Here are some more answers to the questions I received. Thanks for caring enough to ask and interested enough to read.
Q: What was your most delightful surprise on the Race?
A: That the Race is normal life… just while traveling through 11 countries. The most delightful surprise was to look back and realize that the most impactful connections I made weren’t necessary with the people I was planned to serve with but instead it was with the unexpected people I met along the way. The 3 hour, late night conversation I had with a free-spirited traveler at a hostel in Peru. The server that worked at the café down the street from where I lived in Malaysia. I saw her 3+ times a week because her café was the only one in town with free wifi. The neighborhood kids in the African village. They weren't the kids we played with at the orphanage but our daily interaction with them stole my heart. The teenage boy I sat next to on a 20 hour bus ride across the border. We discussed life and the power of true forgiveness. It was a beautiful surprise indeed to find that some of my fondest moments of the race are ones I can and will continue to have back home. The day to day interactions with the people that surround me.
Q: Who are some of the most beautiful people in the world?
A: Thai people, oh my goodness I fell in love with the Thai culture. From the kids to their elderly they just possess the most beautiful spirits and faces.
Q: What people group has the best facial expressions?
A: Hmmmm… I'd say the kids in Malaysia are pretty animated!
Q: Is there a place that is the most in need?
A: That’s a hard one. There is so much need everywhere and needs of all different kinds. I was talking to one of my squad mates a couple of months ago about the issues of the world and it was interesting to find that so many of the issues of the world are a byproduct of poverty. I found that many of the women in the sex trade choose to stay where they are because they need the money. The gang violence we came across in Peru was a fight for survival. These boys had nothing else to live for and were promised food and shelter if they killed when told to. Men were in prison for stealing in attempt to provide for their family. Poverty is everywhere, everywhere! No wonder Jesus was so adamant on helping the poor. I will say that ministry-wise, Mozambique could use the most man power. There are some incredible ministries at work in the villages of Mozambique but they need people! Orphanages of 30 children and only 1 or 2 adults running everything.
Q: What is your Miguel’s Jr. order?
A: Miguel’s Jr. Burrito, Chicken, add cilantro and onions with at least 6 salsas.
Stay tuned for the last 5 questions in my next blog…
Love you all!
Jolene
