Q: So what do you think the people and churches who supported your trip need to know from you that we could not likely know as those who did not travel with you? In other words, what do you think would be helpful for us to understand from what you now understand?
A: This is a really great questions! I have two answers for this. The first is pertaining to the church, there is so much that we could learn from churches around the world! From the way they do worship to the way they just talk about the Lord. The church is on fire and God is doing unbelievable things because people are not only ASKING for Him to show up but EXPECTING Him to show. They rely on Him in a way that we could learn a great deal from. The second is directed towards the people who supported me, particularly friends and family. Although we have kept in touch, talked, texted, skyped, e-mailed, ect., I am not the same person I was before I left. I may not sound different or look to different but so many little things have happened over the past few months that have changed me. I have been pushed, pulled, and tested. My opinions on certain topics may have been formed or changed.
Q: What is the hardest thing you’ve had to deal with while being away?
A: Honestly, the hardest thing that I have had to deal with has also been the thing that I am most grateful for. Community. Living in community. Being with people twenty-four hours a day seven days a week is no easy task. There are moments or days where you just want to be alone, and I am not talking about those few minutes when you go to the bathroom or take a shower. I did not realize before the race how much I value my alone time. Being with a team also means many opinions, points of view, and personalities. It can be a lot to handle sometimes and it may drive me nuts, but at the end of the day I love it. And I am sure that when I do finally get that alone time I long for, I wont want it one bit.
Q: What incident made you laugh the hardest you have laughed so far on the race?
A: There are SO many times on the race that I have laughed extremely hard. I will def have to go with The Great Lizard Fall of 2015. Team 7/11 will remember this fondly, I think. We would have our feedback at night in the living room in Rwanda and without fail a few lizards would entertain us by eating the bugs by the light.
Q: What one thing did you think you had all figured out before leaving that turned out completely different on the field?
A: Most things. The biggest one would have to be my relationship with God. I thought I understood way more than I do, I thought He fit in this perfect box I had constructed for Him, and I thought I was in control. Clearly I was completely mistaken! This adventure has definitely blown the box I created to pieces and it has been awesome seeing Him in living breathing motion.
Q: What is something you took for granted that you didn’t think you would miss?
A: Clean feet! Yes I miss my bed, friends/family, certain foods, ect. But I have not had consistently clean feet in months. Many times we have to walk to our showers or the moment you get out you’re walking on a dirt road!
Q: What do you consider the best thing you packed?
A: My Kindle! Hands down for sure!
Q: Is Albania very different from Montenegro? What is your mission goal in Albania? Could you include a video?
A: Albania and Montenegro, though close in proximity, they are very different! The people in Montenegro were cold and hard but the people in Albania were friendly and open. We were in the capital of Albania, Tirana, but in Montenegro we lived on the bay in Kotor. Living on the Adriatic Sea is probably one of the most beautiful place’s I will ever live! I feel like comparing the two would be like comparing NY to CA, they both have their strengths but are very different. As for my mission goal, something I have been learned is to put my agenda aside, so I am enjoying learning from my amazing teammates and growing in new ways. If you were wondering what we did in Albania; we partnered with a church, hosting an English club, doing some manual labor, doing some home visits, and whatever else they ask of us!
And because it took me too long to actually post this blog (sorry mom!), here’s that video of Months 7 & 8!
