Monday 15th June 2015 marked the half way point of my race. I am essentially on the home straight.
I left home 169 days ago, got on a flight to Thailand and met 22 complete strangers, whom I would travel to 11 countries with over the next 11 months.
We call ourselves the Fusion Family.
We are all from different backgrounds, different countries and different cultures – but we are all brothers and sisters in Christ.
The whole squad is currently together in Mokhotlong, Lesotho where we are in our second consecutive All Squad month. The last two months have been hard, difficult and challenging but it has enabled our family to become a close tight-knit community. It has drawn us together more and enabled me to cement friendships with people I haven’t been on a team with. God didn’t call me to be comfortable, he called me to grow.
The last six months I have been surrounded by American and Korean culture, everyday.
I have decided that a PB&J may be the best thing ever (since Pineapple Fried Rice) and have started to call rubbish trash.
My squad mates have fallen in love with Cadbury’s (the superior chocolate) and started to call cookies biscuits. I am still working on those ‘u’s and ’s’s though!
I would love to spend the next five months with these crazy people, learning more and developing friendships. Most importantly I want to continue to be in an environment where I am not defined by my culture, class or background and am loved unconditionally by the community I am doing life with.
In order to continue on the race and to finish I need your help! I need an additional $1,392.34 (£878.38) by 1st July 2015. If you feel able to support me click here.
Meet the crazy people I would love to continue travelling the world with. Even if just one of us had to go home at the end of the month the group would not be the same!
My team – Sweet Aroma
Me – For those who don’t know me, in the words of Debbie: Beth B is a passionate person whether it is staying active, pouring into ministry or loving chocolate. She is faithful to what she sets her mind to.
Hakyeong – This girl is honest, funny and mature beyond her years. Oh and if she pinches you it means she likes you!
Debbie – The patriot of the bunch, she loves to wear her American flag scarf and shoes but also loves to learn new languages, especially Korean.
Heather – She is the squad sniffer probably because of her nickname Two Stains and is a joy to be around. She is known for being the happy police and making sure people stay positive.
Callie – For the last six months Callie has been my teammate and roommate. We have enjoyed snack sessions and most recently can be found on my bed wrapped in our sleeping bag cocoon’s watching Homeland and drinking hot chocolate.
Ky – For the first four months we probably only exchanged four words! But after being put on the same team we bonded over Downton Abbey and I have watched Ky come out of her shell and invest in friendships.
Becca – Becca loves to talk and is vulnerable when telling her stories. She has a loving spirit and is very intentional.
Rohi Weebles
Joy – Joy’s knowledge of the Bible is encyclopaedic – need to know where a verse is, she is your girl!
Jen – This girl has such a powerful testimony from her first two weeks on the race. She is quietly confident and loves the outdoors.
VP – Before the race we were SnapChat friends, now we are proper friends. She has a big heart and is great with little children!
Beth C – We share the same name and the same nickname ‘Beef’ but for very different reasons!
Merk – A fellow workout manic – for the first three months we ran together and did insanity together. If you need accountability to stay fit and healthy she is it!
Tori T – This girl is a prayer warrior with a beautiful heart, she is always there to cover you in prayer. Or to cheer on Rhys Webb in the rugby!
Aly – It made me smile when Aly told me she would love to live in England again! She is an amazing photographer and filmmaker – using her skills as an additional ministry.
Horizon
Andrew – A true brother! We have enjoyed a variety of adventures, including watching rugby in a sports bar in Cambodia + Vietnam and being chased by a dog when on a Moto in Da Nang.
Simeon – If you ever have a parasite or lice or stomach ache, anything. There will be an oil for that!
Jay – Probably the cutest little Korean ever! Jay and I spent the first four months on a team together. She has a big big heart and generous spirit!
Jess – You can usually find Jess brewing fresh coffee, she was a great support to me when we were fellow TL’s.
Maggie – She is opinionated and knows her mind. But the more you get to know Maggie the more she lets her guard down.
Banele – A fellow ‘lone’ countrymen. He enjoys working out and keeping fit – but also makes sure he pushes you to your limits.
Baker – Probably one of the kindest people I have ever met! Baker will be there for you, whatever. She writes the cutest notes and has a beautiful spirit.
Aubrey – Part of a duo with Mercy. Aubrey has the tendency to make things awkward that don’t need to be with her quirky sense of humour.
Two Strong
Steph – We have never been on a team together, but Steph is one of my closest friends on this journey. Usually you can find her munching on a very healthy snack or drinking litres of water!
Sara – I have seen Sara become an extremely prayerful woman over the last six months and stepping out of comfort zone into where God has called her.
World Race Fusion offers a unique opportunity. You get to travel for 11 months with people from different countries and cultures as well as being immersed in new cultures each month. You get to make lifelong friends with people you might not have met otherwise and it means you’ll always have a place to stay in other countries.
