2 VERY important World Race updates:
1) My route has been redirected and I will no longer be traveling to Greece; instead I will be headed to Albania.
2) Today I was given my launch date – January 7th! I will head up to Atlanta, Georgia, for launch!
Most of my World Race squad buddies put up posts on social media in less than 10 minutes, informing everyone of their exciting news.
I had quite a different reaction.
I cried.
HARD.
Sobbing would probably be a better description, and even that is putting it nicely.
Seeing that date made things real, TOO real. I began to dwell on all of the things that I would miss in the 11 months that I would be gone. Satan attacks us in our weakest moments, and seeing this date made me weak.
My head began to fill with all of the doubts, worries, and fears that have burdened me as I have thought about leaving for such an extended period of time. I began to think about the fact that life will continue on here when I am on the race. I will miss my baby sister’s first birthday, my close friend’s wedding, and simply living life with those who are nearest and dearest to my heart. These thoughts began to consume me, and I became struck with the grief of all that I would have to miss.
After a few moments of crying with Jesus, I had the brains to “calm” myself down enough to call a friend. I truly believe that the Lord puts people in our lives for a reason. Those in our life who love the Lord are voices of wisdom. This friend spoke gently into my life reminding me of all the reasons I chose to obey God’s call to the World Race. They reminded me of the fact that I am doing this to spread the word of Christ.
They reminded me that I will have the opportunity to return home and share the stories of God’s goodness with my sisters.
Ultimately, they reminded me that it is not about me.
It is humbling to have friends who care for me enough to call me on my sin in my moments of weakness. I often become far too focused on myself, but it is truly about HIM.
Some days I am more scared than others, but just as I told this very good-natured friend, the heartbreak that I feel does not void my calling; it simply makes it difficult to say yes sometimes. But I have said yes.
To the hard things and the easy things.
So I go forth to January 7th, reminded that I am privileged to have the opportunity to live out the calling of the World Race.
