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 has been committed to seeing these statistics reversed. Here, you’ll most likely find yourself involved in a variety of outreaches, including education, orphan care, care point feedings, and more.

Botswana

Although it’s one of the most sparsely populated countries in the world, Botswana has the second highest HIV infection rate, next to Swaziland, its southern neighbor. The land itself struggles with drought and desertification yet boasts the largest elephant population in the world in one of its national parks. The majority of the people identify themselves as Christians but very much need people like you to advance the kingdom with love and in power.

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, waiting to be released — by you.

Estonia

Once Europe’s ”best kept secret” as claimed by Lonely Planet, Estonia’s lush forests, beautiful coastline, quaint countryside, and charming cities are only some of its boastings. It’s also home to Skype’s software developers. This former Soviet Union nation still shows evidence of its darker, colder times, while its people search for liberty. Usher in a spirit of freedom as you carry God’s presence into this oft overlooked country.

Latvia

Sandwiched between Estonia to the north and Lithuania to the south, Latvia is home to the largest medieval church in Europe (built in the 13th century). Like Estonia, Latvia is another gem as far as tourism in Europe goes but per Lonely Planet, still rather hidden from the spotlight. Unemployment rate here was at 22% in 2010 but is improving. Sadly, Latvia’s been ranked with lowest ranked healthcare systems in the EU and second lowest life expectancy. Over 22% of the population identifies itself as Roman Catholic, while over 19% claim to be Evangelical Lutheran; however, only 7% of the population actually attend religious services. As the country recovers economically, you could be an agent of spiritual revival and show the people what they’ve been missing out on.

Thailand

According to the CIA, 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. Change lives in the city-where you, like Jesus, might befriend prostitutes-or in the countryside-where you may serve youth, care for orphans, and encourage a remnant of believers.

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 hope you can bring.

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 you’ll be fed with pho, delicious beef noodle soup, and in turn feed believers and pray God’s light and presence everywhere you go.

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. You’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, you’ll have the opportunity to bring God’s love through slum ministry, door-to-door outreach, outreach to children, and more.

So, I was browsing facebook one day, and I came across one of my friend’s posts. My curiosity was piqued enough to click on it, and it led me to her blog. 

What is this World Race thing? It sounds pretty awesome… let’s just click to the website. 

This… this is exactly what I’ve been looking for for years. 

Over the next month, I inhaled blog after blog. Countless amazing stories of suffering and joy. I felt a passion to do this, to go see the world and spread love to its inhabitants. 

But then I stopped and thought to myself, “Yeah, but… are you brave enough to do this?” 

I have a full-time job, a great boss, an amazing boyfriend, and a wonderful family. Could I leave the security of that, of this life, to go follow this dream? Funnily enough, I wasn’t scared at all about being on the race, I was only scared about what I’d be giving up. 

I dismissed it. I am the sort of person who gets passionate about an idea for a short while, but then moves her attention to a newer and better thing. So I figured, why not stop reading blogs, try not to think about it, and forget it. This is a huge commitment for me to lose passion in a month. 

But… I couldn’t get it out of my head. Everytime someone asked me how I was doing, it’d be “Oh, I’m doing well. Work’s going well… family’s doing well… and I’m thinking about going on something called the World Race.”

Once I realised that I wasn’t going to lose passion, it became a wrestling match with myself. 

This is amazing! It’s everything I’ve always wanted to do. How cool would it be to go on this? 

Yeah, but… you know you’re not actually going to do it, right?

But… why not? I’ve wanted to serve the poor my whole life. I’ve been looking for an opportunity like this for a long time. Why wouldn’t I take it?

It’s a nice sentiment. Really! But you’re not brave enough, and deep down, you know that. 

Yeah… I know. I’m really not brave enough. But it would be wonderful. 

Yes, it would. It’s a moot point, anyway, because you wouldn’t be able to raise all that money. You don’t know enough people, and besides, who’s going to help YOU follow your dream? Get real. 

You’re right. I know you’re right. 

I knew I wasn’t going to do it, but I still set up an appointment with someone from AIM to talk about their experience on the race. At the end of our phone call, he urged me to apply, just so if I DO decide to do it, I have a slot saved for me. 

So… I did. I applied. I had my interview a few days later, which delved pretty deeply into my past. The minute I hung up the phone, and started the wait, I realised HOW BADLY I wanted to go. I was on pins and needles, waiting the two weeks they gave me until I found out. 

Then the lies started again. 

Oh gees… I hope I make it. I REALLY want to make it. Why do I have to wait two weeks? Are they TRYING to kill me??? =P

I don’t know why you’re getting so worked up over this. You know you’re not going to get accepted. 

Why not?

Because you’re too broken. You didn’t exactly leave out any of your pain during your interview. Do you really think they want anyone like you with a group of happy Christian people? 

But… I’m sure other people on the race had some problems, right? They’re human, too. 

Sure, sure. But you’re REALLY messed up. When you read the blogs of current racers, did you read about anyone who was like you?

Well… no. 

Exactly. 

Fun stuff, right? XD 

So two weeks came and went… and no answer. So I called up AIM, and they told me someone would call me by the end of the week. I received a call… and it was a new person, telling me that they needed to interview me a second time. WHAT??? Okay… =P 

Finally, a week later, I received the call that would change my life. 

Here I am, now. Preparing to embark on this incredible journey, and marveling at the fact that God gave me the courage to do this, despite my shortcomings. He really is amazing. 

I have to raise $15,500 for this race, and I ask you to prayerfully consider supporting me, whether financially or in prayer.

I feel like Bilbo Baggins, hesitant to start this adventure, but excited to begin a new part of my life. Please join me on this journey. This is not just for me, and I definitely can’t do it without you. =)

“It’s a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don’t keep your feet, there’s no knowing where you might be swept off to.”