Summer at Home!

On May 22nd, I stepped off the plane and officially returned home from the Race. It’s crazy to think it’s already been over two months since being on the field and with my squad!

Coming home was bittersweet. Saying goodbye to 35 of my best friends—people I had lived with, done ministry with, and grown so close to over nine months—was heartbreaking. But hugging my sister and grandparents for the first time in nine months (and my parents, who I had last seen three months prior) filled my heart with so much joy. It was probably one of the weirdest days of my life, full of a million emotions—deep pain and overwhelming joy all at once.

Transitioning back to the high-paced American lifestyle has been harder than I expected. On the Race, life was slower, intentional, and full of constant community. At home, not living surrounded by a group of young believers has been an adjustment. I miss staying up late with my friends, laughing, worshiping, and praying together. I miss waking up every day with the sole mission of sharing the gospel. Yet in this season, the Lord has been teaching me what it looks like to walk with Him faithfully—even when things feel different.

Even in the challenges, this summer has been full of blessings. I’ve had the incredible opportunity to intern with Palmcroft HSM. Working alongside Pastor Jacob has given me a behind-the-scenes look at running a ministry and has allowed me to connect with students in all different stages of life.

One of the highlights of the summer was going to SMI with our high school group. We traveled to Barstow, California, where we served small rural churches by putting on VBS programs every day. Going as a leader this time was so impactful—I had the chance to teach students about the weight of the gospel and lead them in devotional worship. It was amazing to use the lessons the Lord taught me on the Race to encourage and equip students at my home church.

Throughout the summer, I’ve also loved taking students out individually, encouraging them in their walks with the Lord, and helping them find their place in the youth group. It’s been a sweet reminder that ministry doesn’t end when the Race does—it just looks different.

Another highlight of my summer was getting to serve overseas again in Costa Rica. I spent time in the community of Pavas, San José, and it was deeply refreshing to be back in that environment—serving, loving, and building relationships for the sake of the gospel.

Monday through Friday, our days were full of ministry. In the mornings, we worked on a community improvement project at a local school, painting and helping to make it a better space for students and teachers. In the afternoons, we headed to the HOPE Center to run a VBS for the kids in the community. This year, we had the sweetest group of 2nd and 3rd graders! We taught them about how Jesus is the light of the world, and it was amazing to watch them engage with the lessons, enjoy the crafts, play games, and worship with us. Their joy and openness to learning about Jesus was such a highlight.

I also loved getting to know the missionaries there, Lonnie and Paula Moore, along with the entire HOPE Center staff. Their love for the people of Pavas and their faithfulness to God’s call on their lives is so inspiring. They welcomed us like family, and I left so encouraged by their example of long-term ministry. Serving alongside them reminded me how powerful it is when the global church comes together for the sake of the gospel.

The adventures don’t stop here! Soon, I’ll be traveling to North Carolina to visit Marshall, my best friend from the Race. From there, we’ll head to Georgia for a week-long squad reunion—a time I know will be full of worship, laughter, and reconnecting with the people who shaped so much of my journey this past year.

After that, I’ll be solo traveling to Guatemala to reunite with the missionary friends I served with during my time there. I’m so excited to encourage them and continue building those relationships that mean so much to me.

Once I’m home, a brand-new season begins. I’ll be moving into GCU and starting my fall semester studying Christian Ministry with an emphasis in Global Ministry. My long-term goal is to become a youth pastor, and eventually, I plan to pursue a Master of Divinity to further equip myself for that calling. The Lord has also placed on my heart a vision to serve as a missionary in Latin America in the future, continuing to live out the Great Commission cross-culturally.

At the same time, I’ll continue my internship with the high school group at Palmcroft this fall, which I’m thrilled about. God has been so faithful to lead me step by step, and I can’t wait to see all that He has in store in this next chapter.

You’re Invited!

Before all of that, I’d love to invite you to my World Race Report Back Service this Sunday, July 27th at 12 PM at Palmcroft Church in the Brick House. Food will be provided! I’ll be sharing what the Race was, all that the Lord taught me, and the incredible ways I saw Him move over the past nine months. I’d love for you to come hear the stories and celebrate what God has done!

Lastly, I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who supported me in going to Costa Rica—whether through financial donations or through countless prayers. Your generosity and faithfulness made it possible for me to step into what God had prepared, and I am so grateful for every person who partnered with me. I truly felt covered in prayer throughout the trip, and I know the impact made there was because of the faithfulness of the body of Christ working together.

Thank you for reading,

Maranatha (Come Lord Jesus)

Jackson Schlesinger