Amanda has been one of the most incredible people that I’ve gotten to know. A little over a year ago when we began the World Race, she was fed up with everything and ready to go home. She’s a middle school teacher, and since we left in the summer, she finished up her last day of school and hopped on a plane to start the Race. There was no real transition or down time like most of us had for her and it was a tough spot to be in. However, with Amanda, it was obvious to see leadership potential there from the beginning, so in the midst of her “misery” the leadership made a rare move.
They moved her up to the leader of her team and called her out to something more.
Over the next several months, I watched as this girl shouldered this challenge and took a shot at leadership. It wasn’t long before she realized all of her natural giftings were meaningless if she led out of pride. I was able to walk through this pretty closely with Amanda and it was pretty brutal at times. She spent a lot of time “in the fire” throughout the next several months. But, despite all of it, when she was asked if she would do it again, she said that she was ready to sign up for it all over again and start at the beginning (no one wants to do that after a year like that…).
With Amanda, it’s been fun to talk about “next step” ideas. Even though she had her old job and community waiting on her to pick back up, it wasn’t an option for her. In our last month on the Race, the girls were split up and involved with ministry in the Red Light District of Thailand. Something happened there for her and she knew she had to head back. She’s been there a few months now and is on her return home. Today.
I’ve just been thinking about her a lot and praying for her because there’s such a big picture being painted for her and incredible things are happening. There was even one time a couple of months ago when I was struggling in the Philippines and she spoke encouragement over me that I never expected to hear from anyone, much less her. God is doing something in and through her, and it’s been so much fun because it looks like He’s only revealing one step at a time. Such a strong faith is being called out of her.
So, I wrote this blog today because it’s a transition point for this girl. I want you to read her latest thoughts here because it’s just a glimpse into her mind and what the last year and a half has been for her. I’m sure she would welcome the encouragement you could send her way during this time. I’m super excited to hear what’s next for her. Above all, I just think she’s a strong encouragement for living out a calling, even when all the pieces aren’t there yet.
Our plans are great and useful, but it is so much more freeing to live your life for something else…
