Have you ever woken up and wondered, “Where am I?” and then realized you’re just sleeping in your own bed?
Basically since last October (leaving on our road trip for World Race training camp), I have woken up many times in the middle of the night and had to reacquaint myself with where I am and whose home I’m in now.
A little over two weeks ago I was living in the bush of Mozambique…setting up and taking down our tent 6 times in 8 days, killing the meat for our meals, showing the Jesus film at night, praying for people, working alongside some other amazing Californians (A couple and their two children from San Diego and a group from a Korean church in “the valley”) and our Mozambican (IRIS ministries) pastors and local contacts. It was incredible seeing everyone use their gifts, how hungry the local Mozambicans were to hear the message we brought and just how the whole trip came together (Seriously…read teammate Melissa Betz’s blog about it)
Then a week ago, this amazing dreamer-who-makes-things-happen wife of mine gets the idea of escaping away to Cape Town for two days at the tail end of our Squad debrief in Jo’Burg. We stayed with June 2009 World Race coaches, Tom & Cindy, in Gordon’s Bay, South Africa and enjoyed scooting around town in a rental car, touring vineyards and the southern most tip of Africa…The Cape of Good Hope.
We have officially handed over the reigns of team leader to our very capable (but very sick at the moment) teammate, Benny Veale. This getaway was to celebrate a successful (but logistically very challenging) Vietnam and Africa experience and just be a couple again.
Then, yesterday, I woke up and realized I am in Villa Teccii, Romania. From quintessential African bush of Mozambique to quintessential Eastern European countryside…this is the World Race. We (our whole squad of 52 racers…plus three teams from June ’09 World Race) are living in this town of 500…showing love to the families that are graciously hosting us, doing some practical work around their homes, preaching on Sundays and just trying to exhibit what an authentic Christian community looks like. Our host, Murrel, who is usually a construction worker but is out of work right now is getting paid a small stipend to cook all the food for us and house us. He doesn’t speak any English (and we don’t speak Romanian…yet) so we are having fun figuring out what he wants. He is treating us very well and we are just trying to repay the favour.
We will be staying here until the 26th or so and then we’ll be getting together with all 4 World Race squads out in the world right now and any World Race alumni who can make it to Romania. It will be a debrief to end all debriefs!
Embark on a Life-Changing Journey with The World Race: Gap Year!
Discover, Serve, and Grow – Join a Global Community of Change-Makers!
Explore diverse cultures, make a lasting impact, and deepen your faith on The World Race. Our global missions program is your chance to step out of your comfort zone and into a world of transformation. Join us on this extraordinary journey of service and self-discovery.
When you sponsor a child it not only provides a hot meal, clean water, discipleship, and basic medical care for the child, it also supports their family by inviting them through the gates of the CarePoint to receive training, discipleship and mentorship.
Consider linking arms with us to impact children, families, and communities in Eswatini, South Asia, or Guatemala!
Three months in Italy… say less!
World Race Study Abroad 2024
The ultimate semester abroad in Italy – explore ancient history, vibrant culture, and deepen your faith. Join us for a journey that will equip you to impact the world, while earning college credit.
Explore Italy in 2024! Are you ready for a life-changing experience? 🌟
Immerse yourself in the rich culture, history, and beauty of Italy. Make a positive impact through service and community engagement. Challenge yourself, grow spiritually, and develop leadership skills. Forge lifelong friendships with like-minded adventurers. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore Italy like never before!