Howdy!
As my year comes to a close, I Thought I’d write about all of the things I’m going to miss as well as some of the best and worst memories I’ve had to help recap my year as well as explain a bit about who I am now.
The lyrics by Trace Adkins sum up this year perfectly.
You’re gonna miss this
You’re gonna want this back
You’re gonna wish these days hadn’t gone by so fast
These Are Some Good Times
So take a good look around
You may not know it now
But you’re gonna miss this
Things I’ll miss
1. Hugs from the Bren Bren (Brenna Lucero)
I will miss her hugs because for 4+ months they were my norm. She gives the best hugs on the squad and when she gives a hug, she hugs with her heart
2. Conversation with women
This may sound weird, but I’ve come to love these women I’m around. They have helped me grow in my identity in Christ. I would not be the man I am without theur help and guidance.
3. Team Times
I dearly loved when we would spend time together just as ourselves. We could invest in each other as well as help pick each other up, or apart. If it were not for these times of reflection the World Race would not be nearly as beneficial to those it disciples.
4. Feedback
This started out as a scary term. The only thing I knew about feedback was that it was bad. It was the high pitched squeal from speakers. Thats what I originally thought about it, and it proved to be correct. Feedback seemed to be this monster of a thing that was going to make me want to tear my ears from my head. I am happy and proud to say that it became so much more. It became what it was supposed to be. A period of lifting each other up to a high level.
5. Community
This will be what I miss the most. I will miss being forced to spend time with as well as being able to spend time with the 23+ people that have become my family. I will miss the late nights, the early mornings, the serving and living together for the past 11 months. I will miss each and everyone of them dearly. They will always and forever have a special place in my heart.
6. All the nuggets!
On the Race we have started referring to all of the kids we meet as nuggs or nuggets. While I will not miss the snotty noses, I will miss the innumerable hugs that melted my heart. These kids taught me more about God’s love than I could have ever imagined.
The Good Times
Every month had something special. My last blog had almost everything written what I liked about each country, but here are a few more. 🙂
1. The “small” miracles
These small gifts from God made everything better. Whether it was someone buying me a Dr. Pepper, group prayer/warrior prayer, electronics magically working, delicious food, or a hug from a kid, these things made the hard moments that much more bearable.
2. Safe Travels
While we have traveled to 11+ countries this year, we have enjoyed safe travels. While we did not enjoy most of the busses we have been on, we enjoyed the luxury of having God travel with us and protect us where ever we went. We have traveled to some fairly unsafe places in Central and South America, but I always felt safe. I may have been motion sick from the curves and mountains, but I always felt safe.
3. Preaching
I have preached twice in Spanish on the Race and it was an amazing experience. After both times, I was told that I did a good job and thanked for sharing the Word with everyone. It was reaffirming to me about my wanting to be a preacher/pastor. I cannot thank the two pastors that let me preach in their stead enough for the opportunity to lead their congregations.
4. Bootleg Movies
Since we traveled on many extended bus rides, we have had the opportunity to watch many movies. Most of which were bootleg or pirated from the US. I have been able to watch many movies that I would have missed being out of the country. It has been fun to see how the culture has changed, if only a little from what I see in the movies.
The Not So-Good Times
1. Being pick pocketed
This overall just sucked. I lost all of the videos I had made as well as all of the photos I had not posted on Facebook (Probably around 500). It was rough and difficult to release all of that anger.
2. Never ending Colds
I have had minor head colds in every country we visited. It was annoying, but bearable. It just sucked to be sick for a few days in every country.
3. Ever changing Currency
I have had money in so many different currencies… It’s painful for me to do math and exchange rates. Praise God for people who can do math better than I can.
4. Bus Rides…
These started out at only a few hours, maybe 10 hours or so and have gotten longer and longer. Our travel to and from Final Debrief will be about 24 hours each way.
All of the Changes
1. Less Fearful
I have conquered so many fears this year. It’s been amazing to see how I have grown and have so many less fears.
2. Less Weight
I have lost a lot of weight this race. I have lost a pillow, some headphones, my wallet, some clothes, my phone, etc. My pack has some how gained weight, despite all of the things I’ve lost, but I have managed to loose weight.
3. All the Gifts!
I have been blessed with being able to get some people gifts for when I get home. I have also been blessed with being told what my gifts are and how I can share them with those around me.
I have been to almost all of the countries in Central and South America. I am not nearly the same man I used to be. I cannot describe nor put into words all of the things that have changed in my life, but I am finishing this year off better than I could have ever imagined. My life has been wonderfully affected. 🙂
I will see y’all in a few days. I’ll be home for Thanksgiving!
See y’all in a couple days.
In Christ,
Ryan
