ONLY ONE MONTH TO GO! And with that, I’ve been thinking a lot about the things that are important to me here and those that I will especially be missing as I travel for 11 months. Although I’m sure this is only a tip of the iceberg, here are 11 things I can say I will surely miss in 2019…
11. Simple pleasures I take for granted.. Such as my super comfy bed, warm showers, and flushing toilet paper down the toilet. Yes. That will probably be non-existent overseas.
10. My Nissan Rogue… and driving in general! Who knows if I’ll even get to drive anything for a year!? I may need to take some lessons all over again when I get back!
9. Snow. Okay, okay! So maybe this is something you’d be glad to be rid of for a year, but I am a winter lover! …Well, make that a snow lover! I was born in January and have many favorite memories in the snow. Not that I don’t like summer, but while living along the equator for a year (which is most of our route), I think I’m really gonna miss making snow angels, snowmen, and enjoying snowball fights! I may be 25, but I’m most definitely still a child when it comes to a good snowfall.
8. My clothes, shoes, jewelry… ya know, the typical girly things. Now, I wouldn’t call myself a major accessorizer, and I can go without (I’ve been on plenty of mission trips before with just a few bags). I know I will learn to live without, which is actually one of the things I’m very excited about, learning to live a simpler life. However, I’m sure there will be times that I’m bound to have the thought, “If only I packed my ____!” *fill in the blank* (maybe weekly). Let’s just say, I like to be prepared and so the thought of making sure I have everything I need from home for the ENTIRE YEAR honestly… kinda scares me a bit.
7. My piano! I already miss it a lot since I’ve put it in storage, but also have been too busy these past 7 years (since my lessons ended) to really play it much anyways. Some people are bringing their guitars and other mini instruments, but I don’t think I’ll be bringing mine. Although, I am considering packing my piccolo just for funzies! We’ll see if there’s any room.
6. My alone time. First of all, know that I am most DEFINTELY an EXTROVERT! So, I recharge and fill up with people! In fact, that is my number one love language, spending time with people! But as they say, too much of a good thing is, well, not so good. I’ve heard from WR alumni that you don’t get much alone time on the race. So that is why I’m going to embrace the porta potty breaks when I get them!
5. Amazon and easy access to stores. Let’s be honest. Isn’t it nice to sit on your couch, find exactly what you need, and have it sent directly to your door? Especially this time of year! Or ain’t it grand having the freedom to run down the road to pick up a jug of milk, toilet paper you forgot, or that essential ingredient to a chocolatey desert you are suddenly craving hard-core?! Welp, since I won’t have a permanent address for a year and could potentially be living in the middle of a jungle or out in the boonies somewhere… this is a comfort I shall learn to live without or at least minimally.
4. Worship at my church. If you haven’t visited New Covenant Worship Center… you should! Then tell me about it because I’m gonna miss the wonderful people and especially the worship there sooo much! But seriously, everyone and everything about New Covenant is awesome!!
3. Family and Holiday gatherings, birthdays, weddings, graduations, etc. As I previously mentioned… I LOVE SPENDING TIME WITH PEOPLE. So I am sad to think that I will be missing important gatherings such as holidays with family, my cousin’s and friend’s weddings (and potentially more if you rush an engagement. Don’t. Do. It! Or if you must get married before I return, then at least make it a destination wedding wherever I’m going to be that month so I can join ya!). So yeah, I’m sure there will be more events and gatherings that I will be super sad to be missing. But on the other hand, I know that the reward of what the Lord will do through me, in me, and in the many lives we minister to will be well worth it!
2. My students and teaching. I mean, I know there’s a good chance I’ll be able to teach in many of the countries we visit, but it WILL be different. More than anything though, I’ll miss the funny things my students say that make my day, every day! I’ve grown to love them as my own and hope they know I always will! If you haven’t read my blog about teaching… check it out here.
1. My parents, siblings, and dearest friends. Of course, I am going to make a point to talk to you all when I can and try to keep up. But it will mostly depend on the month and how often we can even get wifi access. More than talking though, I’m gonna miss your hugs! Especially from those of you who know how to give me my FAVORITE type of hug! If you don’t know what that is… You ought to learn. I need to stock up on hugs before I leave!
But don’t worry friends! All that being said, I am not reconsidering going on the world race. By God’s grace, IT’S HAPPENING IN 31 DAYS! And I know without a shadow of doubt that the benefits will far outweigh the potential moments of lacking or wanting. Just as Paul says,
“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”
– 2 Corinthians 4:17-18
As long as we go out in love and are unwavering in our faith each day, we shall lack NOTHING! As it is written,
“And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”
– James 1:4
I’m actually very excited to be put in positions where I am in need. Just think what kind of cool testimonies I’m going to have when God provides in wildly loving and mind-blowing ways! Let’s give room for God to fill our every needs more often, aye?!
