What was the best and worst food you have eaten?
Best: fried plantains. I LOVE fried plantains. Worst: In Zimbabwe I ate a worm. It was cooked, don’t worry. Pretty gross though.
If you could go back to just one place that you have been, which one would it be and why?
Haiti. Hands down, Haiti. Their culture and people and the lessons they taught me and how they value their family more than their stuff and all of it!
Have any of the animals you have been around had an effect on you and if so what?
At the end of Botswana I saw elephants a few times and it amazes me that those are just walking around!! They’re so big!! Also we had a dog named Gandhi in Botswana and he was pretty cool.
Is there a scripture that has become significant to you in good times and tough times, while on the world race?
Philippians 4:4-8 helped me overcome anxiety. “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
Has there been one special child, that if you could bring home you would and why?
Too many I would bring home. In Haiti I held a four day old baby (!!!!) and absolutely loved him. In Botswana I would take a little girl named Manana home. The kids I’ve met are so worthy of all the love I could possibly give them and I wish I could take them all home!
Do the children call you Hailey?
Fun fact: My name is VERY difficult for the people to say in every country I’ve been to. I’ve begun separating my name into syllables. I’m now “Hay Lee.” Last month when I was working at a children’s home the kids called me “Auntie” and “Momma.”
Would you move to any of the places that you have been so far?
I’d move to Haiti.
Would you do another missions trip this long?
I would! It’s been so worth it.
What has impacted your life the most on world race?
I’ve been forced to live in constant community which has created vulnerability and really close friendships. It’s been so good (and hard but good) to grow alongside my teammates.
If you could change/add one thing about world race what would it be?
Honestly at this point, the only thing I’d change is the length. I’d make it longer.
How is your body holding up with all the different sleeping experiences?
Pretty good! I know my limits and I’ve become good at waking up and going to sleep early. As for travel days… the trip from Haiti to South Africa was about 50 hours long and I only slept the last 5 hours. But I recovered;)
Are you missing having a full wardrobe?
Not really. Sometimes I wish my clothes were cute but I’m happy with only having 5 shirts, a pair of jeans, and a couple of shorts and skirts.
Do you feel people are more kind or more closed off where you’ve been?
Pretty much everywhere they’re ready to talk. In Haiti I met the most hospitable people in the world. So kind and open about anything and everything. Now being in a first world country, people are more closed off as in America, but still like talking.
Where have you seen the best sunset?
Hmm… in Samochema (the bush) Botswana, we saw the absolute best sunset ever. The entire sky was golden and then purple and then pink… incredible.
Coolest animal you’ve seen so far?
Elephants!! Giraffes!! Leopards!!! Rinos!!!! Hippos!!!!! I can’t pick one, they’re all incredible.
Favorite day so far?
December 14. Grace, Emma and I prayed for and saw 4 women HEALED!!! Then at church we got pizza and cake, for dinner we had grilled cheese, I got to FaceTime my mom, and we rode home at the end of the day in the back of a truck. Every single thing about the day was a gift.
Which one of your siblings do you miss the most?
As a big sister, I signed a contract saying I won’t answer questions like this.
When you come home, what’s one thing you think will change in your day to day life due to your world Race experience?
I spend an hour and a half every morning before ministry with Jesus and I don’t want that to change. Also, I’ve learned my life is a missions trip. So I want to live like that.
What’s your favorite word or two that you have learned in a different language?
“Ke feletse.” It means “I am whole” in Setswana. I have also been given my African name in Zulu – Duduzela, meaning “Blessed one.”
What’s the most memorable name you’ve come across and would you name your child after them?
In Botswana and south Africa, everyone’s name means something. I’ve met Love, Precious, Gift, Happiness, etc. I’m not sure I’d name my child one of those names, but I really like them!
Do you have a life verse, specifically for world Race?
My team verse in Colossians 3:15 “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” It’s been very applicable to my race journey!
What is your favorite ice cream flavor?
All time favorite is Publix Santa’s White Christmas, but they don’t have Publix over here, so my next favorite would be chocolate chip cookie dough!
What is one thing that has surprised you most about your experience?
I’d heard this before the race, but it really is just my life. I’m currently in Africa. Living here for 4 months. That’s not weird to me, it’s just my life. I expected every day to be some radical adventure, but I learned that radical living is a lifestyle, not an every-other day type thing.
What made you want to do a nine month missions trip?
God. God made me want to do a nine month missions trip.
Where is the strangest place you’ve had to poop?
I’ve pooped in an outhouse in Botswana, but that’s the craziest. The weirdest place I’ve gone pee is in a field at midnight, surrounded by other women going pee.
What has surprised you about World race and/or travels?
Im less of an introvert than I thought I was.
How have you grown in intimacy with Christ?
I’ve gotten to know God the Father and I’m in the process of getting to know Jesus the Son. I can actually and without lying say that I absolutely adore my God.
Biggest regret so far? How have you seen Gods grace fill you to overcome that?
My only regret would be not pushing into a close relationship with Christ earlier. But He has shown me His grace and made it known to me whenever I want to dig deeper with Him, He’s there waiting.
Most days in a row without showering?
5
Longest time without shaving?
Currently going on 2 weeks!
Most humbling experience so far?
(Ok this is vulnerability right here) I had a small anxiety attack in Haiti… in front of my whole team. And dang, they are rockstars. Stopping team time to pray over me, encouraging me with their words, checking in on me if they saw I wasn’t doing well. They’re the actual best, some of my favorite people.
Learning any new languages?
Haha I wish! I know how to say hello in 5 languages now but that’s it.
First thing you are doing when you get home?
Going to Chickfila.
The thing you will miss the most when it’s over?
Daven, Grace, Taylor, Nick, Shane, and Ben.
How many people has your team brought to Christ?
I wish I knew the answer… Christmas week alone we saw 35+ people come to Christ. Saw a few in Haiti and one here… maybe around 40?
What is something you expected to miss but really haven’t much?
My clothes.
What do you wish you had brought with you?
Better quality flip flops. Mine broke month 2. Also, a nine month supply of goldfish. And more toilet paper.
What didn’t matter that you brought ?
Running shoes. I don’t run. 🙂
And what are you most thankful you brought?
Letters from family, pictures, and art supplies.
You are half way through… what would you tell someone just thinking about going on the race?
Do it. It seems overwhelming and crazy, and it is, but do it.
So far, what is the most significant thing or treasured thing you have learned?
This lesson began a long time ago, way before the race, but Christ has taught me all about joy. And the best part is that I didn’t just learn the lesson, I get to apply it to life every single day.
