In less than two weeks I will be arriving back on U.S. soil. As you can imagine, I have mixed feelings about the fact that my race is quickly coming to a close. In talking with some of my teammates I equated it to pressing the gas and the brakes at the same time. I’m excited to return to all my friends and family back home, but sad to be leaving the people I have spent every waking moment of this past year with. Not only that, but this lifestyle that I have been privileged enough to live.
Transition is never easy. This life, which at first was uncomfortable, has become my norm and I’m certain that when I return home it will be hard to readjust. I am praying it will be easier than expected, but it is hard to predict. It is a fight not to let myself become anxious or overwhelmed with all that I am going to face, but it is helpful to know we are all in the same boat and of course that God is the one in control.
Mainly what I want to relay though is how grateful I am to all of you who have supported me throughout my entire journey. Whether it was supporting me financially, sending me encouraging emails, or commenting on my blog, you have all helped me to give my all to not only my team, but to those I was ministering to as well.
Because of you I was able to:
Because of you I’ve had an experience of a lifetime. Words can’t express how very grateful I am.
Crisitian, my contact and pastor this month, said the other day in his sermon, “We can not know who God is unless we walk where He walks.” I feel that you have helped me to walk where he walks and as a result know God better.
Recently my teammate Tiff had us look at James 1:17
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
As I read that verse, I couldn’t help but praise Him for all the good gifts He has blessed me with this year. I know that it is because of Him that I am fully funded, healthy, was a part of three great teams, went to two concerts, went on a safari, white water rafting, an elephant ride etc., saw Angkor Wat, the Taj Mahal, and the Festival of Lights, was placed on the amazing Q squad with the perfect coaches and squad leaders, am finishing the Race…and I could go on and on.
I recently came across this verse and I feel it applies to all of us on the Q squad.
Joshua 24:17 He protected us on our entire journey and among all the nations through which we traveled.
My teammates and I only have about 4 more days in Pitesti, and then we head to Brasov for one final week with the entire squad. It is sure to be a time of celebration, reminiscing, and fun, but also a time to say good-bye…Good-bye to this incredible season of our lives and this amazing community we have grown to know and love.
Thank you for following me on my adventures and I look forward to hearing about all of yours when I return.
