I made a huge mistake.
When I applied for the World Race, I knew I was supposed to apply for route 3 (the course I’m currently on). However, in the back of my mind, I was scared. My flesh took over and I began to apply for route 1 instead. The difference between route 1 and route 3 was India. I did not want to go. Route 1 started in Central America, which is familiar and comfortable. Route 3 had four months in Africa, four months in Asia, and four months in Central America.
At training camp, I was upset because Africa went down to only two countries, and Asia turned into five countries. How did half my race end up in Asia? “God, didn’t you want me in Africa? I don’t want to spend FIVE months in Asia.” I caught myself asking God why. “Why Asia, God? Why couldn’t we drop India and spend more time in Africa? Why?”
I had picked this route because it was balanced between countries, not because it was half in Asia. As we left Ghana, I was scared about Asia, especially India. India is a place I never wanted to visit. With the spicy food, crowded streets, and vegetarian diet, I was not on board. I had a bad mental picture of India. So I prayed for a change of heart. I prayed God would do such big things in India that I would never feel doubt towards the country again. God kept whispering, “Sarah, hold on. I have a huge surprise for you.” So I waited and prayed. I thought, “God you can surprise me anytime now.”
Well, SURPRISE, I have fallen in love with India! That is something I never thought I would say. India has been so wonderful. It was hard to leave the past three countries, but India will be the hardest to leave thus far. This month my team and I are working in Sarah’s Covenant Homes, orphanages for children with special needs. I’m running the arts and crafts corner for their preschool program. I feel like I’m using my love for art and children with special needs for His kingdom. I’ve prayed about returning to India and especially to SCH. Every morning, no matter how tired I am, I look forward to seeing the children and creating art projects with them.
In Côte d’ivoire, God stretched me by me preaching.
In Ghana, God stretched me through evangelizing.
In Nepal, God stretched me in sharing my story and relying on faith alone.
In India, God is stretching me by putting my teaching and art skills to good use.
India has brought me so many new friends that I am not looking forward to leaving. So this isn’t “good bye, India”, it’s “see ya later!”
***P.S. I still need about $5,000 in three days in order to continue this journey!
Please prayerfully consider donating to my WR fund. Thank you!***
