Heya! SOoo, I did not hit my first deadline.
Which means, I was unable to attend Training Camp; which means I will not be launching in January; which means that my race will now be pushed back to July 2015.
Not gonna lie, I was really disappointed… in myself, in others, in God.
Disappointed that I was not going to meet my squad-mates who have become my family; disappointed that I’d have to experience training camp at a later date; disappointed that “yet again” I was a failure at accomplishing another thing that I had set out to do; disappointed that “yet again” people didn’t seem to come through for me when I needed them most; disappointed that God would place the Race on my heart and then not provide (in my time frame).
By now, I should know that my plans are not His plans. However, I am unfortunately all too human and allowed myself to fall prey to the assumption that I know what is best for my life. There are a couple of verses that I keep coming across lately:
“Count it all joy, my brothers,
when you meet trials of various kinds,”
James 1:2
and
“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my
power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the
more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
2 Corinthians 12:9
How many times have we read these verses without REALLY reading them? WHO, in their right mind, has a problem occur and their first thought is to look to the heavens, chuckle, slap their knee, and think “Whoo hoo, good one… still choosing to be joyful!” (I mean, maybe there are people out there but I know I’m definitely not one of them.)
And as far as weakness goes, I know I’m not one to enjoy parading around my faults and where I fall short. But that’s where God is revealed. When we strip away our human pride, we allow God to complete where we fall short and in return, are shown all of the ways God comes through for us.
In this situation of not being able to leave in January, I’m choosing to count it as joy that I’m not able to go yet… because that means I’ll have more time.
More time to spend with my family, more time to connect more in the area where I have NO connections, more time for more fundraising, more time to work on my weaknesses, more time to draw closer to the one who has called me to do the race in the first place, more time to embrace my weaknesses and to look for all the ways that God comes through for me.
More time for me to see how much I am truly blessed.
I will miss the people who have become my family, my N Squad peeps; the ones who have been alongside me in what I’m feeling and going through. However, his ways and plans are not my ways and plans, and as much as I’m going to miss them, I am excited to get to know my new brothers and sisters.
And so, without further ado, here’s my NEW route!!!
(The only route spending time in: Mozambique, Nicaragua, and Vietnam)
South Africa
While it’s been several decades since apartheid has formally ended, there’s still more healing and reconciliation to take place in South Africa. One of the wealthiest countries on the continent yet much of the population living outside the cities is poor. Like the rest of sub-Saharan Africa, this country struggles with a high rate of AIDS/HIV. Host to the 2010 World Cup and breathtaking natural attractions, it’s also a place full of kingdom potential, and I can’t wait to be a part of releasing it.
Swaziland
The Kingdom of Swaziland is one of the last remaining monarchies in Africa. Home to 1.1 million people and breathtaking scenic views, it’s also where the world’s highest HIV/AIDS infection rate lives (26.1% in adults and over 50% of adults in their 20s). It’s estimated that by 2050, Swaziland may cease to exist. Young orphans are scattered throughout this nation in desperate need of attention. For years, Adventures in Missions has been committed to seeing these statistics reversed. Here, I’ll find myself involved in a variety of outreaches, including education, orphan care, care point feedings, and more.
Mozambique
One of the most beautiful countries in the African continent, Mozambique is a favorite location of World Racers for a variety of reasons: the people, the landscape, the ministry partnerships, the miracles that this country has seen, and more. The former Portuguese colony is seeing signs of redemption and economic recovery; because of, or in spite of, the extreme poverty gripping the nation, the church grows. I will teach, preach, and practice “true religion” with widows and orphans while growing in my identity in Christ.
India
With nearly a sixth of the world’s population within its borders, India is a country bursting with people and culture. Home to a diverse array of beliefs from Hinduism to Islam, to a blend of folk religions and other faiths, it is a country of pluralism with twenty-nine languages spoken by over a million native speakers, multiple religions, cuisine, socio-economic classes, and political parties. India’s struggles with poverty and crimes of human trafficking, forced prostitution, religious persecution, and more. I will work with local churches to encourage believers and most likely be challenged by their testimonies. My hope is that my presence’ll bring hope and truth to those that society deems “untouchable.”
Nepal
Home to Mount Everest, the world’s tallest mountain, Nepal literally sits on top of the world. In addition to the adventurous experiences that I will have here, I may also visit widows and orphans in their times of distress and protect the innocent who are prey to human traffickers. This month of my World Race experience will submerge my squad in a culture that is desperate for an encounter with the living God.
Vietnam
After nearly a century of French rule, in the mid-20th century, Vietnam was split into communist (north) and non-communist (south) halves. By 1975, Vietnam was made whole again, but as a communist country. Even with the economic reforms and restoration of diplomatic ties human rights are limited in Vietnam, especially freedom of religion; most of Vietnam is Buddhist, less than 10% is Catholic. Here we’ll be fed with pho, delicious beef noodle soup, and in turn feed believers and pray God’s light
and presence everywhere we go.
Cambodia
Cambodia houses one of the Seven Wonders of the World, Angkor Wat, a Hindu temple and monastery built during the Khmer empire in the 12th century. It later became a Buddhist complex a century later, and today, just over 96% of Cambodia is Buddhist. Almost 30 years ago, 1.5 million Cambodians died at the hands of Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge regime. Today, Cambodia is a source, transit point, and destination of human trafficking. Unfortunately, the government is struggling to stop it. The people of Cambodia are thirsty for the love that Jesus offers us and the hope He provides for us in His promise.
Thailand
The kingdom of Thailand, known as Siam until 1939, is the only country in the region not colonized by Europe. Their 2000 census showed that 94.6% of the population is Buddhist, 4.6% are Muslim, and 0.7% are Christian. Approximately 600,000 people live with HIV/AIDS in Thailand. With nearly two million people estimated to be forced into prostitution, it has become one of the most popular places for sex tourism. My hope is to change lives in Jesus name; befriend prostitutes, serve youth, care for orphans, and encourage a remnant of believers.
Guatemala
A country rich in history and natural resources – fertile soil from the volcanoes help yield excellent coffee – Guatemala is the perfect place to initiate your World Race experience. Outside of its aesthetic appeal, Guatemala needs God’s touch. Gripped by poverty and bound to a spirit of religion, the people of Guatemala hunger for the kingdom of God to pervade their lives. I’ll have the opportunity to usher in the kingdom to this land and reach out to the people on the fringes of society through hard work, relationships, and maybe even a miracle or two.
Honduras
“Hondo” comes from the Spanish word for depth and there’s lots of depth to Honduras. It’s home to the Aztec and Mayan civilizations, whose ruins are still stand. Honduras is mostly mountainous and the weather’s as tropical as it gets. What really runs deep in Honduras are its needs. Honduras is the third poorest in the region, after Haiti and Nicaragua. Like her neighbors, Honduras has had her of share political/military troubles, e.g., the six-month constitutional crisis in 2009. There’s a need to reach out to the youth, not just to keep them out of trouble (e.g., gangs) but for them to know their worth and that they’re loved.
Nicaragua
This location is always a World Race favorite. It’s a country full of wonderfully warm and caring people, and participants always leave having had a powerful experience. However, hopelessness, addictions, destitution, and poverty still plague the many lives of Nicaragua. There are orphans who have grown up without knowing the love of a parent and families who get by each day by scrounging scraps from the city dump where they have made their homes. In Nicaragua, we’ll have the opportunity to bring God’s love through slum ministry, door-to-door outreach, outreach to children, and more.
“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good,
for those who are called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28
Always for Him,
Ashleigh
