Hills and Valley’s: the highs and lows of my World Race experience.
It’s no surprise that there have been highs and lows throughout the World Race. Jesus foretold that we would experience tribulation in the world, and he promised that he would overcome it all (John 16:33). He also promised never to leave or forsake his people (Joshua 1:5) and that he would be with us to the end of the age (Matthew 28:20). In every valley, he walks with us (Psalm 23:4), and in every season of the World Race, he was with me.
Whether you’ve been following along throughout my Race, or you’re a future racer doing your research, I want to invite you into a timelined glimpse of the hills and valley’s of my World Race. God has been faithful through it all.
- August 2022: said weepy goodbyes to friends and family and left to meet the 30 new people I’d spend the next year with
- September-October 2022: was so encouraged in my personal walk with God and fresh intimacy with Jesus
- September-October 2022: did life with such a strong team and served with my favorite ministry hosts, Dar para Dar.
- October 2022: walked through grief over past friendships and grew in trust in God’s good promises and faithful character
- October 2022: served with Gap J at the AIM base and in Chimachoy; I believe God primed my heart here for leading Gap this next year
- November 2022: climbed a volcano; physically hardest thing I’ve probably ever done but was so rewarding and breathtaking
- November 2022: left the country that feels like home, Guatemala, and arrived in Romania
- November-December 2022: spent Thanksgiving and Christmas in Romania with P squad, but away from family
- November-December 2022: did not see the sun here, except for 3 days, and experienced some depression in this season
- December 2022: experienced the Lord’s provision and trustworthiness in new ways during ATL
- January 2023: read through the whole Bible with my team, 247, and was so edified and encouraged
- January 2023: was raised up to be a squad leader and began training, it was humbling and a privilege
- January-February 2023: trained as a squad leader, felt disconnected from teams in many ways, sent off our alumni SQLs
- February 2023: heard the Lord speak to me in many moment by moment conversations and grew in confidence to listen
- February 2023: missed by big brother’s return home from his US Army deployment to Iraq
- February 2023: felt discouraged in my personal time with the Lord, but sought time with him nonetheless as he grew me in faithfulness
- March 2023: had a powerful squad debrief and arrived at our new ministry locations, was so excited to be in the 10/40 window
- March 2023-April 2023: served in Canakkale with our men’s team, felt lonely at times but heard clearly from the Lord in prayer here
- March 2023-April 2023: joined our kind neighbors for many iftar dinners during Ramadan and had great gospel conversations
- April 2023: traveled for ATL week to 6/7 of the seven churches in Revelation, this was an answer to years of prayer!
- April 2023: applied to lead world race gap year in a step of obedience to the Lord
- May 2023: arrived in the middle east with our new teams and felt nervous to be in this country
- May 2023: God blew my mind in so many ways, encouraged me in my faith, and let me dream big with him
- May 2023: interviewed and was offered an alumni leader role for world race gap year, through prayer and wise counsel, I accepted
- May 2023: welcomed my parents to PVT in Thailand and was blessed by the time, even got to serve with Free Burma Rangers!
- June 2023: walked through a difficult season of leadership as squad leaders for P squad
- June 2023: was refreshed by the openness of Thai people after having spent a few months in the middle east
- June-July 2023: missed my family and the rafting season, but grew in trust in the Lord’s good timing
- June-July 2023: made a running plan and stuck with it during our time in Chiang Mai, this was so life-giving
- July 2023: enjoyed a squad adventure week in Hua Hin and made memories of fun, worship, and much needed one on ones
- July 2023: spent a week debriefing with the whole squad, our mentor, coaches, and alumni at my home in charlotte, nc
- July 27, 2023: said many teary-eyed goodbyes to these friends who have become like close family over the last year
There’s never been a moment during any high or low that God has not been with me to comfort me, guide me, steady me, and love me. His grace has been sufficient in every season. I’m certain that on more than one occasion, I’ll return to this list and reflect on the goodness of God. I’m grateful for every trial that has produced steadfastness in me, for every difficulty that has refined my character, and for every good and perfect gift from God. Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all of the days of my life.
Here’s to a good father and a faithful friend. Here’s to the One who has been with me through it all. Here’s to trusting the Lord with my future. He alone is worthy of it!
with love,
Kara Grace Perrault
