Running Her Race: DeGroot Reflects on Life Abroad

ORANGE CITY, Iowa - In the fall of 2024, Emily (Haverdink) DeGroot and her husband, Kleyton, were away from family, friends, and the Northwestern College community.

They were in Kaikoura, New Zealand, for a semester abroad through the Creation Care Study Program.

It was a time to grow both athletically and spiritually, and DeGroot soaked in the journey every step of the way. She returned home with a fresh perspective and a greater appreciation for the opportunities she has as a student-athlete at Northwestern.

"I learned how to be still and listen to God's voice," said DeGroot. "I used to idolize cross country and track, but after spending time away from competing, I realized how much that controlled my life. Coming back, I have put running in a better perspective and run to bring God the glory. It's so important to be still and spend time in God's presence as he will reveal so much."

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A STEP AWAY FROM COMPETITION
DeGroot joined the Red Raider cross country and track & field teams as a freshman in 2022, and she immediately took advantage of the chance to compete at the college level. As a member of the cross country team, she last competed at the 2023 GPAC Championships, where she set a 6K personal best. DeGroot competed in numerous events for the track & field team as well, including the 600m, 800m, 1,000m, 4x400 relay, 4x800 relay, and distance medley.

DeGroot and her husband decided to take a break from competition to expand their worldview and grow their faith.

She loved the experience abroad, but it was difficult to be away from her team and the sport she loves.

"I am such a competitor, and not being able to compete was hard," said DeGroot. "Cross country is my favorite sport, so I missed it."

To stay in athletic shape, DeGroot ran almost every day in Kaikoura and tried to do workouts twice a week. She also lifted weights in her garage and ate a healthy, vegetarian diet. In addition to her workouts, she took advantage of the beautiful scenery and endless opportunities to embrace the outdoors with her husband and friends.

"We enjoyed hunting, fishing, hiking, swimming, and so much more," said DeGroot. "I really enjoyed a backpacking trip with the students in Abel Tasman National Park. I also got the opportunity to swim with dolphins and see a humpback and sperm whale. We made some really good friends and hope to go back someday."

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A NEW PERSPECTIVE
In January, the DeGroots returned to the United States for the spring semester at Northwestern.

Emily was excited to be back with her team and competing, but she knew it would take time to get back to where she wanted to be.

"I was disappointed in my first two track meets, but after taking eight months off of competing, I know it will take some conditioning," said DeGroot. "Thankfully, I now have many teammates to train with, so I need to keep working hard and be patient."

DeGroot has a new perspective on running, and she is grateful to be a part of a team that loves the Lord and each other.

"We sharpen each other," she said.

DeGroot's time away from home was an experience she will never forget. She took the time to slow down, reflect, and seek the Lord.

"Experiencing a different culture and living amongst that culture is so beneficial," she said. "Kleyton and I both grew a lot and learned so much. Our culture is very much go, go, go, and Kaikoura does not operate like that."

DeGroot's new outlook on life and running has given her a renewed sense of purpose and a greater appreciation for the opportunities she has at Northwestern.

With her eyes set on bringing glory to God, she is ready to take on whatever challenges come her way.

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