One thing that I learned quickly in the World Race Gap Year is that changes can (and should) be expected. These changes have ranged anywhere from last-minute schedule differences, to adapting to life outside when it has been raining for a week. We have even walked through entire country changes due to covid related travel difficulties. At home, I typically enjoy change. I like to seek out what’s next and I find excitement in stepping out of engrained routines when I can. Thankfully, this has made it much easier to be okay with the changes that often come unexpectedly. I’m learning that every change has purpose and that as I choose to trust in the Lord more and more, I can see more of how God often uses external changes as a way to bring necessary internal change.

I joined the race excited and expectant of growth, but as always, growth is much easier said than done. Growth is also hard to see in the moment. On the bright side, both of these truths give me a great opportunity to lean on the Lord’s strength and to trust His goodness, if I choose to view the changes with humility. In my pride, it can be easy to think that I can take anything head on and that all I really need is more grit or willpower to push through hard things and grow. While it is completely possible to gather up enough willpower to push through a hardship or change, the end result will be completely different. If I am leaning on the Lord and walking with Him step by step through change, I know that He is faithful to grow my trust and to draw me into closer relationship with Him. If I choose to rely on my own strength, I will only grow more confident in my own abilities. This sneaky pride can so easily push me further from dependency on God. I’ve seen this pride show up in too many areas of my life and I’m so thankful that the Lord brought this to the light in this season.

As I step into the biggest change of my life (living in another country), I have to daily choose to submit to Him and to tap into his strength, not to rely on my own. I’m sure that there will be numerous challenges and I know that most days will come with changes that are completely out of my control, but I am so excited to see how the Lord moves in that place of dependency.

Please pray my squad and I as we step into this amazing new season. Thank you all so much!

• Carter