I remember the moment I stepped out of our van in Fondwa, Haiti. After flying into Port Au Prince and making the journey through the winding dirt mountain roads I almost kissed the ground beneath my feet I was so happy to be standing on solid ground. We began walking up the road to meet a woman Pastor Dave knew. When we got to the top of the hill I stopped. I couldn’t think of a more beautiful place than the mountain village of Fondwa. The words we would normally use to describe such a sight—beautiful, pretty, incredible—don’t even come close to the majestic view that welcomed us to Haiti.
{Our first look in Fondwa (top) and Pastor Dave and his friend as we walk up the hill (bottom)}
The God who created THESE loves me? The God who created that mountain, and that mountain, and that goat standing on the side of that mountain, loves me, is jealous for me, desires my heart?
Last night I experienced a similar “awe” feeling at God’s beauty and provision. After browsing Facebook and checking my email, I decided to log into my world race profile. $12,206. 75% funded. I did a double take, and a triple take, and just to make sure my vision wasn’t failing me I hit the refresh button one more time.
So many people and organizations have joined me in this journey through financially supporting me and lifting me and my teammates up in prayer. I am humbled by the ways God continually blesses and affirms me in this journey. I am in awe as I look back over the past year. Last September I was just learning about the World Race. Last September I was struggling to trust God with my future. Last September I was under the impression that my plans would be more joyful, fulfilling, and perfect. Letting go of that attitude isn’t easy but it is so worth it. Some days I fall back into that doubt. Somedays my anxiety volume knob grows louder and my worry for what is to come overwhelms me. But God brings me to the mountains. God brings people into my life whose stories and vulnerabilities encourage and inspire my walk. God brings me to His word and strengthens my faith.
A song called Mountains by Hillsong United, ends with the following words:
Your name, my sure foundation
The hope of glory for one and all.
Your love endures forever
Our only mountain that will not fall.
All the earth, welcome hope
In every heart Your will be done.
All Creation, welcome home
This hope is ours Your kingdom come.
We cry holy, holy, holy
We cry holy is Your name
For Your name, heart and soul
My life is Yours a living stone.
For Your glory, heart and soul
Surrendered all to build our home.
Amos 4:13 || For behold, He who forms the mountains and creates the wind, and declares the man what is his thought. He brings everything out of nothing, like dawn out of darkness. He name is God, God of Angel Armies. ( ESV/Message)
With Love,
Shelby
