When I first got home from the race, I told my squad leader that I wouldn’t relaunch past my original return date. I had said yes to dropping everything and going on the race for 11 months, not any longer.
I told a close friend of mine I wasn’t sure I wanted to be a missionary anymore. I thought I wanted to just settle in the United States and maybe go on shorter trips in the future.
I had been in a whirlwind of emotions both on the field and in the confusion of coming home 6 months early. I was working on getting over the hump that is the middle of the race, and coming home early really changed things.
After a couple months of being home, we received an email telling us what we could do next with our remaining funds. God started to move in my heart and leading me toward relaunching for a full 11 months. I had looked at the route options just for fun, and saw one that I just knew I needed to be on. (Now, after training camp and the change the in the route I realized it was the squad God wanted me on and not necessarily the route..) I decided I would say yes, but didn’t want to fundraise again.
I committed to relaunching for 11 months, moved back in with my parents and got a job at amazon. I didn’t really want to live with my parents (I love them immensely, but feel our relationship is healthier when I’m living on my own) and did not enjoy my job at amazon, but felt trapped because I was determined to pay for my race on my own instead of asking for help again.
A few months later, I flew to Georgia for a reunion with my last squad. I was thriving being back in that community and was overwhelmed with grief that I had to go back home. That’s when my squad mentor asked me if I actually had to go back home. I thought about this question and prayed about it. When I realized I was emotionally and spiritually unhealthy at home and had an opportunity to make a positive change, I jumped on it. I realized I didn’t have to wait until after my next race to move to a state God placed on my heart about a year ago. I didn’t need to wait until my race to be back in world race community again.
So, I came home quit my job, jumped in a car and drove all the way to Georgia from California. Now I’m here, and God has asked me to rely on Him to provide for this mission he has called me to partner with Him in. He showed me that I was relying on myself and not Him and has asked me to step back into a position of dependence on Him.
I’m really not sure what the next few months will look like. An opportunity has come up for me to volunteer with Samaritans purse in Luisiana for disaster relief from the hurricane and I believe God has walked me right into the perfect place to say yes to this opportunity. I’m looking forward to following Him and going wherever Holy Spirit leads me.
Thank you for praying with me and supporting me on this wild journey that has twists and turns I could’ve never expected!!
Kaci, congratulations on such a huge and important step in your life! Being a missionary is one of the greatest memories in my life, so I have no doubt you’ll have the same here in the states. Many people need your help in LA. Many of Chris’s coworkers are from there and have lost their homes, so I’m sure they will appreciate it. I worked with Samaritan’s Purse when I made a mission trip to Joplin after the tornado hit about ten years ago. They’re a wonderful organization and take excellent care of their missionaries. Good luck and don’t hesitate to ask for help or if you need someone to bounce ideas off of or vent to who has been in the same situation. I’m here for you and praying for you.
Great adventure ahead. You can’t grow and be stagnant at the same time. It’s so good to be a participate of what the Lord is doing. Keep me on your post. Great
Aunt Leslie
Thank you Kelsi! This is really encouraging. I’ve never worked with Samaritans purse before, but I’ve heard great things. I’ve also never been to Luisiana before but I’m excited to step into serving again.