I have less than a week left on the race, and naturally I have been reflecting on it all. I always take a step back and look around at where I am when I reach the end of a season. I’m living in a time and place that will soon be an amazing memory and testimony of the Lord’s provision and goodness. I’m aware of the fact that I am also living with a group of people who will most likely never all live together or even be together again in this time. A group of people who I have become so close with and will certainly miss. Though I don’t see the end of this season as a time to weep, but rather to rejoice. We have reached the end of this epic journey, and God has gone before us to prepare the way for whatever is next. Some of us have just began their walk with the Lord and are now returning home with a completely new purpose. Others were greatly changed by this as a result of their obedience and willingness to go wherever he leads. But when we all go home, we will all serve as partakers in the gospel, showing the love of Christ and being an example of the Church. Therefore I have every reason to rejoice at this time, rather than be despaired by leaving these people I love. We have all poured into each other as we served in various places and overcame many difficulties, and now we each get to go home and use our gifts to minister to everyone around us.
I write this second part only four days away from becoming a World Race alumni and saying goodbye to the squad. I have reflected a lot on all the things I am thankful for, such as all the friends I’ve made, the people I’ve been able to minister to, and the ability to be here even after going home for a little while. Ever since February, I have had various illnesses that have been hard to deal with. In Lesotho I was sick for over a week in a place where the doctor was hours away, in Guatemala I had mono for around a month and was trying to work through it without knowing what it was, and now I’ve had two respiratory viruses for over a week. But through it all, the Lord has been with me and has kept me safe and alive. I have been able to finish strong and I can testify that whatever suffering I’ve experienced is completely worth it. Being a follower of Christ comes with many hardships, but it is beautiful to be able to lean on the Lord and endure for his name’s sake.
When I wonder what questions people may ask me when I get home, I also ponder how I will answer them. If someone were to ask me what I’ve learned on the race, I wouldn’t know where to begin. Perhaps the more important lesson I learned was how pivotal it is to fervently pursue an intimate relationship with God. To stop thinking about your obligations or all the little things you need to do to be better, and simply love the Lord like crazy. Take in his incredible love and grace and be his child. If your eyes are fixed on him, you will naturally stop doing what you truly don’t want to do. Don’t settle for a life without real joy and peace.
I now have about thirty six hours left as I am writing this part, and there are many things running through my mind. I wish I could spend more time with each person before I leave so I could reflect with them and hear about their thoughts. I would love to be able to tell each person how much I appreciate them and say a more thoughtful goodbye, maybe planning something in the future with them. I’m hoping that I keep in touch with most of my squad and get together with some over the years. I decided to write this blog in the midst of the busy debrief schedule to share some of my thoughts and show how a typical world racer feels after this unique experience. I have asked myself the question: “would I recommend the race to other high school graduates?” If the person is uninterested in college or wishes to do some gospel work overseas, I would most likely recommend the race, not neglecting to tell them about some of the hardships they might face. The reason I applied to do this trip was simply because I knew the Lord had been guiding me towards it. I was intimidated by the fundraising aspect, which turned out to be a blessing. I didn’t know if I would have the skills to share the gospel to strangers or minister to my squad, but the Lord prepared me and directed me through it all. Now, as I get ready to go home, I am excited for whatever comes my way, and I have newfound confidence because of Christ who readies my hands and goes before me.
Thanks for being invested in my journey! I hope these words encouraged you and reminded you that the Lord is moving! Life is beautiful and there is so much good to see while our God is working. May you be blessed with grace and peace from God our Father!
