CANARY ISLANDS OF SPAIN — Ok, ok. Think “fast.” Don’t die. You can do this! Crossworld worker Tori gave herself a pep talk on her way to meet her friend Davinia for a run. Normally, Tori wouldn’t be intimidated by a run, but Davinia is an extreme endurance sports athlete — in all of her free time, she hits the rocky mountain trails for long-distance runs. Tori worried she would only hold Davinia back, but knew that this was an opportunity she couldn’t pass up.

Davinia jogged. Tori tripped. Davinia broke a sweat. Tori survived.

Though the scenery looked stunning, the true beauty of this experience came at the quiet moment at the end of the run when Tori and Davinia talked. Davinia opened up and shared some struggles in her life. Tori shared about the God who gives her hope, despite the loneliness of being a foreigner far from home.

As they parted ways, Tori smiled, thankful for the invitation to run. She even looked forward to the next time! The exhaustion and sweat were worth the friend she just made — and the opportunity to make disciples wherever life happens.

Italicized names were changed to protect identities.