Hellooo,
Well, signing up for the world race, I was full of excitement because I knew it would mean a lot of traveling and moving around, and initially I was so excited for that. It still is something that I enjoy doing, don’t get me wrong. But honestly, I didn’t fully imagine how many goodbyes I’d have to say. Not only on the race, but I came from a year of many goodbyes- as many others did as well.
From playing my final season of softball after so many years, graduating, saying goodbye to fellow employees, bye to my friends as they left for college, my dad, my family when I left for the race, leaving my comfortability at home for a few months… for some reason I had thought that would be all. I didn’t know that it was only the beginning. The world race offers many beautiful things; friendships, opportunities, experiences, intimacy… The goodbyes at home were only the beginning. Since august, I have since made friends and met people in Kentucky- had to say goodbye. Got to know people on other squads and made some sweet friends- had to say goodbye (I’ll see them again in May.. but a- not for long and b- I still had to be away from them for 8 months.. but of course I know its still a blessing to be with them at all haha). I met people in Granada, Nicaragua, I lived with them and spent everyday with them for 6 weeks- guess what? Had to say goodbye. We spent 3 weeks making new friendships within the sweet town of Palacaguina… okay I think we’re seeing a pattern? Okay good. Of course, I know how blessed we are to have met them at all and be given chances to spend so much time with them. I thank God everyday that He allowed us to cross paths with these people. Please don’t think I’m complaining. All I am saying, is I never anticipated this much heartache.
Something I reminded myself often as I prepared to leave for the race, was that we were all always under the same stars 🙂 We all are still here- thanks to God. There isn’t much of a huge in-depth heartfelt explanation for it- shocking coming from me, right? But truthfully, there was one night when I was at home standing on the farm, looking up at the Little Dipper, and thought to myself “it’ll all be okay. I won’t be too far as long as we are looking up at the same stars” that’s really how it went down. Okay, okay, maybe there were a few more tears than that. But I’m always crying, let’s be honest.
I titled this blog with the “highs and lows” for saying bye… I guess a high would be the slim chance that I even got to know them at all. I got the opportunity to know these beautiful people, their story, and rejoice in the Lord altogether. It’s truly an honor to have met them and call them all brothers and sisters. And as for the low, having to say goodbye. It really does suck. I try to be happy and know that God’s got them, but it’s so sad not being able to be with them longer and see them all continue to grow and walkout the Lord’s love.
Although, it’s also beautiful to know I will see them all again someday in heaven 🙂
Here’s a shoutout to some of the people off of my head-
Thank you for everything y’all have taught me: All of K-squad, J-squad, Jean, Chloe, Amelia, Cory, Clayton, Steve, Dan, Becky, Lynette, Bri, Brianna, Celphine, Leo, Estrella, Leonel, Anna, Sergio, Mecky, Yoel, Ronnie, Ryan, Joshua, Our Nicaraguan Momma, Summer, Allie, Will, Journey, Scott, Jin, Ally, Noami, Cynthia, Angela, Corina, Isamana, Andres, Saul, Issac (x2). SO Many more people too, these are just the direct people off the top my head. I’m bad with names, so there’s so many more people. I am so grateful for every single person I’ve met since being on the race.
Okay that’s all here folks- love y’all. sorry for the triple wammy, I haven’t had service to post. merry late Christmas and happy new year !!!
-Lilli <3
