It is surreal to think I’m writing my last “1,000 words” blog on the World Race. As I’m writing month 11 has come and gone and now I’m sitting by my Christmas tree, in my warm house in America, reflecting on all that happened during my time in Kosovo.
But, the funny thing is that I can’t simply think about Kosovo without thinking about South Africa, Swaziland, India, Nepal, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Ireland, Romania and Transnistria. It still baffles me at how perfect God’s timing is and how each country taught me lessons that would prepare me spiritually, emotionally and sometimes even physically for the next month.
As I look back on all the lessons I have learned and all the ways I’ve seen God move this year I stand amazed. Even within the last month God was continuing to guide and tie up so many loose ends concerning my trust in him as a faithful God.
Last month I thought I was going to be working with college students, and to say that I was excited just didn’t quite sum up my feelings. Then, upon arrival, God closed that door but he was so faithful to open up a door that was even better than the first.
In Kosovo I had the honor of working at an international daycare/Montessori and teaching seminars on Human Trafficking. It wasn’t what I expected; it was chaotic and loud and absolutely amazing. I love children. I love culture. I love hearing other languages being spoken. I love building relationships. I love sharing God's heart for justice. And I got to be apart of all of that this past month.
If you know that popular nineties-christian song Blessed be Your Name it has a verse that says, “You give and take away, but my heart will chose to say Lord Blessed be your name.”
Well, I have a slight problem with that song. God definitely gives.
“For God so loved the world he GAVE his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have everlasting life.” -John 3:16
God has been in the business of giving since the beginning. Satan, on the other-hand, is in the business of taking.
The thief’s (Satan) purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My (Jesus) purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life." -John 10:10
I love that the verse doesn’t end with Satan taking things; instead it ends with Jesus giving us that which satisfies.
I was encouraged during my time in Kosovo by the fact that God knows what will satisfy me much better than I ever could. And just when Satan thought he got ahead and stole something, God comes in and opens another door.
God isn’t a god of downgrades. The only direction he goes is up. He leads us from glory to glory.
The world race season was glorious, but the world race is not the end of the glory-it is merely the beginning of something even greater for his namesake. Every moment up until this very point was preparation for what I couldn’t yet see.
Sometimes it becomes easy to focus on the doors that closed, but instead I am choosing to walk in faith into that which I cannot see.
The race ignited inside my heart a love for sharing Abba’s heart through writing. It started with a blog and now it is growing into something even bigger… I am writing a book.
It’s a bunch of walking by faith because I sure do not know what I’m doing, but I know in his timing the doors will open. Until then, you can continue to follow me on this blog and your prayers would be most appreciated!
As you look through these last pictures of my world race journey I pray that you get a glimpse into the door Abba opened for me during my time in Kosovo. I’m praising him for giving me perspective so that my eyes weren’t on the closed door but were instead awaiting in eager expectation for this place, my team, and for the women and children to come storming out of the door labeled “immeasurably more.”
Which door are you looking at?
