101 Things I’ve Learned on the World Race

Last month on January 11th, my squad and I reached the 100th day of being on the World Race. To celebrate such a big moment, a few of us decided to write 100 things that we’ve learned so far. From mastering squatty potties to God freeing us from our biggest insecurities, we’ve learned quite a bit in a little over 3 months. I decided to let you in and celebrate on a mere 101 things the Lord has taught me so far.

1. The third Housefires album is arguably the best album ever.
2. To eat EVERYTHING on my plate and never let ANYTHING go to waste (Thanks Mabe and Fabi).
3. There are guys my age whole are whole-heartedly chasing after the Lord and it’s an honor to watch.
4. The baby phone is life.
5. I probably have Malaria.
6. I know how to do white elephant right (Thanks Dunkin Donuts).
7. The Holy Spirit loves adventure and uses people who aren’t afraid to fail.
8. How to get on a roof.
9. How to deal with an infected tattoo.
10. Why teachers teach.
11. Everyone wants to be seen and known.
12. To love people in the way they desire to be loved, not just loving in the way that’s most comfortable to me.
13. What a lot of peoples’ favorite parts of Jesus are.
14. The joy of watching people come out of brokenness and into freedom.
15. It’s such a gift to have parents who support me.
16. I hear the Lord and I’m confident in it.
17. How to speak up and say the hard things in love.
18. I love living in community.
19. Pooping in a cup for the doctor is much better with Chloe Green by my side.
20. Age doesn’t matter in friendships.
21. How to spot the big dipper and Orion’s belt.
22. Comparison is the stealer of joy.
23. The bus ride to school in Ecuador is a lot like the Knight bus from Harry Potter.
24. Three months in Ecuador taught me more Spanish than three years of high school Spanish Class.
25. I am a woman of peace.
26. I’m a baller at foosball.
27. If you have nothing to do in a classroom, play pictionary.
28. How to share my testimony and know the power in it.
29. It’s okay to break the rules sometimes (Jesus sure did).
30. What it looks like to stand by people in their shit.
31. I love to dance (especially on a party bus).
32. Words have power.
33. How to get a taxi to our home from anywhere in Ecuador (“Enfronte Terminal Carcelen Norte”)
34. People in other countries know more about America than I do.
35. I’m insanely passionate about people and their stories.
36. There’s power in being available and interruptible at any time.
37. God is never finished showing me new sides of Himself.
38. What it looks like to share a table and see Jesus in moments around it.
39. Nature is constantly worshipping its Creator, you can see it if you’re looking.
40. Encouragement Circles are the best.
41. The importance of rest and being okay with asking for it.
42. People become what you speak they are – call them higher.
43. God never runs out. When I’m empty, I can take love, joy, peace, etc. from Him at any time.
44. There’s a reply button on emails.
45. Ecuador loves to party.
46. Everyday I want to become more like Jesus.
47. Straight Outta Compton is my new favorite movie.
48. The sounds and smells of India are life changing.
49. I love doing laundry.
50. How to listen to people with the intent of truly listening/understanding, not just to reply.
51. The beauty in sharing clothes with 5 other girls.
52. The importance of equally partnering with Jesus in the joy and suffering.
53. Breakfast food is my favorite food
54. The “Notes” section of my phone has been a life saver
55. Love Does is a book that I can read forever because it’s just that good.
56. I love my squad with everything in me. Seriously.
57. I need at least 2 hours to do my CNC’s
58. Always give credit where credit is due.
59. God is still performing miracles, speaking, and healing. And He wants us to be a part of it.
60. There’s power in a name.
61. Wearing matching PJ’s and drinking hot cocoa with Syd is always a good idea.
62. God honors His children being bold.
63. How to make anywhere feel like home.
64. There are a lot of boring and average things in life, but love should never be one of them.
65. How to celebrate people, not just on their birthday.
66. Working out makes me feel like a million bucks (especially after eating rice and potatoes everyday)
67. Crying = Snickers
68. There’s so much beauty in knowing that’s there’s always more to learn.
69. How to hide snacks.
70. Is there actually anything better than Narnia? (No)
71. A spirit of gratitude.
72. When I say I love things about myself, I’m actually worshipping the Creator.
73. It’s okay to be emotional because I serve an emotional God.
74. What it looks like for people to pour into me and fill me up (and to accept it).
75. All about ENFJ’s.
76. Teenagers act the same all over the world.
77. My body is capable of so much more than I think (Shoutout to the 4 hour bike ride in Banos).
78. Each person has gifts to glorify the Kingdom.
79. Month 4 is when everyone goes crazy and cuts all their hair off (Not me…still going strong).
80. How to love people from a thousand miles away.
81. Ann Voskamp knows what’s up.
82. How to receive the gift of people serving me.
83. I can go a week without shaving and not notice.
84. The art of hospitality and how it can change the world.
85. How great it is to have friends that are photographers.
86. Traveling to other countries is much more convenient than I ever thought possible.
87. It feels damn good to have people fight for you.
88. A good night always begins at the bowling alley.
89. What it looks like to be broken over a man in a food truck.
90. How to have patience and truly go with the flow at all times.
91. The beauty in complimenting people whenever I can.
92. Good music.
93. Having complete trust in the Lord with my future and being okay with having no clue what I’m doing after the Race.
94. You can never fully prepare to travel the world for 9 months.
95. Peanut butter and bread are true staple items.
96. Rainy days are a treasure, unless your clothes are drying on the roof.
97. Each moment is special and often isn’t appreciated until it’s gone. Therefore, write as much as possible.
98. Tell the people you love that you love them.
99. Jesus loves creativity.
100. The best conversations happen after midnight.
101. Always say yes.

 

And to think that this is just the beginning of all God’s going to do in this journey of mine. It’s been such an honor to live this life and travel the world to tell people about Jesus. What a joy that the World Race isn’t the end and won’t be the greatest thing I ever do. The best is yet to come. But, there’s power in celebrating where I’ve come from so far. Thank you to everyone who has gotten me where I am.

 

 

 

All my love- Han.