D: My first big moment like that was our first trip into Los Pinos (the major slum) in Honduras. It devastated me to see so many people living in such impoverished conditions, but I was especially affected by the incredible number of people with rags or straws up their noses sniffing paint thinner. They would do this to numb themselves to hunger and the world that was going on around them. It was like watching zombies go through life, completely vacant of any emotions or feelings, and it shattered my world view. At that moment, I felt completely helpless and overwhelmed in that situation that seemed so huge and impossible to change. Throughout the month, though, I was able to see the transforming power of God’s grace work in the lives of several boys, who used to also be addicted to paint thinner, find salvation in Jesus Christ.
2. What is the one meal you missed the most?
D: That is easy! It is a Lisa Suttle special consisting of country fried steak fingers, mashed potatoes and gravy, bread, cucumbers and vinegar, salad, Blue Bell ice cream, and sweet tea!
T: Although carbs are as abundant as sand on the seashore around the world, there are not enough truly great salads. I missed having salads with vegetables and ranch dressing on the side. And of course, my mom’s homemade white chocolate chip cookies!
3. What was your favorite month of ministry?
D: My favorite month of ministry all around was working with Threads of Hope in the Philippines. Everything about that month was full of God and full of joy. We loved our main contact, Alex, and our ministry contact, Kuya Al, and their families. The place we stayed was one of the most beautiful places on Earth and the ministry was completely led by God and impacts thousands of lives everyday. It was also probably my best personal month spiritually as well. If I had to choose one, that would be the one place and ministry I would go back to. It was just plain awesome!!
4. What was the most difficult part of the experience?
D: The vast majority of World Racers would answer ‘this question with saying ‘community’ and that would be my answer as well. They tell you going in that it will be the best, worst, hardest, most difficult, most awesome part of the Race, and it is definitely all of that and more. Our team had difficulties, ups and downs, and frustrations, and it was especially hard to find time and focus on our marriage apart from the team. However, it was also the place we learned how to live a truly Christian life to challenge and grow people to love each other like we love ourselves and even to honor and serve each other above ourselves. Even though is was some of our hardest times, times with our team will be some of our fondest memories many years from now. We love them all and are so thankful for them!!
T: Although I had more of it in some months than anticipated, I truly missed having my own space. Going from my cute, two bedroom home in Canyon, TX to sharing everything with everyone to packing up to 20 people in a three bedroom apartment in India, a room with no one else in it starts looking pretty good! However, I know I will miss the days when my beloved team is not around and things will all of a sudden seem very quiet.
5. The strangest cultural quirk that you encountered?
D: Breast feeding! I have seen breast feeding take place in almost every possible location that you can imagine including on a motorcycle, on stage at Sunday church, next to me at meals, and even one lady while I was sharing the Gospel with her and many, many more!
