World Race life isn’t really something that can be explained easily. Each month is different in many aspects. From ministry to host life. Culture to etiquette. Team dynamics to sleeping situations. Temperature to climate. Buddy system verses being able to venture alone. So I created the space for you to ask questions and try to give you good answers. Heeerrreee weeee goooo!!!
1. What’s the most important thing you have learned while abroad that isn’t related to religion?
I think the most important thing that I have learned is that there are so many people around the world hurting. In Cambodia it was the whole country still recovering from the genocide they faced only 40 years ago. In India it was the people who are in the lowest cast. In Nepal it was the victims of the earthquake. Here in Thailand it’s the people who are living in fear of what will happen after their king dies. There is so much going on in this world. Always has been. Always will be.
2. Do you eat with the local folks or with your team? How are you handling the different cuisines?
In India we ate with the locals. They cooked for us in our home and also in the villages. In Nepal we cooked for ourselves and ate from local restaurants, most of it was more like food I would eat at home. In Cambodia we cooked for ourselves and would eat as a team for dinner. In Thailand we eat the street food. It has been my favorite thus far. We live on a budget of 140 baht/day ($4) and can get our meals for 35 baht. It’s been great! I am learning to love spicy food and rice. I enjoy getting to participate in the culture by eating what the locals eat!
3. I would love to know about the eating cultures, and what is the most interesting thing you have eaten.
Two words: spicy and rice. Curry is very common as well. The last four months have all been in Asia. The most interesting thing I have eaten? Hmm…jackfruit! It’s the strangest texture and kind of tastes like bubble gum. I also had some sugar cane juice in Cambodia….not my favorite but definitely interesting. In Cambodia I also had some banana cooked in lots of different ways. Fried, cooked in the leaves, and grilled. My pad Thai this month looks back at me. The eyes of the shrimp creep me out!
4. Why are you wearing the masks in the last photos? ls falling love with the people of the other countries as easy as it was when were Thailand?
We were wearing masks to protect our lungs from the rust we were sanding off the playground set. It has been so easy to fall in love with people. The Lord has truly given me a heart for the people of every nation we have been in. They are all His sons and daughters. India was a hard month for me in regards to the culture. The area we were in wasn’t much of a tourist area so pretty much anytime we went anywhere people were taking pictures of us.
5. What has surprised you the most about long term missions so far? What were you worried about in regards to culture shock that actually wasn’t a big deal?
This is a hard question. Since we move every month it feels like we are doing short term missions. But I think that I am most surprised that I’m not homesick all the time.
The thing that I thought would be hardest for me is that in Asia they are a no face culture. More reserved and quiet. And then there’s me…loud and crazy. I thought it would be hard for me to adjust. But thus far, as far as I am aware, my personality is being well received. I didn’t want to change who I am to fit in. And while I am walking in a way to honor the people, I feel free to be myself.
6. In what ways have you changed?
These days I walk in more confidence in who God created me to be. When I am in conversations with people I no longer feel the need to end the conversation before it is over just because I feel uncomfortable. I am learning to say the things that are hard to say and to love myself. I’m not the same girl I was four months ago and for that, I thank the Lord!
7. Where do you go next?
November- Malaysia, team change month. December- Botswana, January-South Africa, February-Swaziland, PARENT VISION TRIP! March-Dominican Republic, April-Haiti, May-Jamaica, HOME COMING!!
8. Have you enjoyed being a team leader?
The funny thing about being a team leader is that along with my team mates, I too have never been on the race. And yet, the Lord has called me to lead these women. There have definitely been moments that have been extremely hard as a leader. It’s a journey of learning how to be a leader and also a racer. I have grown so much in ways that only could have come come being in this role. Enjoyment, yes. Struggle, yes. Thankful, yes.
9. What do you miss the most?
I miss my family. My community. Lybbi and the Cotters. Changing of the seasons. A bed to sleep on. And looking cute. (make-up, straight hair, cute clothes.) I know. It sounds ridiculous, but it’s so true.
10. Have you been learning the local languages?
I love language. It’s so intriguing. With that said, the languages of Asia are so hard to learn! The intonation, the sounds, the words! But I have been making an attempt to learn what I can each month. Sometimes I get all jumbled up and say words from Telegu, Nepalese, Khmer, and now Thai. Haha, oh the struggle. But it’s been fun!
11. How is fundraising going?
Currently I am at $12,334 of $16,277. That’s 75.7% funded! My next deadline is January 1st for total amount. I only need $3,943. God has provided so much all ready that I know He will continue to provide. Thank you so much to each and every person who has donated, prayed, or encouraged. I couldn’t do this without you.
If you are feeling led to partner with the work God is doing in and through me, all you have to do is click the support me tab and it will walk you through the steps. Thank you for helping me achieve the goal God has set before me!
You can be praying that I seek out moments each day to be with the Lord. That I would be listening for His voice and opportunities to share His love. Team changes are coming next month. You can be praying for the leadership as they are seeking the Lord for His heart for the changes. And that my heart will be prepared for whatever is to come!
I love you and thank you! God bless you!
