This blog might be a little lengthy. It might come to you as a surprise. It will probably answer most of your questions. I started writing this blog back in December because I wanted it to be perfect and not miss out any details. So here we go…
Surprise! I am home. It wasn’t a spur of the moment decision. I was actually thinking and praying a lot about coming home back since Haiti. I didn’t tell anyone though because I switch up my thoughts so much but for some reason this one stuck with me. When My team and I got to Botswana I told them where I was at and how I was thinking about coming home. They really helped me with my decision of staying and I am so thankful for that. Near the end of our stay in Botswana, the thoughts and “what ifs” came back so I took it to the Lord. He taught me a lot about myself and the Bible this month and it helped me immensely with my decision.
What I learned about this month. I learned that no month so far on the race has been the same for me spiritually. Botswana has changed my life so much and I have learned a lot about myself. Our ministry here is to reach the unreached and unfortuently we weren’t able to go out and evangelize to anyone. We did have children’s ministry Monday through Friday and some days we would do bible skits. I took the free time we had to sit with the Lord and read His Word. In Haiti, I read Romans and 1st Corinthians. In Botswana, I can officially say that I am over half way done with the Bible. Hopefully that shows you how much free time we had! The Lord revealed himself to me a lot by making me feel convicted of things I did before the race. I truly believe that I have changed my mindset completely and I won’t be the same person coming home as I was when I left for the race. Our hosts did a bible study with us about God’s will. I had no idea that a year ago, I would be in Africa right now writing this blog but it was all apart of Gods will. I have learned to live my life according to His will. If it is meant to be, it will be. Don’t worry about tomorrow or even your future, Gods got this! Part of why I came home was because I believe that it is Gods will. When the idea of coming home came to mind, I started thinking about everything as if it were happening. I talked to God about what job I will have or what I will do and I just felt a sense of peace. The best way I can describe it is like the anticipation of Christmas day. You think you know what you’re getting but you’re not completely sure but whatever it is, you’re looking forward to it. That’s how I knew that coming home is all part of the plan. I also came across a verse that helped me make my decision too, Psalm 143: 8 and 10 “Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life. Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your Spirit lead me on level ground.”
What about fundraising? The deal was if I didn’t reach my goal, I would be sent home. I tried as best as I could, since we only got wifi once a week, but I decided to cut off fundraising. I prayed about fundraising and how if I didn’t get fully funded by the end of December, that I would be sent home and I didn’t want that. I was ready to come home but wasn’t that ready (if that makes sense). I was able to go to debrief and see everyone one last time in South Africa. I made the most out of the 5 days that I was there and it was honestly so much fun! Also, please don’t donate anymore because, well, I’m at home.
To the people who supported me thus far, I just want to thank each and every one of you from the bottom of my heart. You got me half way around the world and gave me an experience that I was able to learn from and apply to my life. I remember the first day I started fundraising, I looked at the donation bar on my website and I had only had $150 in it because that was my down payment. Just wondering how I’ll make that bar go the whole way to $14,951.00 sounded undoable. I was able to reach both of my goals because of you! $10,000.00 is still a lot of money and I’m still surprised that I even got it to that!
Hopefully this blog answered some questions and it probably did come as a surprise, my parents didn’t even know! But I am happy to be home, it feels good to be home again.
