Here I am! It’s happening. I am officially on the World Race! The first 2 days of my “grand adventure” are either on a plane or in an airport (mind blowing sights, I tell ya). I am currently laying on the floor in an airport in Delhi, India for our 16 hour layover, awaiting our 4am “wake up call” for our flight to Kathmandu, Nepal at 7am. Once we arrive, we will have traveled nearly 40 hours!! I can’t help but think about all the individuals who surround me. How each of us were predestined to be going on the World Race. We were supposed to meet each other. The God of heaven and earth knew the friends I would be making and the choices I would be taking, but one aspect of this choice is frequently overlooked, each of us did not get here on our own accord. We were fearfully and wonderfully made by our Father. We all have a story. We all have parents, friends and jobs that we left behind. We all have those individuals who have helped lead us to make this specific choice, and each one of them has played a different role.
This letter is for you. The ones who influenced me to have the courage to dive deep.
Mom – You are the strongest woman I have ever met. When I see myself pushing through impossible situations or the slimmest of odds, I think of you. I think of how you would look to our Savior and trust that He has complete control. You have taught me to be brave. You have taught me to be wise. You have taught me to never give up. Thank you for believing in me.
Dad – Your compassion is astounding. When I look into your eyes, all I see is love. Ask anyone, your welcoming spirit opens the door to any conversation. Your intellect is astonishing. Your love for learning is inspiring. You have taught me how to love well. You have taught me to encourage. You have taught me to think things through. You have taught me to see joy in all circumstances and to never be afraid to laugh. Thank you for believing in me.
Rachel – You are so steadfast. You never sway from your convictions and you are the most reliable person I have ever met. Your servant heart is humbling. You have taught me to put my wants under the needs of others. You have taught me to laugh. You have taught me stand on my word. Thank you for believing in me.
All my friends – I know this is kind of ambiguous to throw all of you into one category, but this blog would be never ending if I wrote specifics about each and every one of you. So, as this progresses… you will see yourself, I promise. You are inspirational. You are adventurous. You are kind. You are beautiful. You are compassionate. You are hilarious. You show grace. You exude joy. You seek justice. You are patient. You have taught me to see beauty in nature. You have taught me to see beauty in others. You have taught me to seek the Lord. You have taught me to trust. You have taught me to be still. Thank you for believing in me.
Shaw/Southwest Gardens Community Group – You are constant. You seek the Lord’s heart in every situation and remind me of His good news when I don’t believe it for myself. You have let me closer to Christ, simply by living life together. You have taught me to speak up. You have taught me to shut-up and listen. You have taught what great community looks like. You have taught me to let go of my “stuff”. You have taught me to trust in the Holy Spirit’s leading. You have taught me how to come alongside. You have taught me to seek Him first. Thank you for believing in me. GO TEAM ETHAN!
My Supporters – You are generous. You gave to a friend (or complete stranger) so she can share His Love. You have given me the resources to fulfill the great commission. You have kicked me out the door and made an impossible feat not only possible, but beyond what was needed. You have taught me to give all I have. You have taught me to fight. You have taught me to receive. Thank you for believing in me.
Who are your influences? Do they make you more like Jesus? Do the people around you raise you up or tear you down? Give extra hugs to those around you and tell them you love them.
I love you.
