Dear Family and Friends,
I can’t believe that the time has come where I have to say goodbye to this journey. I have met so many different people, seen a lot of beautiful places, and experienced a lot of exotic foods. I will miss traveling with this amazing squad. In the next week, there will be a lot of tears of sadness and tears of joy but I am going to make the best out of my time here in Jordan.
As most of you know, I have been traveling for the last 11 months. This is the last month of my journey with the World Race. Throughout this year, a lot of things have been broken, torn, misplaced, and stolen from my teammates and I. Since it is the last month, when things break, tear, get misplaced, stolen or run out, I say, “Hashtag, last month’s problems”. It is true: it is much easier to replace things back home, but it is hard because we have attachment issues to the things we have. As a quick reminder – we live out of one large backpack for a whole year. Examples of #lastmonthproblems: When you get a hole in your shoe and wait to replace it. When it’s the last squeeze of toothpaste and you do not want to buy another one. When you break a travel bottle that holds your shampoo and you do not want to get another one. This list of examples goes on and on – like not wanting to hand wash or pay to get your clothes washed anymore, so wearing dirty clothes becomes ok because you can wash when you get home. These problems are so funny to watch happen when you are in your last month vs your first month.
Something that these last month problems have caused me to realize is what I wish I would have known at the beginning of the Race. It is okay when things get lost, broken, stolen, misplaced, or they run out because it allows you to rely on God and those who are around you. My prayer is that I will heed what I learned, and when something gets lost, stolen or broken at home, I will try not to be so overwhelmed about it. Family and friends, my encouragement for you is to learn to rely on God and on people around you all the time, not just when you do not have things.
I miss you all!! I cannot wait to give you big hugs and holy kiss very soon. Please keep my squad in your prayers as we get prepared to go back to the states next week. I will be heading home to Indiana/Ohio to see my family, and then I will be going to Denver to see my spiritual family. I will be starting a new job at Cross Purpose in Denver in January. I am super excited to see everyone. I will need time to process this year, so please do not be quick to ask me a lot of questions all at once. Thank you.
Your sister in Christ,
Antoinette Johnson
Antoinette – I am so proud of the way you went about this trip, from raising funds, to going on the trip, and having such a teachable heart along the way. And also for sharing your excellent insights and encouragement with all of us!
I hope you savor every moment of your last week, and we will look forward to seeing and hearing from you in person as the Lord wills.
We love you Antoinette!
Woohoo! I’ll be so glad to see your face at church. ??
Thank you for sharing your heart as you share your stories. You are going to do so amazing at Cross Purpose! Looking forward to seeing you. Praying for you. ??
Great lesson you unpacked Antoinette!
“Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.”
But then they run out , break , get stolen…
Ironically though , the food , clothing and shelter hasn’t run out and there’s even your next step being already prepared for you by your Good good Father there in Denver. ???????
Lord, keep being who you are as Jehova Jireh , Antoinette’s provider. ????
Antionette, I have loved reading your posts, giving a glimpse of your heart.
Excited to see you and to love you as you unpack your heart and head in the months ahead.
Continuing to pray for your safe travels home. Much Love!
Beautiful, as always. Funny how some of the things learned in the last month can be some of the things that change the rest of our Kingdom walk – relying more on Him and less on stuff, knowing He will always provide everything we need. Love you big and praying for you as you debrief this week! 🙂
See you soon!