On the Race I was given ample opportunity to see my failures and areas I needed to grow in. Francis Chan said in his book Letters to the Church, “By the grace of God some of us are seeing our failures now and are training ourselves to prioritize His desires.” I’m thankful for all the growth I am able to see in my life the past eight months. It’s only by God’s grace I recognized my failures and desired to make His desires, my desires. This blog post is more for myself to look back on and remind myself of all God has done in my life and how He changed me and made me look more like Christ during my time on the Race. I never want to forget that. But I also hope it encourages you to reflect back on your own life and see how God has changed you over the past months and years of your life and I pray you are encouraged by the growth you discover.
South Africa- expectations, boldness/confidence
Month one I was walking into a storm with my eyes wide open. I came with a weight upon me, placed there only by myself it’s name was Expectations. BUT GOD broke the chains of expectations making me 100% free to be where I was and to not worry about not being where I wasn’t. One of my first prayers, of many, was for boldness and confidence. Being more of a “to be seen” and not “to be heard” person it was challenging to say the least for me to do door to door evangelism almost every day month one. BUT GOD gave me boldness and confidence like I have never walked in before and it was powerful.
Zimbabwe- communication/to have fun
Month two I learned two valuable lessons. Communication and to have fun. Communication was critical throughout the Race but for me as team leader this month, I felt more than ever how important it was to communicate effectively with the hosts and my teammates. I even felt my role as mediator come out a time or two between teammates. I also learned how to relax and join in on the fun. I didn’t always have to be the one watching everyone else have fun, I could have fun too!
Zambia- self confidence/positivity
Month three I focused on self-confidence and not comparing myself to others. I worked my positivity skills on overtime every day through words, actions, sarcasm, forced smiles and the appearance of energy when I didn’t have it. Like Bethany Hamilton said, “I don’t need easy. I just need possible.”
Malawi- humility
Month four, stepping down from team leader was difficult at first. It was an adjustment in which I learned and applied humility. But the weight that came off my shoulders as I was able to now take the time to focus on myself in a lot of areas I previously hadn’t had time to do, was much needed and set the tone for the snowball of changes about to start in our next continent.
Vietnam- loneliness/comfort
Month five felt like day one of college over and over again almost every day of the month. I felt lonely with my new team in a new culture. All my “norms” had been stripped from me. I wanted Africa back!!! I had expectations upon myself and my team that weren’t fair. BUT GOD was there. He showed up in so many sweet moments to wrap His arms around me and say “I’ve got this”. He let me cry like I had not previously been able to do much of in Africa. He let me be frustrated and talk it out.
Cambodia- discipline
Month six, I have always been a pretty disciplined person but this month was another level like I’ve probably not experienced before. I noticed a personal need the month before that was out of my control. When God answered my prayer this month and gave me the space to be able to workout, I did what was necessary to get done the things that were important to me. 4am’s became my new normal and I loved it.
Laos- love
Month seven, I struggled the most with the lie that I wasn’t loved. God put an end to that with a specific word He gave to my teammate to share with me. After that battle was won, I was walking in a new joy and peace I hadn’t been walking in for some time.
Thailand- fear/peace
Month eight, the Enemy almost had me paralyzed with fear. Fears concerning my future after the Race. I let those fears cloud my mind with worry and uncertainty. But once I took hold of those fears and laid them at Jesus feet and listened to the Lord speak His truth over me, I felt a peace wash over me. I had to keep preaching those truths to myself and I still have to, to this day, but I no longer let those fears steal my joy and hold me down.
God gave you so many opportunities to turn to and rely on him. What cool experiences. Thank you for being open about your experiences and for sharing.
Thank you Logan! I’ve really enjoyed blogging and sharing all I have learned.
What a race and what a journey of growth!!! Thank you for sharing all that God did! To Him belongs the glory, great things He has done in your life and in others around you. He will continue to do this as you journey on through life’s race! Proud of you Khurry!