I am home-

After 7 months on the mission field, I have arrived in the United States. They told us 2 months ago, at midpoint debrief, about the struggles of the returning home and they let us sit with what it would be like to re-enter the states. But they didn’t see this coming, well I don't think anyone did. Covid-19 has affected everyone's life and mine wasn't outside its reach. About a week ago we received an email telling us that a gap year squad, that was in Africa, was being sent home. My squad was shocked and the many questions and speculations began. Two days later, we received our email, letting us know that all missionaries associated with World Race would be going home immediately. We packed our bags and left for the airport the next day. After what felt like just another travel day with the squad, we quickly started having our friends, our people for 7 months straight, slowly making their way to their homes. We were moving at a million miles per hour but also felt like slow motion. There instantly appeared this massive cloud of fog surrounding my thoughts, feelings, and the reality of what was happening. I think I'd be lying if I said it has even begun to vanish.

When my feet hit American soil in Los Angeles, the remaining racers were booked a room at the airport hotel. Me and some of the remaining racers went to In-N-Out Burger down the street from the hotel. On our way back we were walking along the sidewalk and I saw a sign that read, “NO STOPPING ANY TIME”. I fell back a few feet, snapped a photo, and caught back up with my friends. The following morning we headed to the airport and said our finals goodbyes. I hopped on a plane back to Indianapolis and felt completely numb. This was my first time being away from the other 34 friends that became my family. Spending 24/7 with people leaves you no other choice. 

I hadn't told many friends or family that i'd be coming home, so if you are reading this blog, now you know. It's hard given the severity of the entire situation, that I couldn't have been greeted by close friends or my siblings, but came back to an empty home and an empty town.

On this premature homecoming I remembered the sign in Los Angeles. I am home but not finished. I have simply just been sent to a country that needs me, and it happens to be my own. my mission hasn’t changed, my sights are still locked in. spreading Jesus is what I am created to do, anywhere I go. I need prayers just like the rest of the world. This is one of the hardest things I've had to do, but God wasn't surprised by all of this...He is still God. These are crazy circumstances for all and we must continue to take a stand in prayer and seek the peace, hope, and guidance of our good God. He is still in control.

no stopping, despite the country

no stopping, despite the timing

no stopping, despite the circumstance

no stopping, despite the virus

no stopping, any time