So it’s done. 9 months over in a flash. It’s freaking crazy to look back and realize the journey I have been on. I came into this gap year with the impression that it would give me a direction for my future. And it did, but not necessarily in the way that people wanted to hear. God is my direction; whatever he says goes.
But I did learn a lot about life.
- Fear will cripple you and leave you stagnant. If you let fear control your life, you will never get anywhere. Take risks and take leaps of faith. And sometimes you will mess up, and you will fall on your face. But if you never fail, you will never truly succeed. Living for God isn’t safe or even necessarily logical. He called Joshua to march around Jericho instead of attacking it, which isn’t a logical attack plan. Jesus spits and makes mud to heal the blind, which is not logical. God triumphs over our understanding of logic, and we have to trust that.
- This was one of the hardest years of my life. In every category. Sometimes, you have to embrace it and endure. Hiking that mountain in Lesotho, I thought I was going to die. Still struggling with depression in some moments. Feeling like God was no where to be found in South Africa. Alex leaving our team. Endurance produces character, and I think I am stronger than I was when I walked in because of these things. What I struggle with in the hard moments is to continue thanking God for what we have. That can change any situation to a positive one. Paul was able to sing after being arrested. Surely, we can thank God when we feel we have nothing left.
- My team and my squad mean the world to me. A community that pushes you to grow in your faith and isn’t afraid to ask hard questions is essential. You need it to thrive in your faith. And it is hard; none of us are perfect, but we are all trying to look more like Christ. So we have a common goal. If someone in love calls you out on your crap, take it. They are trying to push you to look more like Jesus. None of us are perfect, and none of us claim to be. Life operated with humility is truly a beautiful life.
- You need nothing to have Joy. Joy is a fruit of the spirit; you are good if you have the Holy Spirit. You need no material good to be joyful or happy. I have seen it in the villages of Lesotho, people in dirt huts with the biggest smiles coming to church. In the mountains of Thailand, there are kids with nothing but the biggest hugs. Joy will radically change your life and the people around you. It is a choice, not a feeling. Money can’t fulfill you. That is a lie that we bought on day one, and it has crippled the gospel in America.
I wrote this blog in the same house I wrote the first one, which is crazy. The race is over, which is even crazier, and I am really sad about it. Our squad felt like a family, and now we are all over the U.S. This chapter is closing. But it was just the training for life. Now I know we are at war. I have seen it.
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Ephesians 6:10-17
Paul equips his readers for battle, and God is calling us to fight. The question is, will you?
Thanks so much for literally everything. Your friendship, prayers, donations, faithfulness to my family, and a ton more. Also, thanks for reading. Every time I got a comment on a blog, I would get a notification, and it really means a lot that you all took the time to read these.
I love you all.
-Drew McKinney
Super thankful you’ve had this experience. Embracing growth and change is scary but I wouldn’t want it any other way!
Welcome home, Drew! I can’t wait to hug your neck!
Who can argue with God. Yes, I was one who really wanted you to go to school this fall, but you need to do what you feel the Lord is calling you to do. I 100% support you in that.
I love how you have given your life to Jesus. He will direct your path.
I love you very much. Nana
We are in a war—and He is on the throne. And you need to come for a face to face. #3thingsIknow
I’d say “Welcome Home” but it probably doesn’t feel like home right now. So many conflicting feelings rumbling around in your heart and mind. Take a minute to let those who have missed you so badly drink you in even if it feels strange and is hard. They are mostly who they were when you left but you are so changed on the inside with a few tats on the outside. Take the space you need to figure out your place in the family and give them grace they are just so happy to have you back. Meanwhile you are struggling with the loss of that other life and those brothers you grew to know and love. The journey isn’t over yet, this may be some of the hardest going yet.
Praying for you. Hope to meet you one day. Loved visiting last night with your Grands they are special folks to us.
❤️Patty
You are speaking to my heart, Drew. It’s interesting for me to glimpse you as a young man living devotedly in Christ, since having known you only as the son and grandson of my friends.
I recall so well being sent by the Lord “kicking and screaming” into the seemingly mundane world of “making a living.”
Satisfying work, I discovered, is a fruitful missions post because that’s where most people live — confused about why they’re unsatisfied. Praying for you!
I’ve never met you Drew, but I feel like I know you a little. I followed you on Instagram and read all your blogs so that I could get a little glimpse into this whole experience for you guys, (and because Ethan posted nothing!). Thank you so much for all you shared. I’m grateful for your posts and blogs these long 9 months of missing my son, and so amazed at all the Lord taught you! Wow. Praying Gods blessings and favor over the next chapter.
Much Love,
Ethan’s mom (Shelby)
Praying, praying, praying for you as you process all that the Lord has taught you. He has big plans for you…can’t wait to see where the next step leads. You are never alone…even when it feels like you are. Jesus is in the boat with you even in the midst of the storms.
This is beautifully written, Drew. I’m really proud of you for enduring hard things and coming out on the other side more committed than ever to fight the good fight. God has brought you home. Remember that the battle to win souls is present just as much here as anywhere. Be bold and speak up to those you care about here too. I can’t wait to see and hear from you as a you re-enter life here. Praying.
Glad you are home, but also glad you got to go on the world race and experience everything you did! I am so thankful that I have a brother I know will lead me to Christ in the times I doubt!! Love you so much ❤️