out, its like one big party! What is crazy, is that these people who I am now with, in a lot of ways, will know me better then you at home-by the time I am home. In some way, this scares me. I mean really, I have only 'known' them since september of this past year (and some, even less), and we have only really spent the week of training camp together. Yet their smiles, their hugs and their love-is something that only alumni and current racers will understand. I know I should not be amazed, but it really IS amazing how. when you all have a heart that is yearning to follow God's calling on your life, when you know there is something greater to this life then daily routine, and when you simply love Jesus…the connection you have is like no other.
Friends and family at home. I love you guys and yes, I miss you already. However, you are a large part of where my strength and the encouragment to do what I am about to embark on, comes from Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Ou(R) squad. You guys are awesome! I love you guys and I am so stoked to travel around the world and simply love Jesus and love the least of these with ya'll!!
