Surprise! I’m Home : )

Yes, it’s true.

With all 4 arms and legs connected!

 

After much consideration, I decided to come home. The money in my support account lasted me through August, so I prayed about whether to ask for more support once reaching India, or to come home. 

In the past 2 months, one racer lost a father, one almost lost a brother, and in Johannesburg, we were threatened for our lives and robbed at gunpoint. Among many things, those events served to remind me that everyday is a blessing. David says in Psalm 39:4, ” Show me, O Lord, my life’s end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting is my life”.  In the last 2 months, the Lord has definitely let me know how fleeting my life is!!! 

I came to terms with the fact that being 22 doesn’t make me invincible, and realized that I had some things at home to take care of. Since I was old enough to drive a car,  I didn’t spend much time at home, made a lot of poor decisions, and was ungrateful for the family that the Lord had blessed me with. It took awhile to work through my ‘rebellious’ years, and in the meantime, moved out to Texas for college. I’ve only gotten to see my family twice a year since then, and when I am home, I’m usually visiting friends or spending entire days at the beach, rather than staying home and making up for lost time.

My family has always been important to me, but the last 7 months on the race made me see that they are invaluable. The Lord said, “It’s time to go home”, so I did!

It was a tough decision to make at first because I’ve always struggled with being a people-pleaser (see previous blog), and was so worried that I would disappoint my family, friends and supporters if I didn’t “finish out” the race. The Lord quickly reminded me that I committed my life to Him, not just 11 months of it, and that He will use me whenever and wherever He so chooses.  The lessons I learned on the race were priceless, and I wouldn’t take back a single day. I am crazy in love with every single person on our squad, and will cherish those friendships for the rest of my life.

Ok, so… I’m currently in California with my family; just flew in a few days ago, in time for Mom’s birthday (which is today!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOMMY!!!!). I’ve slept like a baby, cut off all my hair, and accidentally driven on the wrong side of the road (just once, but don’t tell Dad!).

My laptop was stolen in Johannesburg with all of my pictures on it, but I have them all saved here and there, so when I get them all together again I’ll put up a slideshow and show you all the pictures from the past few months!  Stay posted!