The World Race is not always the highlights that you see on Instagram. The happy smiling faces with beautiful views happen few and far between and Malaysia was the time that it became evident. For me Malaysia was the first low point for me. Ministry was extremely difficult, there were so many separate ministries and it was a mess. We had to be very flexible through those days. In our free time God taught me to walk in obedience whether that was ironing clothes at a shop for hours, or serving my squad in other ways. Our team was so split up, we had to spilt into three group to serve at different ministries. It was hard because we just went through a time of unity within our team.
It’s the time in the race where my squad members drove me crazy. It was hard to live with them. Other times I found myself running to them in order to be in a group. I’ve come to realize it was bad cause I was seeking be filled by them. It was hard to reject the temptation to run to them and instead run to the Lord.
It was also a time of grief because one of my teammate Justin would be leaving at the end of month three. God taught him so much in the three months he spent on the race. I had leaned so much from him. God is definitely evident in his life. It was a such blessing to serve along his side. Sure leaving was difficult, but I know for sure God has a great plan for him.
Homesickness is real. I never thought I would be missing home. Thanksgiving is a time of family, food, and fun. It was hard to be on the other side of the world, not with my family sitting at the dinner room table and enjoying each other’s company. Thanksgiving for us was sweet. Some of our family member donated to us, so we could have Texas Chicken/Church’s Chicken for Thanksgiving. Not every Thanksgiving do you get to spend in a homeless shelter on the island of Penang in Malaysia.
Ever since I was adopted, for seven years I have never got sick. That was a good and sweet time. Sickness found me in Malaysia. Sickness was everywhere in the hostel. It was surly miserable. God was still with me, He was by my side. He was there to comfort me.
My Chaco’s were stolen at a church. I was threatened and made fun of by a homeless man. Almost got in a fight with a person in the bus. Also almost got arrested in the subway, and moving furniture with my aching back.
Our time in Thailand and Malaysia is officially over. The first three months was life changing. Asia has unfortunately come to an end. Costa Rica is on the other side of the world. Our wonderful team leader Will has left, our new leader has been announced. Goodbye hot weather I won’t be missing you. In those times God has taught me to be thankful and enjoy in those precious times.
The month of Malaysia was hard. All those small things pushed me and tested my faith, but God was there with me the whole time. He also blessed me with fundraising, with amazing cheese naan, with the opportunity to cook for the homeless, with delicious Texas Chicken, with A/C 24/7, with hot showers, with no Lice on my head, with the position of Worship Coordinator, with a beautiful rooftop view, and with teammates to be along side me.
