How does one pen the final words to a book they’ve been writing for 4 years? How do you reach the point where the words staring back at you feel as though they are enough?
This is how I feel as I attempt to write this blog… again.
When I opened my computer I selected the entire blog I had written yesterday and hit backspace. Yep, just straight deleted it, like a savage. Our 21st century concept of savagery that is lol. But isn’t this a crucial part of the artistic journey? Cutting, deleting, and trimming. The willingness to let go so the piece itself can take shape. Great advice and perhaps an even better life metaphor. I know the Apostle Paul would agree – loss is gain.
In a way, that’s how my World Race journey began. The willingness to leave quite a lot behind so better things could be gained. A trade I’m glad I went for back in 2018.
I do remember writing my very first blog, but the stronger memory I have is typing blog #4, Money Mountain. I remember making Dunkin’ my office that sunny, North Carolina day as I expressed my hesitations about having to fundraise $18k! But thanks to so many of you reading this blog and other incredible supporters, the money showed up! In fact, it showed up time and time again as my World Race journey continued beyond those initial 11 months.
Gosh it’s been a ride!
I have been humbled by so many cultures, collected so many memories, and have gained so many wonderful friends. It truly is difficult choosing the proper words to adequately express the depth of gratitude and appreciation I feel for my time with Adventures In Missions (AIM) and the World Race. These have been some of the best years of my life with some of the greatest humans I have ever met.
Yet all good things must come to a close.
Life has been both vibrant and frustrating since assimilating back to the pace of life in the US. I have had days where my heart feels so full, as well as days where I am longing to feel connected to meaning. Without a doubt, the nature of the Race has caused me to crave more from life than what a 9 to 5 can offer.
But I have tried.
Last summer I took a job on staff in Gainesville, GA with Adventures In Missions as a Squad Mentor. I was excited to have a steady job while still being very involved in missions. Surprisingly though, since joining staff, my time with AIM has been bizarre and unpredictable. What I had hoped would be a season of growing roots and finding stability resulted in a series of events which have led to writing this – my final World Race blog.
Let me explain…
4 months after I came on staff as a Squad Mentor, I was let go do to financial limitations in the program department. Thankfully, I was re-hired by AIM’s marketing team which at the time felt both relieving and exciting. Unfortunately, since joining the marketing department in January, many of my fellow co-workers decided to quit. At first I understood why people were leaving, but after a while, when more and more friends of mine announced they too would be resigning I grew more concerned. I have since come to realize AIM is an awesome organization because of the people who comprise it, and with so many of those individuals leaving my flame was starting to fade.
After a month and a half of internally and externally debating which move to make, I eventually decided to conclude my time with AIM and the World Race. Bringing this incredible journey to a close.
True, there’s a lot I could say right here, but in the end it came down to either having enough belief in the organization’s leadership and vision to stick it out, or simply accept that it’s time to move on – which is actually ok. It’s ok to move on.
So, I made my decision and have a ton of peace about it!
Yes, it has been an emotional and tough process. I care about AIM, the World Race, and the individuals who are still working to rebuild it. At the same time it’s been awesome knowing I’ve made the best decision for myself. For so many years I have allowed the perceived expectations of others, or pressure to stay in ministry govern my decision making process. Such is not the case with this one, and I’m stoked about it!
This is not a bitter blog, nor has my intention been to spill any tea. Rather, so many of you have supported me and have stayed current with my story that I wanted to give you some of the context surrounding this significant change. I also wanted to do the story justice by giving it a well-earned ending.
The book that is my World Race journey has been fantastic! An epic filled with highs, lows, twists, turns, and a whole lot of Jesus both experienced and shared along the way.
I am deeply grateful for every moment.
So this is me raising my glass one final time on this blogging platform…
Cheers World Race. Thank you for everything.
Sincerely,
Connor.
Thank you so much MK! You’re the best!
Thanks so much Trudy! You’ve been there since the beginning! Love you too!
Primo,
Reading this from Texas. I pray the Lord continues to guide and lead you in the next “book” God has for you. Remember us when you become famous one day! Paz Primo!
Cesar
God bless you too Primo!
Thanks so much Baylee!
Thank you so much for these kind and precious words. Love you so much and yes, so thankful I was able to serve alongside you and Matt!
Wow, this is so good. Thank you so much for this. And yeah, it is a crazy thought that the Race was a brand new concept a few years ago and now it’s impacted so much. Thankful for you as well Judy!
Thankful for you and the encouragement you’ve been through the race and just in life. Thanks for being a pal. Cheering you on and whatever is next!!
Congratulations and best of luck wherever life takes you!! I am so happy to have known you snd watched you on this journey!! You take care!! Hopefully I will see you again in the future! Love you!
While reading your last “letter”, my thoughts went back to the early days when World Race was new to my vocabulary. My granddaughter Kaylin was so excited that she would be participating. It was a life changing experience for all participants and their families. We are so blessed to have had you in our lives and know God will direct you to the plans He has for you! ??
What a kind, unapologetic, and honorable way to speak. Well said! Cheers to your new adventure! ??
“Well done good and faithful servant” (Matt. 25:21) It has been an honor and privilege to serve with you and to watch you tirelessly serve others. I’ve seen God grow you in your talents and the gifts that he has given you. He has equipt you to disciple others in their journey to follow Christ and to also know more about the talents and gifts God had for them. I am excited to see where the Lord takes you next so please let us know. Where ever it is He goes before you and has prepared you for the next thing. He will continue to be your provider and strength as He introduces you to something new.
Connor! N Squad may not know you well, but the few weeks we got to spend with you were a blessing! May this next season of life bring about so much goodness!