A year ago today I was packing.
Packing for a peculiar 11 month journey that seemed nothing more than a dream come true, a fairy tale of sorts.
I was about to venture out into the unknown with a bunch of strangers and an oversized backpack. I remember running (almost literally) through Wal-Mart buying all those last minute traveler necessities and extra packs of baby wipes. Flashbacks to a minor freak out while texting Kate, my squad leader, when I realized all my things didn’t fit in my pack still haunt me. My frustration had brought me to tears and I questioned my decision to go on the race.
A year ago today I was pretty clueless. Looking back, I in no way anticipated my race going the way it did. The things I thought would be easy weren’t, and the things I thought would be challenging came easy.
I still haven’t figured out how to answer most of the questions you have for me about my trip. I have so much to share, I just haven’t quite figured out how to tell you.
If I could sum it all up for you it would be this:
The World Race was more of a discipleship program than a missions trip. Yes, I did ministry and lots of manual labor. But that’s not what the race is about, the race is more about who you’re becoming along the way. I learned some really valuable lessons last year, like healthy communication and the importance of practicing spiritual disciplines. I also got smacked in the face with things like pride, control, and false humility. I had some major break downs throughout the year – Costa Rica, Bulgaria, and Romania just to name a few. I had some really tough days, especially in Bolivia, and I had some really awesome ones. (Thank you Uganda!) I saw extreme poverty, I fell in love with the gypsies, I sat on hospital beds with children battling severe cases of the measles, I had rocks thrown at me because I was an outsider, and I saw people find hope and healing. Some days I was worn down and tired, others I could hardly fall asleep at night because of the joy and excitement I felt. Also, living in community with my squad taught me so much. Like how to love people by doing things like speaking truth even when it’s hard, serving them by doing things like washing their laundry, and giving silent hugs on tough days. (Side note: Not being with my squad has been one of the toughest things since being home.)
Looking back I’m still trying to wrap my head around everything. Most days I wonder, “Did that really happen?” Other days it seems so real that I feel like an outsider in my own country.
Yet here I am now, a year later, packing again but this time for a different kind of adventure – a more settling one.
When I got home I had a few different opportunities on the horizon, all of which were really great options. I mean it’s really easy to discern what’s right from wrong, but when all of the things on your plate are good – how do you choose? To squad lead or not to squad lead? What about a job back at the school? I could start coaching again, or maybe make a career of leading short term mission trips? They all sounded great to me! As everything unraveled, I just kept my eyes on the Father as best I could and trusted in His plan for me.
During my last week of the race, I had an opportunity arise that I wasn’t sure what to do with. A friend sent me a job opening for a global outreach organization in Denver. As I read through the application requirements it sounded too good to be true. I was a bit apprehensive because I was still so unsure of what I wanted, I mean at the time I wasn’t even home yet! But in the end I applied and was given the chance to interview for a country coordinator position at Global Dental Relief, an NGO in Denver.
After two interviews and a couple of phone calls I was given the job and gladly accepted. I remember sitting in the hallway before my final interview praying, “God you are good if I get this job and You are still good if I don’t. I trust you.”
So, tomorrow marks the beginning of yet another adventure. I’m moving out to Denver, a city I so dearly love, and the one place I begged the Lord to bring me back to someday when I left in 2014. I start my new job next week; a job where I will work for an incredible organization, with incredible people and be able to continue to traveling overseas!
I couldn’t be more thankful for how things have unfolded. Sometimes I wonder why the Lord has such favor on someone who is as broken and messy as me … but then I remember how He delights in caring for His children. So why wouldn’t He?
Two things before I go.
First, if you want to know more about Global Dental Relief (GDR) you can visit their website here. My main responsibilities will be logistics for about 10 dental trips a year, recruiting & communicating with volunteers, planning “friend”raisers and helping organize various special projects throughout the year. I will also be trip leading a few times each year too! Yay for more passport stamps!!
Secondly, I love you and I love coffee. Let’s go on a date (even if it’s over FaceTime) and catch up! You all have supported me in more ways than I could have ever imagined, the least I could do is treat you to a cup of coffee! Text me, comment on here or send me an email so we can plan a time to get together!
I love you guys, a lot. Really, I do. And I mean it when I say I’ll miss you when I leave.
Thanks for having grace and patience with me as I figure out this whole re-entry thing.
Love you.
Oh, and stay in touch!
PS: Here are a few of my favorite moments from the race!
