I am confident when I say that people leave footprints in your life, sometimes they are small and sometimes they are really big. Many of the parts that make up, well, ME came from other people. My passions, my quirks, my everyday hobbies and even my food choices come from those who have impacted my life.
Want to know what I mean? Here are some examples…
My brother gave me a love for reading.
My kindergarten teacher showed me that learning is as fun as you make it.
My Father gave me a passion for football, theology and healthy eating.
My Mom gave me a love for missions and hospitality.
My cousins got me into card games, specifically Nerdz.
My best friend from high school showed me what true sisterhood looks like (she’s still my best friend) and she invented my favorite snack, strawberries and Nutella.
One of my college roommates taught me that going to bed early makes for a better life.
One of my Antioch friends gave me a love for unsweet tea and the Texas Aggies.
A church friend from my senior year of college showed me that the best way to remedy an empty fuel tank (in your soul, not your car) is spending a weekend pouring over puzzles, playing Rummikub, and sleeping a lot.
One of my closest friends from college rooted in me a deep love for politics, Lord of the Rings and Ronald Reagan.
My last roommate taught me that there is never a wrong time (at least between 11pm and 11am) for a honey butter chicken biscuit from Whataburger.
Paradosis showed me that I have more patience than I ever thought possible and that gentleness and wisdom dwell inside of me.
Along the race, each country I have been to so far has left an impact on my life, a small footprint. I’m halfway through this race and here’s a little bit about what I’ve learned so far…
In Serbia the Lord taught me what dedication to the Lord looks like. Sombor was a barren place, it was filled with SO MUCH material stuff, but the people are so closed off to hearing the gospel. Yet our ministry host and his family continues, after many, many fruitless years to serve with passion and fervor. Watching them continue to pray and believe that God will bring breakthrough showed me what dedication to the kingdom really looks like.
In Romania I learned what true hospitality looks like, these folks brought us into their homes, cooked meals for us and just sat around and talked with us. Regardless of how long we were in someones home, 10 minutes or 10 hours, a plate of food was put in front of us and even if you said no thank you a mug filled with hot java was placed in your hand. Even at the grocery store I found myself being helped by people simply because I had a confused look on my face. Hospitality went beyond an event or even the home here, it was a daily part of how they lived.
In Greece, the refugees showed me that there is so much more to a person than the label that you want place on them. We are all created and loved by our King and each of our stories are worth hearing, even if that means that sometimes you have to drink really bad tea with people.
In Malaysia I learned what it means to be a constant witness in a dark place. So often we avoid the darkness and sin that is around us. The art community in Penang is so dark, but my ministry host surrounds herself with it daily and she still shines brighter for Jesus than most people I know. Even though her community of faith is small and she rarely sees them, she still loves the Lord and shares that love with all those that are lost around her.
In Thailand the Lord showed me that women are powerful vessels for the kingdom in ways I didn’t think possible. Pastor Yui and Pastor Jamie are leaders and warriors in their community. There are few men stepping up and instead of labeling that as a defeat the women of Thailand take charge and advance the gospel. I saw more people come to know the Lord in one day with these women than I have the entire race. Like I said, powerful. It has inspired me not to limit myself with the thought of “I can’t do that”.
In Myanmar I am learning what discipleship really looks like. As the pastors and teachers here train a new generation of students it is obvious that it is for more than just their schooling. They are taking these students under their wings and teaching them the ways of the Lord. 2 Timothy 2:2 is at it’s best with these folks and I am so thankful we get to step in and see this discipleship at work.
The past five months of my life have been the most growing months of my life. I can confidently say that I am a different person now than I was five months ago. I am kinder, I am gentler, I am wiser because I have allowed Him to mold me. Because I took time time to look, my eyes are more opened the ways of God and I see His hand in my life more clearly than ever before. I cannot wait to see myself in 6 more months, I know that I will only continue to grow in depth and knowledge of my King.
Thank you for your support, prayers, and love – I am beyond thankful.
Love y’all!
