In less than 3 weeks I will be on a plane back to America. UNREAL. I can't believe the Race and this chapter of my life is coming to an end. People have already started asking the questions: “What is one big lesson you learned this year?” “What was your favorite [fill in the blank]?” and, my all time favorite..“Soooo, what's next?”
I've been wrestling with God about what the next season holds for months now. I JUST WANTA KNOW!! I feel like He's been saying “be patient… just wait… I have good plans for you.” The planner in me hates that. Although this year has taught me to be incredibly flexible, to drop my expectations and really “let go and let God,” I just want a glimpse into what God is calling me to.
Upon arrival in Jeffrey's Bay,at our orientation meeting with our contacts, Cornie and Primadonna (yes, those are their real names!), they challenged us to spend some good, quality time with the Lord and just ask the question, “Why am I here?” After some time of reflection, God brought me to the parable of the sower in Luke 8. He spoke to my heart about bringing me here to be rooted in good soil, to find a good mentor, to rest and be poured into. He told me He has so much more to teach me.
How could I possibly “root” myself somewhere in only a month?
Nicknamed “Jesus Bay,” Cornie said that everyone who comes here leaves a different person. It's hard to put words to it, but there is just something about J-Bay that draws people in. I'm not sure if it was the wind and the waves, the amazingly friendly people, the brokenness of the local slums, the genuine Christ-followers, the delicious braai chicken or just the spirit of the Lord in this place, but my heart has been captivated and I know that after coming here my life will never be the same.
With that being said, I have a VERY exciting annoucement to make: I WILL BE COMING BACK TO J-BAY!!! I still don't have all the answers, but for the first time in my life, I understand what it means to be “called.” God has called me to this place and confirms it nearly every day through new friends or circumstances. I am hoping to begin support raising and return next year. So, while this is the end of the World Race, this is NOT the end, but rather the beginning of an exciting new chapter!
** Another blog coming soon with more about my post-Race plans! 
