The 4th of July, 2016. I had just gotten back from my first mission trip to Nicaragua. I was overflowing with a love for missions, for the children I met, and for the memories I made. In shock and awe at how mighty and powerful God really is. Yearning for one more week, day, or even hour in Nicaragua.
“So when does Lauren get back?” “In a few weeks. I can’t wait to have my baby back at home!” “Where is she right now? “Zambia.” Now this caught my attention. I walked over to my aunt and mom who were talking about my cousin Lauren, who was currently on the race. My aunt had recently visited Lauren in Thailand and was telling me about her time there. For some reason, all I can remember about that conversation was her telling me that it was so hot, it felt like when you open the dryer after you just did a load of laundry (so I guess I have that to look forward to next year). And this where it began. A simple conversation about my cousin, at my grandparents pool.
Fast forward a year. It is pouring down rain in Nicaragua. We are doing our morning devotional in the church and we begin praying. My pastor ends the prayer asking God for the rain to stop so we can get out into the schools and surrounding neighborhoods. Amen. The rain stopped. I open my eyes. There is no mud, no puddles, and it is perfect weather. What just happened? Well, God happened. That was it for me. I wanted to see God move like this every day. To experience the shock of that powerful moment and to have the knowledge that God is always listening and working for us.
2016 – 2020. Four years is a long time. Trust me, I know. And life is not a straight path from point A to B. There are twists, turns, loop de loops, and the occasional backward drop. It hasn’t always been sunshine and rainbows. I have found myself in some not so great places. And sometimes I struggled with where I was in my relationship with God.
One night, I realized that I wasn’t where I needed to be. I wasn’t living like Jesus. I was struggling with problems at school with friends and these struggles made me very vulnerable. I turned into someone I am not proud of. But God was always with me and working in my life in ways I could not see. In those difficult moments, He reminded me of His power, of the memories I just told, and of my heart for missions. The World Race became my motivation to be better. Yes, for myself, but also for my future team, mentors, and the people I would meet on the race.
Sometime after that night, quarantine happened, and it was a huge blessing. God has really moved these past couple of months. I have never in my life been so giddy during worship, interested in my Bible, and in prayer as much as I have in this season. God gave me new friends, a new sister in Christ, and helped me fulfill my purpose.
So why am I going on the World Race? Because through everything I have been through and experienced, God has shown up. He has been the only constant thing that is continually working in my life, for my best interest. And I believe that everyone needs to hear about Him. To experience that deep of a love. To have a father that cares that much. To be held in the bad times, and rejoiced over in the good. To be comforted, forgiven, and listened to. To be in the presence of something greater than themselves and fully give their life to it.
All the love,
Caroline
