5 Lessons I Learned BEFORE The World Race

Overwhelmed.

Non-stop text messages, never-ending goodbyes, last-second REI runs, re-re-re-packing my backpacks, sleepless nights, a floodgate of emails, Facebook updates, and the true craziness hasn’t even begun. 

Preparing for this trip has been an adventure in and of itself. In a way, it feels more like I’m leaving for 5 years as opposed to one! There have been many times where stress and anxiety bubble to the surface and it’s truly only by the grace of God I’m able to stay focused and keep going. So thank you all who are praying for and are actively encouraging me! God is working 🙂 

He has taught me so many lessons in this time between training camp and launch so what better way to update you than by sharing some of these epiphanies haha! So here are 5 Lessons I Learned BEFORE The World Race…

1. People Are More Important

There are so many items to check off my list, and there are equally as many people who wanted my time before I leave. I found myself getting annoyed with these friends because of my checklist and the stress that comes with putting it off. That’s when I had to take a deep breath, refocus, and remember that while our to-do list is important, people are more important. God is all about people. Therefore, I should be all about people too. The list will get done, but I am not guaranteed more time with that person, friend, or family member. Thank you, Jesus, for reminding me of this and allowing me to spend time with so many loved ones before this trip. 

2. I Hate Being The Passenger

I never thought of myself as one who has a “control” issue. That is until I rode along in the back and passenger seats of sooooo many vehicles these past few weeks. Now, to the owners of these cars, I am in no way trying to throw you under the bus or make you feel bad haha. To be honest I am so thankful I learned this about myself because now I am aware that I need Jesus to grow me in this area. I love driving. I have driven solo A LOT these past few years, and guess what… I like it. I like being in control of the car. I like slowing the vehicle down to a nice, steady stop. I like being the dj – choosing the music, podcast, audiobook, or silence. I like having the final say. 

Did that Carrie Underwood song come to mind? Yep, you got it. I need Jesus to take the wheel. This year I am going to be both a literal passenger and spiritual passenger. Jesus has not called me to be the driver. He has not called me to lead Him. He has called me to follow. And funnily enough, He has called me into a trip where I probably won’t drive one dang time for a whole year! Who ever said God doesn’t have a sense of humor? Father, I surrender control of my life to you. I hand you my expectations and vision. Take the wheel and teach me to truly follow and find joy, rest, peace, and energy in following and trusting! 

3. Less Is More

Packing. Ugh. I HATE the very thought! I’ve literally packed and re-packed my bags dozens of times in my head. The goal is to get my big pack under 40 pounds and to convince myself that I don’t need as much as I think I do. Though it is difficult to bring less, it is imperative. It is imperative because it creates more space for Jesus. The less we are attached to this world, the more we will be attached to Jesus. The less we have available, the more we will lean on His provision, wisdom, and guidance. The less we have to distract us, the more we can get caught up in His wonder. Personally, I have found that I experience Him so much more with less. Less is more… for sure (see that rhyme 😉 I am by no means a master, but I am thankful for this opportunity to experience Jesus MORE!

4. It’s Ok To Be Weak

In my last blog I talked about the loss my family has recently experienced. It has been heavy, but that, unfortunately, was the first difficulty. There have been 3 other specific situations that have rocked my world in the past six weeks. Processing these situations has been hard and exhausting. However, I am the team leader for my World Race team… so I’m supposed to be strong all the time right? 

Wrong. 

I’ve learned that it is ok to take time to grieve. It is ok to turn off my phone. It is ok to ask for help. It is ok to admit that I am weak. And guess what the good news is??? 

JESUS IS STRONG!

I’m pretty sure I will be learning this lesson for the rest of my life. Yet, I am thankful that in this season Jesus has shown me His strength amidst my weakness. He has infused so much love, encouragement, and support through those around me. He has provided me with an amazing family, friend group, and spiritual community! Jesus, thank you for the individuals you have placed in my life who have come alongside my family and I through this tough time. I pray a special blessing on all those who reached out, prayed, and helped us navigate this season. 

5. Team Lit is LIT!

At training camp our squad of 25 people was divided into 4 teams. Three teams of 6 and one team of 7. Mine is the team of 7. Maggie, Oscar, Daniel, Jezie, Wesley, Kayin, and myself. You’ll definitely hear more about them soon!

After discussing what our team name should be, we eventually settled on Team Lit.

One, because we just needed to decide. Two, because it’s funny! Three, because our vision is to be a team that brings energy, shines Jesus’ light, and sets wherever we go ablaze for the Kingdom of heaven (see what I did there 😉 Ok, yes we do know what lit means, but we’re making our own definition while having some fun with it! 

What I’m trying to get at is my teammates are absolutely AMAZING! I could spend forever complimenting them but for now, let me just say we are already a family. The way my team has cared for one another, promoted vulnerability, pursued relationships intentionally, exercised patience, and cheered each other on has been simply beautiful to see and experience. I am so thankful for the team God has chosen me to be on and I cannot wait to see how He is going to use us around the world!

More on Team Lit to come, but for now, please enjoy this awesome video Wesley made and be sure to subscribe to his YouTube channel!

Ok, that’s all for now. Thanks for reading! 

Cheers!