Here's an update (a late one and I'm sorry in advance). I know you want to hear about AMAZING things, right?
Paint. Four solid, annoying at first, turned theraputic, God sent weeks of painting. I know you don't want to hear a crazy long blog so I'll attempt to make this short, but I love my team and I have come to love painting. Remember of all that jealousy I REEKED of in the beginning and how I loathed it? I rebuked the crap out of it, didn't receive it any longer, and embraced my ministry along with my team. Come to find out it's not about me, haha who would of thought?
I don't choose the ministry. I am the clay. Mold me.
Remember it, Ashley.
If God wants me to paint then there is obviously a reason for it and boy did I find out. Pre World Race aka my whole life; I have NEVER been a fan of anyone over the age of 70. I never really had a grandmother or grandfather figure in my life, so I never knew how to "act" or be around elderly people..the way some people can't stand babies..well, that's pretty much how I was.
Enter: Nellie (yes, like the rapper or Furtado)
We painted her house for days and all she did was embrace us. She said the 'F' word all day long and cursed the cows, but she was perfection in my eyes. She was short with white curly hair and her home
was stocked with nothing but tea and cookies. All for us. She was the grandmother I had
heard of, the one people talk about, and she was mine in Ireland. Nellie, I'm
sorry for my preconceived notion of "old people," because you were more than that.
You were mine. And my first World Race heartbreak while we drove away
from your home that last day, I cried. I'll never forget you.
I painted for the widows, I painted for those abandoned by their loved ones,
I got to love on them, show them affection through their home,
I got to have tea with them, I got to hear about their lives and heartaches, I fell in love,
I did much more than paint.
​To the church that calls themselves Discovery, you will never know how you affected my life. Paul, Caroline, Brian; you will never know what your generosity means to us. I only pray that I can be as loving as your family. Willie, the way you set us up in the neighborhoods and took care of us like your own. Ruth, it was an honor to watch you with God, I truly pray to Him that I can worship to my fullest like that. Keith, for being an amazing guy to work with and to deal with us each day being annoying girls..we know you like us. Jack and Kate, your parents are the biggest blessing to witness..I know you'll never remember the crazy Americans that visited, but know how much of an impact you had on my life. I'll never forget playing with guns, swords, and Star Wars in the backyard..you were my favorites. Feeney's, Holy moly I am in love with your family. The passion you all have for one another and the community is a beautiful thing to witness. Sara and Andrew, I love you with all of my heart..it's as simple as that and no one can compare to either of you. Hirjeet and Steven, you are drenched with teaching and wisdom..I pray that I can be like you two some day.
To my family back home: you have no clue how well
taken care of we were. I'm still in shock. I know you want to hear stories, but
it's more than that. I found a family in Ireland and I painted, that's all
I need. God blessed me over and over and gave me great things.
He gave me 6 amazing women. He gave me a huge house. He gave
me a car. He gave me a community. He gave me food.
He gave me love.
He gave me love.
I found love in Ireland.
P.S. Fundraising Update: I'm currently sitting at $10,777.00 and I need $11,000 by October. I am so incredibly blessed by my family back home and my families friends. Mom, Doug, Tracie, Shannon, Sonia, Monica, Laura, Joe, Tabatha, and I am so sorry if I forgot anyone (people are dancing in worship in front of me and it's amazingly distracting..world race norms). Know that I'm safe and God is loving on people all over Ireland and Ukraine. Email me:
[email protected]
I adore you all
Love,
Your Ashley
