Here’s to a new year but first my top seventeen moments of the race thus far!
Our first international flight of many. It was a time of pure excitement and also exhaustion. We had no idea of what was waiting on the other side of the world for us. We experienced interesting food on this flight. Did you know squid could fly? (Oh, I mean the dead kind that lays on your plate!)
This day! What a day. We just landed in Phnom Penh after days of traveling. I remember sitting there on my pack, waiting under the hot sun, thinking I am not going to be able to breathe in this country. It was boiling! That day would be a first of many. This pic is the first time experiencing a tuk-tuk. These little go-to vehicles were my life in Cambodia. So many adventurous days started off in these tuk-tuks.
The roads of Bodia! This was the main road in Battambang, Cambodia. My home for 2 months! I came to know these streets rather well. In fact, I experienced my first bike accident on this road. Yup, I t-boned a motor bike with my bicycle. Most awkward situation but one for the books!
Meeting my twin, Liz! By far one of my fav moments of this year! This little Canadian, maple leaf, took on the responsibility of dealing with me. She is hands down one of the strongest people I know and desires nothing more than to grow in the Lord. Her circumstances have not always been the best but she still remains faithful to God. Which has inspired me in my walk with the Lord among many other things. She is my dance partner, full house watching friend, and laughing till you cry type of person. Love you to Bodia and Back Liz.
We had a fish eating feast or I guess the fish had one? It’s simply one of those Asian things I had to include in this list of tops. In this moment a fish made me bleed but I have to say I still enjoyed this a lot more than I thought I would.
Angkor Wat. A historical structure that brought about a lot of unforgettable memories. There was no doubt that there was beauty in the ruins but the best part was when I met “James Bond” the street vendor. One of the Cambodian men was attempting to sell us pancakes and coffee. Honestly, this is one of those stories “where you had to be there” to understand. He was cracking us up with his fake American accent.
Becoming an English teacher to Khmer speaking students. Wow, did God shape me while teaching at Ezra. These kids brought me endless joy. We had a lot of days consisting of me singing them songs and dancing. Although, one day I did get the privilege of having a student serenade me. He was more than ready because that day the country was holding Cambodian idle auditions. Miss these sweet faces!
Bangkok, Thailand! I was only there for a few days but I had the amazing opportunity to share with my squad at LDW (leadership development weekend). During this time I lead a talk about spiritual gifts. It was a time that I was able to reflect on how God has been working through my life and when I’ve put those gifts to use.
Our new home. Tegucigalpa, Honduras. This view holds a special place in my heart. Throughout our time in Honduras we were unable to leave our mountain home often due to civil unrest in the country. Therefore, this spot quickly became my go-to. Pitched my hammock, looked to those hills, and chatted with God.
Familia. Without hesitation the Hondurans took us in. This day held so much joy! It took me back to childhood. The sun was shining, kids running around carelessly, and a good conversation filled with laughs.
Trekking up our mountain backyard. Where do I start with this day? Scratched up legs, laughing until we peed our pants, falling in mud and possibly cow poop. Still not sure about that one but overall a day I will never forget.
Meeting our favorite farmer, Carlos! While hiking up the mountain we met a man who undoubtedly has a servants heart. A few weeks later we ran into Him again. During our outreach ministry I was able to pray over him. It was a memory that I will take back home at the price of nothing.
That time we rented a school bus and headed to the Caribbean coastline. It also happened to be thanksgiving weekend! ‘Twas an uncomfortable, bumpy, and windy journey. However, it also held sing alongs as loud as your vocal cords could go.
Valeria. Just one of the children that has left a mark on my heart over these past months. Everyday at recess you would catch this girl running up to you to be picked up, tossed, and spinned. Her endless giggles brought a smile to my face.
Exploring Hondo! This day was the first day in awhile when we were finally able to leave our mountain. We walked this path for hours and fell quite a few times. It was a simple day but sometimes all you need in life is a day of looking at Gods breathtaking creation.
The 3 amigos (Diego, Karls, Andres). These loco kids made my days at Loyalty Schools unforgettable. There was no telling if you would make it through all the lesson plans for the day, with these guys, but you could guarantee many laughs each day.
My team. A group of girls that I have come to know very well. Community can be hard especially constant community but these girls make it a breeze. Unless someone is ripping gas in our room. Haha. From sharing our popcorn, to quoting all of pitch perfect and getting down to Fergie. The list goes on with these girls!
2017 was filled with many new faces, adventures, laughter, and learning more about Gods love. Overall this was a year where I grew so much in knowing who I am and who God is. Thanks for the memories but it’s time to turn the page to 2018.
