Month 7. When I left for the Race, I knew flexibility would be in high demand, but I never foresaw how Month 7 would begin.
Our squad was making preparations to fly to South America. It was time for a continent change. We were mid race and everyone was excited for some new scenery.
The morning of the day we were to leave a squadmate got a call saying there were some discrepancies on her medical release form that would allow her to fly. They told her she may just have to stay put.
With an 11 hour time difference, it took all day to get the answers we needed and that evening, as we sat in the airport waiting to check in for our flight, we got the final word. She could not travel and myself or one of my co-leaders would need to stay back with her.
In hindsight, I know that the Lord had been preparing me all day that I would be the one to stay back.
So, as our people checked into their flight, Jillian and I found a tuk tuk to take us back to the hostel, not knowing what the next days or weeks might look like.
The next two weeks were full of daily hospital visits, phone calls to the insurance company (in a very inconvenient time zone 
), serving as wait staff at our guesthouse (this was a blessing, as it gave us something to do!) and lots and lots of resting. Those days were something of a mix between slow motion and a whirlwind.
This wasn’t our ideal way to spend those two weeks—our plan was to use them by getting acquainted with Colombia, South America. However, it was really cool to see God orchestrate the details of our unexpected ‘vacation’…
We met a doctor from out of country who just happens to be working at our hospital for the 5 days we were there. She was phenomenal and got us all the information and forms we needed with no hassle.
Though lack of mobility was limiting, He still provided small ways we could serve at our Guesthouse.
He provided rest in the middle of a year where rest is in short supply.
When I was a kid, I remember my dad often saying, “Life’s not fair.” How true that is! There were days last month that were great, but there were definitely days when life felt unfair.
We were never promised fairness.
What we have been promised is provision regardless of our circumstances.
We’ve been promised the things that we need, not what we want.
We’ve been promised that in the midst of less than desirable circumstances, we have a Comforter, Provider, Healer.
No, life isn’t fair. I’ve thought that often on the Race as I’ve seen different circumstances and living conditions. {I consistently wonder why I’ve been blessed with the life I have while some live in less than desirable situations.}
It’s not fair at all, but with my Jesus, it’s good, and there’s always so much to be thankful for.
P.S. We have both made it to South America and it is beautiful! (Some of the landscape reminds me of my Canadian home.)
