To all of my supporters…
We are in month 3 of this thing called the World Race. The past two months have included some crazy adventures, late night talks, abundant laughter, and quite a bit of growth. I have grown in my love for my team, learning slowly but surely that my voice does matter, and that there is an amazing community of believers in India, Nepal, Vietnam and beyond. These are to name just a few!
Those months did not include some of the ‘luxuries’ in life that I was used to in the states. I have come to this place of current growth through taking the time to be intentional with those around me and most importantly with our heavenly Father. I desire more than anything to continue in this growth with the Lord. This growth looks different from month to month and that is very much the case this month.
My team and I are in Da Nang, Vietnam for December and the holiday season. We are teaching English classes multiple times throughout the week. We have taught four since arriving early Friday morning. This is a ministry that we are very quickly falling in love with. These college students are hungry to learn and to simply be in friendship with us. To say that we are excited to get to know them is an understatement.
Now…our life here is quite different from the past two months in other ways as well. First off we are living in our own apartment with our own kitchen to cook whenever and whatever we would like. We have quite a bit of free time during the day due to our ministry being at night and we are learning how to steward that time well. Also, we have consistent wifi. I did not realize how much of a struggle this would be for me. At first it was a huge blessing but I have come to realize how hard it is for me to pry my hands away from my phone. It is so hard to admit to you all but I am truly addicted to my phone and social media. I thought I would be fine, considering I have had barely any access to it over the past two months, but as soon as wifi was consistently available all I could do with my fingers was scroll…scroll and scroll some more.
This isn’t something that I am claiming to know the solution to but I am learning that the Lord provides me with certain things in life for a reason. Wifi is one of those things because it is a way for me to connect with those back home, my amazing supporters and lovely leadership team. Through connecting with those back home, many have asked me what life is like right now. I am trying to connect and be transparent with all of those who have reached out. This morning I had the goal to reply back to all of my facebook messages because, to be honest, there are times when it becomes overwhelming!
There was one message in particular that stood out to me. I am slowly learning that my friend Tom is someone who will be honest with me about life. I was venting to him about how people think I am just on this fun ‘trip’ and that is not at all how I feel. This thing called the World Race is freaking hard and I did not want people to think that I was on a vacation! Well…Tom called me out in the most loving way. He said that from what he sees, my posts on social media don’t exactly match up with the stories that I write within my blogs. He likes to see the photos of fun things, breathtaking scenery and to see that I am doing okay but at times these snapshots just don’t match up with my first blog, “It’s not about me at all”. His feedback really struck a chord with the convictions I have been feeling as of late when it comes to wifi and social media.
With only having limited wifi over the past two months I have come to realize all I desire to post are the fun and picturesque things that I have done. Part of me admits I post that because I figured it is all people want to see or what would get the most likes on Facebook and Instagram… and that is the completely wrong mindset to have. Tom said that he wants to hear about the people I have met or the breakthroughs that are happening within my journey here on the World Race.
I wanted to let all of my loved ones, friends and supporters know that I am going to try and refocus my blog and posts. I still plan on posting the fun things I do, the beautiful scenery or the funny stories that I encounter because I really like to share those moments that bring me joy. I want you to experience these along side me. However, I feel led to share stories about those who share their stories with me and the breakthroughs/growing pains that the Lord is leading me through. My original intent of my World Race blog was to share the stories of those whom I have met around the world. I have to admit this has not happened yet…but I am posturing my heart to refocus on what the Lord is leading me to share with you all.
I am thankful for all the encouragement, support and love you have shown me thus far on this journey. I cannot wait to give you a closer look into what my life is currently like and how our Father is speaking and moving within those all over His creation. You all are such a blessing and words cannot express the gratitude I have for each of you. If you ever have any questions, comments or thoughts you would like to share, please do! I love hearing from you all and I pray that you are having a blessed Christmas season. Remember the reason for the season! 🙂 I LOVE YOU GUYS! 🙂
