You asked, I answered!
Of everything you packed/brought with you on the Race, what was your favorite/most resourceful item?
I brought a small travel mirror that has been so extremely useful (because mirrors just aren’t common in the Third World). Tea Tree Oil is also a must-bring. Definitely also bring a few cute outfits, makeup, and simple jewelry because you will want to feel pretty.
Biggest surprise?
In my last week on the field, I got to meet up with my uncle, his girlfriend, and my 3-year-old cousin who all live in the Philippines. I never would’ve imagined to have such an awesome family reunion on the Race. I hadn’t seen my uncle in ten years, and I’d never met Mila and Trajan, but it was awesome!
In what way have you grown spiritually the most?
I trust the Lord to new heights and depths with more areas of my life. My prayers are bolder but come from a more intimate place. I speak about and to the Lord differently. I’ve learned to love people more intentionally.
In what moment did you see the face of God most clearly?
The moment that comes to mind first happened a couple of weeks ago (in the Philippines). I was standing up to my knees in water underneath a gigantic waterfall. I looked up at the water spilling over the rocks and my face got sprayed by the water pummeling down over me. And as I looked up at the brim of the falls, I believe that in that moment, I encountered the sovereignty and enormity of God in one of the most tangible ways I ever have.
(the Emilys in front of that waterfall)
What was the weirdest outhouse?
In Honduras (month one) we shared a three-stall bathroom for over 50 people (not an outhouse but still an experience). Our outhouses in Guatemala had wooden seats that gave you splinters if you didn’t sit carefully 🙂 The outhouses in Kenya smelled preeeetty bad.
Where did you see the biggest flies/mosquitos?
Kenya or the Philippines
What was the best bargain/bribe that happened?
When we took a spontaneous weekend trip to Hungary (from Romania), we showed up at the train station around midnight. We bought tickets for a train leaving at 6am, but decided to hop onto the train leaving around 3am. When the guards came by to check our tickets, my team sent me (and my blonde hair) out to bribe the guard. I think we paid like $8 or something, but he let us stay on the train.
Were you prepared for the trip?
I believe that I was pretty well prepared for the Race. I read a lot of blogs, talked to past Racers, and spent a lot of time in prayer.
How could the organization better prepare future Racers?
AIM tells people all the time to drop their expectations, and that’s the best preparation a Racer can do.
What was the scariest thing to happen?
Rafting class five rapids of the Nile is pretty dang terrifying.
What was the most meaningful work for you?
I learned right away that the most meaningful days on the Race are often the most simple. That’s how it works with short-term missions. It’s all about moments like: playing cards with some gypsy kids who live in a garbage dump; telling school girls in Africa that they are strong and beautiful; having a dance party with a family in Bulgaria; buying an eleven-year-old candy for her birthday because her parents couldn’t afford it; playing guitar for residents at a nursing home
Any kind of moment that makes me feel like my presence actually makes a tangible, obvious difference for the Kingdom is a moment that is most meaningful.
What country/people were the most welcoming?
Kenyans and Rwandans were so extremely hospitable and generous. Filipinos too welcomed us so enthusiastically.
Any interesting games you played?
I played in some interesting soccer matches in Central American and Africa. I played a lot of card games, Settlers of Catan, and the Logo Game with my team and squadmates. We played tons of volleyball all year long. And on almost every continent we played lots of classic recess games with kids.
Is there anything you’d change about the structure of the Race?
I think the Race/AIM is doing a good job of adapting the program as it grows and develops. There are certain aspects of leadership that I think could change a little, but AIM seems to be moving in that direction. Also, I used to think we debriefed too much, but now I realize the benefit and necessity of those times.
When does your book/movie come out?
I would love to write a book! What should I write about?
If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently?
I’d give hard feedback right from the get go. I’d ask for feedback more often. I’d stay up late more regularly, even when I was tired, just to spend more time with people I love. I’d play more card games and watch fewer movies. I’d write home more often but spend less time on the Internet. I’d pack one less pair of jeans and one more pair of shorts. I’d think less about home and more about life in front of me.
