Temporary Shock in Transition.

**I want to be real and honest with everyone and let you all in on how my transitioning is going so far since returning home.**

Right now, I’m trying to still process my last 2 long seasons of the World Race. Transitioning is not an easy process, though if feels a litter easier this time around than it did last year right before and during the pandemic happened. 

Some big things I have experienced and learned within living and serving along side the same people for almost a year, twice, has brought me to the realization that community looks vastly different on the World Race than it does returning home. Rather than ignoring it, I want to be where the Lord has set me! Present with Him, and loving/ having compassion for each person in front of me! 

I am so grateful for my home church and thanking God for His guidance… returning to where the Holy Spirit has lead me and where I was commissioned… (Acts 14: 26-28) 

The last time I transitioned home from the World Race was winter of 2020. I missed my squad and friends and I went into a season of depression which I soon came out of. Thank you Jesus! Today, as I’m currently transitioning again, I am feeling content in the Lord’s plans for me going back to college and what ever else He has next for me. I think because I have experienced transitioning before, I already knew how I could set myself up better this time around. It definitely is not easy, and within this time, I’ve already experienced moments of feeling overwhelmed quickly. What I know I need right now is community and I’m trying to jump right into it. I’m realizing that I’m doing the best I can to fight off the enemy from allowing him to make me think that isolation is better. I’m constantly reminding myself that the Lord is with me and holding my hand through the process of returning home and He is in control. He knows what’s best for me. In the overwhelming moments I’ve had so far, my flesh wants to run, cry, be isolated, or even avoid the emotions I’m facing. But instead, with having faith and hope, I’m relying on the Lord in my weaknesses that He is my hope, peace, and strength. He’s my first love, friend, and my Lord who deserves all the praises! 

Since returning home 2 weeks ago, I’ve been excited to start this new season, looking forward to what God has. However, my heart is also in a period of a temporary shock right now. What I used to wake up to were my 25 other squad mates and co-leaders who acknowledged each other, had day to day conversations and check ins with, cried with, danced in the rain, had spontaneous squad worship, we challenged each other in our spiritual journey’s and character building, and together sought to do the Lord’s work each day in other cultures. What’s good is that I know I’m not the only one facing this shock and transition. We all are and we’re just phone calls away! 

I’m currently living at home with my parents and not waking up to 25 Gap year racers or 40 World racers from 2019, breaks my heart a little each day. I’m still grieving. I miss them. I miss doing life and ministry with them.  In my last season within the World Race, I had gotten comfortable and used to having accountability with those who were in my living space. Now, I am facing new challenges of taking what I’ve learned within community and discipleship to begin thinking of how to intricate and create space for new community, discipleship, and accountability. He will show me, He always does! 

One of the best encouragements I heard and kept on my heart this year was that the World Race may have been the best experience but it should not be our best for our lives. If stay spiritually focused and the Lord continues to equip and build us, we grow from glory to glory and these seasons are just the beginning of a life of abundance. There’s more, there’s newness, there are times to mourn but also times of joy, and there’s work to be done for His Kingdom! 

“Never doubt God’s mighty power to work in you and accomplish all this. He will achieve infinitely more than your greatest request, your most unbelievable dream, and exceed your wildest imagination! He will outdo them all, for his miraculous power constantly energizes you. Ephesians 3:20

Thank you all who have been so gracious and patient with me during this time. Please know I want to bless you, and I appreciate every single person who has welcomed me home with a greeting, a hug, a conversation, and an ear! Each person has been a blessing to me and I look forward to more conversations and community with everyone!

Below are some photos of where I live. I’ve been beating the mid-day heat with my mom by walking a few miles in the mornings in Ocean City. Also, are some pictures of hanging out with my nephews which I’ve been enjoying! Also included are pictures of eating Gyros with my dad on Father’s Day and my new found hobby of watercolor painting.