Quick update from Eswatini !!
I’m in awe typing that my squad is already going into week 4 at the Adventures base here in Eswatini ! The more insane reality is that the race is over in exactly 40 days. It feels like just yesterday I announced that I was packing up my 50lb backpack and going on the world race. After a month left in eswatini, a few days traveling back to the states, and then a week of debriefing in Georgia I’ll be home again, back to Massachusetts. That reality shocks, excites, & saddens me all in one. With the simplicity of this country we have had many moments of stillness. In those times when we aren’t at ministry, it has been so refreshing to look back at the goodness of the Lord that has followed this journey.
This past 8 months has come with blessing upon blessings. To be surrounded by 40 unique and amazing individuals that I have had the privilege to learn from & be loved by, has been an experience I know is beyond rare in this generation. The three different countries and unique cultures the hold have opened my eyes to so many realities, good and bad. The worship, laughter, friendships, ministry moments, & love that I’ve experienced these past 8 months have been some of the deepest feelings of joy I’ve ever experienced.
Through it all there obviously has been many hard moments as well. Moments I never knew about before joining. Moments where all I wanted to do was give up. Moments where home and the comforts of my bed, friends & family nagged on my mind all day. Multiple days where I laid sick in bed with who knows what infections. Days where community was overwhelming and living with 40 people in confined spaces made me desperate to be alone. There have been many bad mental, physical, and spiritual days that are more typical than what appears.
However, as I look back, I see the Lord goodness prevail through it all. I see my heart held carefully be the Lord, transformed and put back together. I see a renewed mind and a desire to live for the kingdom, not half in. Most importantly I see the growth my relationship with the Lord has had and that is worth as many bad days that come. I know that none of those bad moments go void because God’s purposes for it all are bigger than my limitations of understanding. WHO am I to look at the blessings and thankful God, but not accepts the hard moments as well. God never promised easy, he promised life with Him. Yet I know that his love for me means that no tears, frustration, confusion, horrible days, or any emotions do not go uncared for by the Lord of Lords. So with that truth and encouragement I press on with deep perseverance that if my God has brought me this far, he will continue to guide me.
I want to end this update with the verse that has continuously encoruaged me and been the anthem for this gap year : Hebrews 12:2 ”“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.”
As I continue to run this race (literally) and then get home and continue to seek the kingdom, I would be so appreciative of prayer!! My requests are for a heart to press in deeper, increased capacity to love those around me, & to give everything I’ve got for this season & seasons to come.
It’s beautiful here in the kingdom of Eswatini & What a joy it has been to love these people !
As always
all my love,
Emily
Thanks for sharing Emily. I love hearing how God is shaping you as you lean into trusting him more. Sometimes re-entry can be tough, but God will use that too if you let him.
Dear Emily,
Thank you for your update and authenticity it’s been amazing how you have shared your heart and your growth through your blog posts throughout the race. You shared that moments of joy the moments of heartache and everything in between and it’s been such an honor to be brought along this journey with you. Your experiences and learnings have ministered to me and so many others. We all see the joy in your eyes and your heart as you serve the Lord on the race! We are praying for you as you finish strong and look forward to sharing the days to come and the stories. Love, mom!!??
This is so good, Emily. I’m thankful that God is in the hard, the sweet, the challenging, and the beautiful. In Him all things hold together!! Can’t wait to see you guys in a couple weeks!
Dear Emily, thank you for your updates, they’re so encouraging, eloquent, and inspiring. Praying that as you come home, you’ll continue to live a God-centered, kingdom-building life .
The ups and downs of life will continue. But you have grabbed on to the steadying foundation.
Relish the remaining time of African paced life. Looking forward to final debrief and seeing you again. Also starting to grieve that this time is almost over.
Love and miss you Princess of The King
Emily! Thank you for sharing this heartfelt update. I can only imagine how intense, overwhelming, and awe-inspiring your trip has been. Your transparency is refreshing and something we all should try to emulate. I think being vulnerable is the best way to truly connect with others and to be an encouragement to one another. We all struggle from time to time, but as you said so eloquently, “the Lord’s goodness prevails through it all.” This trip has helped shape your perspective, one that can only come through the sanctification of the Holy Spirit. We love you, Emily, and we cannot wait to see you when you get home as we will welcome you back with open arms and hearts! We are praying for your transition and all the emotions that will come with it. Your posts have been such a source of encouragement and inspiration to so many people! Finish this race strong! The next race will also be “set before you”! xo
SO GOOD!! I love seeing how the Lord has blessed your obedience and your faithfulness to partner with Him to advance the Kingdom around the world. You are a LIGHT in dark places and I know this was just the launching point!!