I might love to watch reality TV but I’m pretty sure I don’t actually want to be on reality TV. So… I guess it’s a good thing I’m going on the World Race and not the Amazing Race. I totally understand how some might get a little confused. The World Race is an 11 month mission trip to 11 countries around the world. There will probably be cameras, running through airports and a lot of other crazy adventures but I can assure you that my intentions for going have everything to do with God and serving others and nothing to do with winning money 
Today, I’m going to introduce you to 4 of the 11 countries…
Hondurus
“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.
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 povery 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.
El Salvador
El Salvador is the third largest economy in the region after Costa Rica and Panama and the smallest country (in land mass) in the Americas. A coup d’etat in 1979 led to civil war from 1980-1992 in this country. Oscar Romero, a Catholic bishop well-known known for supporting liberation theology, advocating for social justice in El Salvador, and protesting the government’s persecution of the church was assassinated in 1980 while conducting mass. Much of the country’s revenue comes from remittances. In a land whose name translates to “The Savior”, you’ll be the signs that point to the one true Savior – not a better political system or economy – Jesus Christ.
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.
I am so excited about all 4 of these countires (especially Guatemala)! I never thought I wanted to do mission work down in Central America until last spring. My little sister, Laura (maybe I should do a post about each of my family memeber so you can get to know them. I have a feeling they will be appearing in lots of future posts), went on a mission trip down to Guatemala and fell in love. Hearing her stories of the people and country made me want to fall in love with this country also. I can’t wait to see how God uses me and my team in these countries!
