This month in Ireland marks the last month of ministry on The World Race. It is a bittersweet realization that 11 months of missions in eleven different countries is coming to an end. At the same time, I have come to terms with timing – and that things begin and end for a purpose, and life is one of seasons. So I am at peace with the transition back to 'real life' in the U.S.
I am coming back as a new person, so friends, be prepared. The old Shelli is gone, and the new has come. The people I have met throughout Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, and Europe, have shown me what it means to sacrifice everything for The Kingdom of God, and it is worth it. They have shown me, through their lives, stories, and examples, there there is nothing that compares with the richness of knowing Jesus and giving everything you've got to live for His fullness. It blows my mind, that the same God who is at work in the suburbs and cities and small towns of America is the God who is at work in the most remote parts of tribal Africa, in the jungles of Cambodia, and in the green fields of Ireland.
I am ready to fight for the Kingdom to come through my life back in America. I am ready to be a catalyst for change within my church – I am ready to see the church come to a new place of depth and growth, commitment, fellowship, unity, and devotion to reaching out to our community and our world. I am ready to delight in the beauty of Christ in even deeper ways, regardless of whether I am in the slums of the third-world, or the bustle of a contemporary, urban metropolis.
I love Him, like crazy. Seriously, jump off the deep end into the deep water crazy.
So this month in Ireland, my goal is to be fully present. To be dedicated to my teammates in everything I do. To serve with everything in me. I want to work passionately and cheerfully so much so that I am exhausted when I hit the pillow each night, knowing that I gave everything to serving. I want to love and laugh and engage in every opportunity that the Lord puts before me. I want to share the energy, passion, and excitement within me with every person I come in contact with. I want to bring hope where there is hopelessness, love where there is brokenness, and faith where there is apathy.
I will not leave this country without giving this last month everything I've got.
I will not be one of those people who checks out of ministry and life because they are so focused on going home. Sorry, America – you will just have to wait, because I'M NOT DONE YET, and I am here in this place, in this moment, for a beautiful purpose that I have yet to discover.
This is the end of the marathon, the final few miles… and now is the time to kick it into high gear.
Blessings from Ireland.
