My time on the race is coming to an end and a new chapter begins… There are so many emotions and feelings that have been birthed because of this experience. I have been blessed with a new understanding and appreciation of life yet again and I plan to continue growing. World travel truly strips you of a mask that I believe most American are sometimes even to blinded to know they are wearing. Wisdom is gained when you truly have enough courage to open up to a new experience. This journey I embarked on in January has changed me in so many ways. I wish I could of shared so many experiences with you or even attempt to write them down but it would truly not be the same. I want so desperately for you to be impacted and encouraged by the things I have been able to do all around the world. I know that although my impact may be small; I have changed the lives of many and attempted to make the world a better place. This all was possible because of a choice I made to say yes to a dream I had so long ago. This has been by far one of the hardest things I have ever had to do but one of the best as well. I have seen the world through a different lense and a lot of it is not what I could of ever imagined. I exected to serve people around the planet to the best of my ability. However, I did not expect to gain more from the people I was serving. After humbling myself to a place of vulnerability with the people around me I began to understand the importance of community. This concept I have grown so accustomed too is something I wish to generate back home. I now know the impact of quality and quantity when surrounded by brothers and sisters. The influence you can have in any situation can be magnified enormously when knowledge and wisdom and partnered with others. One person in particular I was partnered with for a fair share on this race was Allie Akins. She and I were and are an unstoppable force when paired together. I pray and hope to continue my relationship with her outside of the “World Race Culture.” Upon my return to the United States there are several choices that will be made in regards to my future. God has blessed me in many ways, with doors to shut and walk through. I will continue to pray and seek His guidance with the correct choices to make. I will be arriving in Chicago December 6th. I am prepared for a time of readjustment, reentry, and rest through the beginning of January. I am eager to see everyone and catch up. God only knows what’s in store for me next. I pray that my journey has impacted you in some small way and that I leave behind a legacy of hope, love, and adventure. God bless you and never stop seeking His guidance.
