Bout 6 weeks to go now before I embark on what we will be the most exciting chapter in my life to date. Its still strange to me how I’m not somewhere in Central America with the July squad, but now I get it! I understand why God has called me to be apart of the October team. Well, maybe not completely the way God does. But in my mind, it makes sense. After going thru an awesome training camp with my new friends, it is clear to me that He wants me to be with them and now, with confidence, I can say I want to be apart of this group too. After talking to a few staff members early in the training week, I came to realize that I wasn’t completely over the fact that I was not apart of the F squad. I had to spend a good part of my time in Georgia dealing with the fact that I would have to give this up to the Lord if I wanted to make the most of the World Race and connect with my new squad. The participants in both July and October squads were amazing in their own ways. Both had out going energetic characters and passionate followers of Christ. But for some reason, I cant help but think that there was a different relationship with the July group. Was it that there were less participants? More one on one time? Stronger friendships prior to training camp? Smelled better?..
After experiencing both trainings with 2 squads, and starting friendships with almost more than 90 racers, the only thing I could say was…it was different. Neither better, nor worse. Not inferior or superior to another. Both exciting and memorable, but never favored one team more than the other. Just couldn’t do it. They were just different!
Then it hit me. Actually, He hit me! Not literally. He reminded me that the World Race isn’t about getting my favorite group of people together and traveling the world. Its about stepping completely out of your comfort zone and trusting in God with everything!! I was making dumb mistakes that I knew not to at camp, and started to hope for this or that…and without even realize it, I was aspiring for a team that would have everything in common with me and go along with whatever everyone on the team wanted. One happy, peaceful family. Without thinking bout it, I was walking into a lifestyle of the same old comfort that I have back at home. Looking back now, I can honestly say I cowered out and expected the easy route. I had been saying I wanted to be challenged. I said I wanted to be tested…but when the first chance to cut a corner comes, what do I do. I didn’t choose complete abandonment from what I needed to. This occurrence has made me have to think that whatever group I’m in, I need to remember why I signed up for the World Race. To learn to fully depend on Him. I cant go to my friends or teammates at EVERY sign of trouble. God has called me to be apart of this team for a reason and I’m all for it! Maybe there’s a brother on my team that God plans on using me specifically to relate to. Maybe its some stranger in one of the different countries that the October squad will go to. Maybe this, maybe that…I do know that I love my new squad and team. I am also blessed to be apart of another amazing brotherhood that will disciple each other and learn what it really is to be real men of God by being vulnerable and honest. Our large number of participants will have an unbelievable impact on the world and I’m glad to be apart of it. But till then, I can say I have a peace bout how God wants me to be where I am and I welcome it for everything that it is worth. I need to continue to seek the Lord by allowing challenges to come my way and handle them head on knowing God has my back. Please, if you’re not already, be praying for this. I need it! Man I tell ya, this thing of abandonment and obedience to follow Christ is tough…sure aint for city folk..
