At launch each and every gap year participant was given a “key for the journey.” When I opened mine, the word engraved upon it was “Be.” Nothing more. At first, I didn’t know what to think, for it could have so many different meanings and I thought that was the beauty in it, however throughout the course of the week, the Lord has revealed some big things about what he may be trying to show me through it.
During team time on Monday, we worked through a devotion/conversation called journey markers and it was about leaving comfort. Through a time of prayer and reflection the Lord revealed to me that I have been finding comfort here in Cambodia through Cafes. Not because of the coffee or air conditioning, but rather the access to Wi-Fi that allows me to have a bridge back home. The Wi-Fi allows me to contact friends and family, check in with people’s lives through Facebook, and feel connected to the place where I find comfort, home.
Later in the day, I was talking to a fellow world racer, Carlen, that is currently in month 9 of her 11n11 journey here in Cambodia and has some time off. She ate dinner with us and after dinner we were having some truly amazing conversation during which she asked me what I feel the Lord is trying to grow me in. The word that popped to my mind right off the bat is “Be.” I explained to her that I struggle being in the moment due to the fact that I like to plan and be in control of the situation.
After that, in our room as a team, we read from the “Jesus Calling” devotional book for the day and yet again, I felt the Lord speak to me about being in the moment.
After this moment, I decided to stretch myself and go through a Wi-Fi detox, along with my team, for the week in order to work in just being. At first, it was easy, but as the week went on and it became harder. I never thought this would be an issue for me, however, Wi-Fi was always at my finger tips at home. It was hard not to text my family every time I was missing them, not to always know what was going on in the lives of people at home, and not to find comfort in those I have known my whole life, but it was so good. I was able to focus and build relationships with those around me, minister to those right next to me, and focus more on my relationship with the Lord. I still have so much to do to work on just being, however the Lord has already stretched me in some amazing ways. I can’t wait to see what else he reveals through my key.
I realized my key doesn’t mean so much, but rather the meaning is found in the simplicity. Just be.
**Disclaimer: Sorry for the delay on the blog post, but as you read above, I wasn’t on Wi-Fi all week!! Things here are going so well! Thank you all so much for all your love and support!! More details on ministry and travel to come!
