Exactly 9 days until I go to training camp and meet my family for 9 months. That is a wild and mind blowing idea to think about. In 9 short days, the World Race will become a reality and will begin to take shape in my life. I will get to meet the people who I will get to do life with. The people who will support me, love me and care for me in the good and the bad days. In the joyous and beautiful and in the brokenness. The people who I will get to support, love and care for in the same way. The people who I will get to do ministry with and share about God’s love with. Crazy!
These past few weeks have been extremely busy and somewhat of a reality check. A lot of my friends have recently left on their own trips all over the world for anywhere from 4-6 weeks. They are backpacking, kayaking, camping, doing home stays. Seeing them leave and saying goodbye, even for the few weeks they’ll be gone, has really started to make my trip more real to me. It has really started to sink in that I won’t be coming home for nine months. I won’t see anyone (with the exception of my parents who I will get to see around month seven) that I’ve known and are familiar to me in my life at home, for nine whole months. I won’t get to come home for Thanksgiving or Christmas when all of my friends will be coming home from college for the first time. Seeing them leave has made me realize how hard it will be to say goodbye, even though I am ready and beyond excited to go on the Race.
While thinking about some aspects of leaving home for nine months is terrifying, I have realized that I am more afraid of living in a life of comfort. When I am comfortable, I don’t turn to God and I find myself thinking that I don’t need Him at all. That is a scary thought. Because if I have learned anything in this past season of life, since deciding to go on the World Race, it is that worldly things that seem like they would be fulfilling and bring endless amounts of happiness don’t at all. That the only way to experience a life to the full is with and through Him.
As I prepare in these next nine days to travel to Gainesville, GA for training camp, please pray for me and my squad mates. We will be spending ten days together getting to know each other, worshiping, learning & preparing for the road ahead. This journey will not be easy, and I am starting to realize just how different my life is going to look from what it is now or what the lives of my friends will look like. But God has remained faithful through it all. He has consistently shown up in my moments of fear and doubt and I cannot wait to see all He has in store in these weeks to come. Thank you all for your support and generosity. What a gift it is knowing that I have a village at home that is cheering me on! Please keep spreading the word about my blog and journey. I am loving getting to share about it with you all 🙂
He is so so good!
-Elena
Elena – I commented on your last post and I hope to continue to comment on them. If you are like me, the thin thread from home gives you powerful strength to do all that you need to do. Knowing that I am praying for you should let you know that I care and that I want you to feel these prayers in order to make a huge difference in so many lives. When you have time, please send your schedule of countries that you will be in and when you will be there. Much love and may God bless every breath you take and every step you make.
We pray for you every day and can’t wait to see you when you get back home. We’re so proud of your decision and know you have the faith and strength to fill Gods will.
Thank you so much for your comments, support and prayers. I love that you share about your own experiences with me and I hope that you continue to do so! I will be in Cambodia for 3 months (Sept-Nov), Ethiopia for 3 months (Dec-Feb), Nicaragua for 1 month (March) & Costa Rica for 2 months (Apr-May)!
Thank you so much for your love and support, Grandpa and Grandma! Love you lots, xo
What a journey this is has been so far, and yet, what a journey it is going to be! Dad and I are so proud of your desire to seek the Lord, Elena. We had no idea when you were looking for a college and you said, “I want to find a place where I can grow my faith,” that we felt the Lord say, “ok, but I’m going to take you on a little journey first.” I cannot wait to see what he teaches you, how he grows and strengthens you, and how he blesses you, your squad and his precious people. His ways are better. May it be to His glory!
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Matt 5:16
Looking forward to meeting you. We are praying for all of you and expecting God to do amazing things in these 9 months.