I’ve been wanting to write this post for a while now but never could decide exactly what I wanted it to look like. I hope you are able to see that the content and decision process were both very carefully thought out and prayed over.
Here are the 11 things I want you to know while I’m gone:
1. I will have WiFi more than you know, and that’s okay.
I want to be present where I am. I have an opportunity for the next 11 months to experience the Lord, the world, and the people around me in a way that most people never get the chance to. I don’t want to miss it because a screen was in front of my face. I will be blogging and posting pictures regularly, but that will be the majority of my time spent online. This is something I have chosen to do in order to be intentional about the way I‘m spending my time on the race.
2. Number one is why subscribing to my blog is so important (click the orange box labeled “subscribe for updates” and enter your email). This will be my main form of communication and easiest way for you to stay up to date on what I’m up to.
3. I will be sharing experiences that may be out of your comfort zone or current beliefs, please be open to the workings of the Holy Spirit and gracious towards me as I share them.
4. I may not answer your messages right away. WiFi can be limited in some places, but also refer back to number one.
5. I will be missing things back home-weddings/being a bridesmaid for some of my dearest friends, births, holidays, etc. It’s important to remember that life keeps moving whether I am here or not, my life will be moving too. While others at home are walking out what they are supposed to be doing during this time, I will be too, it just looks a little different.
6. In the event that I have a family member sustain an injury or pass away, please be respectful of me and my family and wait until I am notified to post to social media. Think about how you would feel if you found out you had lost a loved one (while thousands of miles away) on facebook.
7. I’m not going to save the world. I can‘t save anyone. I can do my best to love on a lot of people, learn to serve them well, share Jesus with them, maybe even keep them alive if needed, but ultimately I can‘t save them.
8. Please don’t idolize me, think I’m a “super Christian,” or somehow more qualified than you or anyone else. Time serving like this is made possible only by willing hearts and lots of grace & strength from the Lord. He gives exactly what is needed, when it’s needed, for His ultimate purpose to be fulfilled. More people don’t need to be like me, more people need to be like Jesus.
9. I will be getting to do and see some pretty incredible things around the world. However, the focus of this next year will be on ministry and cultivating a deeper intimacy with the Lord. Remember that pictures are sometimes more appropriate to be taken doing something adventurous than in intimate ministry moments; this doesn’t mean that the latter isn’t happening.
10. My biggest fear about the race is coming home. I have a feeling this will be a blog of its own someday.
11. And last but not least. No, I have not found my husband. This is one of my most frequent asked questions/comments. There is a common belief that all racers come home with a spouse. I (and my entire squad) signed a contract that included a portion restricting dating until the race is over. Personally, this has removed a lot of pressure and offers so much freedom to love and serve my male squadmates well, as brothers, and I could not be more excited.
