What is one of the biggest differences between “the Ashlyn” that left last year and the one that is returning? What is one of the biggest changes/transformations?
I like Moses a lot in the Bible. His reactions are relatable. When God was asking him to go tell Pharoah to let his people go from Egyptian slavery, Moses asked God “can’t you find someone else?” Through college to now I’ve grown out of that mindset but the World Race took it a step further and radically shook my thoughts of inadequacy and uncertainty. It challenged my conclusions that I wasn’t good enough to do “_______” or for “__________”.
Of course, I’m human, and some days don’t always volunteer first for a public speaking opportunity or initiating a conversation about Jesus with a stranger. But I’ve discovered more that I am equipped and adequate. When I say no now, it’s less that I don’t think I’m capable and more that I don’t think I should or I think someone else should take the opportunity. Less and less is it because I think they are better but because they too want to be empowered and follow the Lord in obedience.
Lastly, I became more flexible and less of a planner. This last year would have been a constant stressor if I needed to constantly have control. Not going to lie, I battle with wanting to have it. But things constantly changed this past year.
For example, the day we were set to fly to Nicaragua, our tickets were cancelled. Or some months we didn’t always know what ministry we would be a part of the next day. Sometimes while traveling country to country we simply prayed we were actually on the right bus or would actually get there. I still value making plans but with the necessary things like lunch with a busy, scheduled friend or a flight home or thinking about goals for the future. When small things change or are unknown, I don’t freak out as much.
Do you have the same amount of items to pack that you had when you first packed both bags?
I want to say yes, absolutely but my bag still weighs the same it did in month 6! I’ve left a lot of what I started with behind though! In this present moment my bag has things I collected around the world plus the foundational stuff like tent, sleeping pad, sleeping bag, etc. The majority of my clothes I brought I don’t have anymore. I could pack it in my sleep I am so used to having my big pack!
What food or drink are you going to get that you didn’t have access to?
- My dad’s cooking! Wowza, I’ve missed that. He makes the most delicious, filling, and flavorful meals! Bring on the steak.
- Dr. Pepper. At home I don’t really drink pop unless I’m feeling a little wild or I’m at a gathering like family Christmas. Seriously. While around the world, I’ve realized I’ve been trained to crave sugar as an American. Sometimes my squad got pop just for something different than our water in our water bottles! I started drinking Coca-Cola (since when? I’m not supposed to like coke!). But there was no Dr. Pepper. I could only find that in airports for about $5-$8 per can.
- Doo Dah Diner. Best restaurant back home! I miss the sweet tea, crab cake benedict, and smiling staff!
If you had to pick one favorite experience while on the Race, what would it be?
Just one! That’s tough. Instantly what comes to mind is leading camp at Sending Hope International in Thailand. Sending Hope has a girls home for Thai girls ranging from 5-18. I adored those girls, the organization, and my team. One week in April, they host a camp for the entire region in the mountain town of Wiang Pa Pao. Kids (boys and girls) come that aren’t a part of the girl’s home and some don’t know Jesus or never heard of Him.
During that camp, I public spoke about the book of Ruth and lead two health & safety classes with my teammate Mack. Our team from early morning to night played sports, sang, danced, taught the Bible, made crafts, and made fools of ourselves for the kids. At the end of that camp, 11 kids prayed to know Jesus. It was absolutely a beautiful and fun experience!
After our second health and safety class in Thailand at Sending Hope.
I got the sense that you became attached to “Little Nugget” and “Popo” in Thailand. How hard was it to leave and not take them with you?
That month was the hardest month to leave! We made relationships with the girls quickly because we lived, played, ate, and worshipped together. I could take a step outside of our house and find them right there. I knew every single one of their names.
I definitely grew attached to Popo and Arati (Little Nugget)! From the first day, Popo attached herself to me and she quickly became my favorite Thai friend. We both had tears when my team boarded the Songtaew to go home and they came running after us while we were leaving. They will not be forgotten.
The actual day of saying goodbye to Arati and Popo in Thailand.
