A little over a year ago, I was living out my wildest dream in India. My squad was spread out across the country serving different ministries, and we would soon be moving on to Nepal. I was prayerfully looking forward to 9 more months on the World Race. Afterwards I planned to come home and get a job as a substitute teacher, buy a car, and move out on my own again.
But clearly God had different plans.
A year ago today I was on a heartbreaking 15-hour flight back from Southeast Asia to the US from my first World Race. We landed in an eerie, empty New York City that looked like a ghost town from a movie. There were no people out walking; very few cars were on the streets. And we had to quickly find flights to our home states before planes were supposedly grounded.
I remember thinking that my World Race journey was over, and questioning why God had allowed Covid to ruin my Race. I felt confusion and disappointment wash over me.
Yet in the chaos and uncertainty of the following months I felt the Lord’s presence all around me. He kept pursuing me even when I didn’t put much effort into my relationship with Him, and I continued to say yes to Him, even if I was reluctant.
I am beginning to see how He has used my disappointment for His glory. He taught me to turn the focus onto Him and what He is doing, instead of having an inward focus on me. My faith and trust in Him are deeper, and I am daily surrendering more of myself to Him. My identity is rooted in Him, not the people around me.
Then In October, I learned that God was giving me the opportunity to go out on the World Race for another 11 months. A second chance!
Now, I’m in a coffee shop in Costa Rica living that Race life once again. A lot of things look different this time around. My squad is a mixture of relaunchers and new Racers. We are currently in Central America instead of Asia, where Expedition routes usually go. And we are staying in a country longer than a month.
Without the trials of last year, I don’t think I would be where I am today spiritually.
Thank you to those of you who have been praying for me and supporting me. I am (practically) fully funded, and I’m excited for everything God has in store for this Race. I’m so glad you get to walk along this journey with me and be a part of what God is doing in our crazy world!
So even though this last year felt like I went through the spiritual wringer, God has used every bit of it. I can’t wait to see what He does next!
