We are officially past the half-way point in our race. MNOP squads that launched in January are officially at home, which makes QRST the ‘oldest’ squads on field. Where has time gone? Was it not just yesterday that I boarded that plane in Grand Forks, ND to fly back down to Atlanta for launch? Was it just not yesterday that I was even thinking about applying for a mission’s trip around the world? Not truly knowing what I was actually getting myself into?
To say the race has been a 100% joy would be a lie. To say that each day has been easy would be a lie as well. There are things that have happened on the race that I have never read blogs about. Things that current (and past) racers do not blog about because, let’s face it, it simply sucks. This blog is one of those blogs. Injuries at home suck as is…
But injuries on the World Race…
Trust me.
You do not want them.
They suck.
They hurt.
You lack North American doctors (and supplies).
They are inconvenient.
You wait all day in the local hospital.
You have to take pills.
You’re ‘stuck’ where you are.
You cannot do the ministry your here to do.
And they are simply annoying.
Period.
The daily routine of jumping off a friend’s bamboo hut (note to future racers: use the ladder provided—it is there for a reason) can literally turn your ankle into the size of a softball within seconds and knock you off your feet. Despite the initial ‘POP”, the sleepless nights, and the shoots of pain that go up your leg,when you step on it the wrong way, you need to remember that;
God doesn’t let anything ‘go to waste’; ever.
He has been humbling me a LOT in the last few days.
Right now, as I am sitting here typing this blog out, my team is doing their nightly ministry. Right now, in this moment, I want nothing more than to be there with them. Right now, because of my injury, God is humbling me to a point of tears.
And it is a beautiful thing.
It has made me realize just how thankful I am for my team.
As a team, in the last 5 and a half months, we have been through quite a bit. We have seen walls that had been built up throughout our lives, come down. We have been forced to live with one another through the good days, bad days, and ugly days. We have seen each other laugh, cry, and mourn. My team has picked me up, encouraged, and supported me through the death of a youth back a home. It was a point in my race when I would have given anything to be at home. They didn’t do anything huge or ‘life changing’. That was not their job. Their job was (and still is) to simply love me and push me towards Jesus, which they do very well. We have swam in oceans, jumped off cliffs, spent MANY hours traveling together, shared food, shared colds, cared for one another when we have been sick, challenged each other through bible studies, watched LOST, walked many miles, have sat in the dark due to the power outages more times than we can count, taught English, hosted youth sleepovers, eaten lots of chocolate, shared prayer request, laughed, cried, rejoiced, and have sat through many hours of feedback.
These are the women who are shaping me during this season in my life. As much as I love my friends at home, and as hard as they will try too, they will never be able to fully understand my race experience.
Yet my team, my sisters around me will be able too.
…And it is killing me not to be able to be down there with them, in this moment, working with the women at risk. All because of a bummed ankle and a careless move.
Injuries suck.
I could sit here feeling sorry for myself.
But that’s not me.
Instead, the anger within me for not being able to be with them this evening, will be directed to in prayer. Prayer changes lives. Interceding for my team, is an honour. I do not need to be present in a situation in order to pray.
My God is a God who hears and answers my prayers.
In this moment, through the pain of a sore ankle, I will lift my hands up in praise, to my One True King Above.
“Lord, rock this nation. Jesus, I pray for my team. I don’t know what to pray for but I know you know. Holy Spirit, interceded and be lifted high. I pray for a courage within my team tonight, that they never felt before. I pray for words, for wisdom, for visions that come only for you. I pray for the divine appointments. I pray for good conversations and open hearts and minds. I pray for common sense, for clarity and discernment of where to go, what to say and how to respond to things they see. Jesus, you are SO very proud of them. As they walk by the people, I pray that when they make eye contact with those around them, that the people won’t see their eyes, but that they will see Your eyes Jesus.
Above all else, help them to love. Jesus, help them to be the proof of your Love. Shine Jesus Shine. Bring Your Kingdom.
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Our final financial deadline is coming up…help me by helping my wonderful team stay on the race till the end! Click on their name…it will take you to their blog. Read their stories and click on “SUPPORT ME” on the left hand side. Follow the directions AIM has set up! Trust me…its worth every penny!!
OR–Help me out by helping sqaud-mates as well!!
THANKS ALL!!!!!
