We are now two months in and it’s gone by so quickly. Before you know it we’ll be getting on the plane in Romania back to the states. As of now I am in Da Nang, Vietnam. We just arrived after an excruciatingly long 24 hour bus ride. But it’s all good. Da Nang is beautiful. Very close to the beach and with mountains in view. I think tonight we will be finding out what our ministry is for the month so that is definitely something I’m looking forward to. We are here with three other teams, so there are 28 of us living in a pretty sweet hotel!
This past week was our debrief. What that means is that we came together as a squad of 58 and reflected on what God did in our lives the past two months and where we feel God is leading us. It was so good. We got to see our amazing squad parents, Steve and Wanda Dupree. They were there just speaking encouraging words to all of us. They want us to grow just like a parent. They love us and I have been so blessed during the times of have gotten to spend with them.
Our debriefs consisted of team debriefs with the squad leaders and squad parents. Some people had one-on-one time with either the coaches or squad leaders. We always had amazing worship at night. But I think the most amazing thing that our squad did was speak encouragement to each other. We lifted each other up. We let each person know how amazing they are; how loved they are by our beautiful God. How God has chosen each person here for a purpose. How proud God is of each and every one of us.
I think personally for me debrief was amazing. I love being around a lot of people. I love talking to everyone and seeing how everyone’s last two months have been. But that’s not the case for everyone. Some people are introverts. They need that quiet time alone to recharge. So if you’re reading this as a future racer, know that that is ok. Take time to yourself. Rest during debrief. That’s what that time is for! For me it was pretty much four days of trying to spend time with people other than on my team. For others it was time spent writing blogs or sending emails pretty much anything. But it definitely meant as a time of rest.
Throughout debrief God brought a lot of things to the front of my mind. I have felt the last two weeks that God has been placing a path in front of me that will lead to teaching. And that terrifies me. I gave a sermon at a church the last day of Australia and it went well. I have had multiple people say that I have preacher in me or it’s time for me to share my wisdom and teach. Everything in me wants to say no! But if this is truly a calling from God then I am called to be obedient. Of course I still have nine months out here. But our squad leader, Patrice, has called me out to “MAN UP” and to be bold in my teaching and imparting of wisdom. So this is where I am now challenging myself for the rest of the race. I want to grow in boldness.
I feel as though I grew in that department slightly at debrief. Just sharing images that God placed in my mind with boldness was a big step for me. But there is so much growth left for me and I firmly believe that it is time for me to step into something greater for myself and for the Kingdom.
PS. Good win for the Aggies against Mississippi State!! Time to BTHO alabama!
PPS Pictures will now be posted on facebook and Instagram! rajmahal2012
PPPS. I still need $3,000 to be fully funded! I would be honored if you chose to be a part of this journey! Just click the "support me" link!
God bless and gig'em!
