I’m finally home!
After 11 months of traveling around the world and discovering God’s beauty in places that I had never even heard of before the race…. and seeing Him move in more ways than I could ever count- I’m right back where I started this whole journey. Nashville.
I’m so excited to be back home, especially just in time for the holidays!!! However, I must admit that it was definitely a surreal feeling to walk back into my mom’s house and see everything decorated for Christmas- exactly the way it was when I left this time last year. It was almost like the world race never happened. However, despite things LOOKING the same- I found myself in unfamiliar territories as far as my feelings and emotions were concerned. Something was different, but I couldn’t quite put my finger on it. I figured maybe it was just the jet lag….
But as the rest of the week continued- I quickly realized that it wasn’t jet lag. I was different. The way I respond to things is different. The way I start my day is different. My dreams for the future are different. My desires are different. My burdens are different. My feelings are different. The little things I notice around me are different. And that’s when I finally had one of those aha hah moments.
It’s no secret that God lit my heart on fire throughout the race… and through my obedience and willingness to follow His Will, began molding me and changing me into the woman He created me to be- but I guess it doesn’t fully sink in until you walk back home and hear affirmations from people who have known you your whole life.
Our squad leaders and coaches tried to prepare us for what to expect when returning home. However, you can’t really prepare for something like this. I’ve been home a week and I’m still trying to get used to the fast-paced environment that is America. I have SO MANY friends I want to see, so many people I want to sit down and talk for hours and hours with… but it has surprisingly been much harder than I thought to coordinate schedules and fit it all in- especially since I sold my car to go on the race. It’s also been an adjustment in itself having an actual cell phone service- sometimes I forget I can just pick up my phone and CALL someone.
Even though adjusting back into life on this side of the world has been difficult at times and hasn’t always been the easiest- God has blessed me with a sense of peace that surpasses all understanding as I walk through this “re-entry” process…. Especially during the hectic holiday season!
I’m SO BLESSED to be where I am today and so thankful for having been able to experience everything I did in 2013. My words CANNOT EXPRESS ENOUGH how thankful I am to have the support I do from my friends and family here. I want to spend time and meet with each and every one of you- but my prayer is that you continue to have patience with me as I try to adjust and figure out my next steps here on American soil. 🙂
