As promised… My Q & A Blog!! Thanks to everyone who asked questions. Enjoy!
What was your toughest month on the race? Why? And how did God pull you through it?
This is a hard mix between Bolivia and Thailand. Both were very hard months for me. However, I will stick with Thailand because it’s fresh in my mind. In Thailand I got apathetic. I got to a point where I would rather lay in bed and watch Friends than do anything else. The scariest thing about the World Race is that you can slide right along and still live life like a “luke-warm” Christian who says “I love Jesus, BUT…. I’d rather have my OWN agenda.” Its real… And it happened to me. Through this apathetic attitude I also experienced different levels of stress and spiritual warfare. God convicted me immediately, and I knew something had to change. God used my own convicted spirit and close friends of mine who had different dreams and visions specifically for me (S/O to Rina). He woke my spirit, and called me to new levels of freedom. All I had to do was move forward and trust. Simple as that.
How have you been stretched to see God in new ways?
I love to paint, and I brought watercolor paints on the race, but it was always just a hobby. On the race I have learned more about prophetic art, and painting as a spiritual encounter. God has shown me that he can speak through my paintings. It’s freaking awesome! And definitely a new way to see the creativity of God. I have also realized/remembered the gift of speaking in tongues. Being stretched in both these areas is so fun. A beautiful thing about God is theres ALWAYS more.
If you had to move anywhere you’ve visited on the world race where would it be and why?
I would move to Argentina because its absolutely BEAUTIFUL, I love the culture; they value family and relationship building. They drink Maté and have delicious food (empanadas…yum). They love to dance, and I love to dance. I would also love to learn Spanish. Also, I would like to explore more of the country and hiking through Patagonia is on my bucket list.
What was the most surprising thing you learned about yourself on the race?
At training camp God healed me of ALL stage fright. Before I would always get nervous public speaking, but God took that away. On my first team I felt like I wouldn’t shut up…ever. I always volunteered to speak. It came very naturally. This was a huge surprise based on who I was even just 6 years ago. Which was very shy and reserved. I never thought I’d have to hold myself back because I need to let others have the floor!
What is the worst food you’ve tasted on the race?
I love food, and I’m not super picky and despite having eaten a scorpion, tarantula, and snake in Asia…The worst food I’ve eaten on the race was a potato. They are called black potatoes, and let me tell you, they filled my entire being with darkness. They are freeze dried, the flavor is feet, and the texture is maybe a mix of cottage cheese and ice. The worst part was that we were serving in a home where we had to eat everything on our plate but I honestly couldn’t do it. I’ll take a death glare over death in my mouth any day. (also this is very dramatized, but yeah it was pretty terrible).
What country would you go back to if given the chance?
I really want to go back to Thailand… I felt like I didn’t get to explore as much as I would have liked. I want to explore the beaches and islands of Thailand. But—also I would love to go back to Chile to visit James & Coletta and see how the church has developed since we left. Also to visit Sam (the dog) and possibly bring him to America.
What was your best adventure day so far?
This is HARD!!!! I’ve done some awesome things. Climbed a mountain in Chile, went horseback riding in Argentina, went to the Salt Flats in Bolivia, a beautiful National Park in Cambodia, mountain biking AND elephants in Thailand, and toured the most beautiful city in the world, Budapest. My best one though…I have to go with mountain biking in Thailand. It was beautiful, challenging, exhilarating, and fun. Nothing can beat extreme sports to me.
Do you think that living in “community” is a good idea for everyone (Christians), and how would one transition from living pretty much on their own schedule, not very accountable to anyone, to developing a community?
Yes! I believe that we were made for community because Christ, God the Father, and The Holy Spirit have been in community before time began. It’s a good idea because you need people to challenge you; multiple people. God gives the body of christ different gifts for that very reason. Different people are going to give you different feedback, they’re unique perceptions are going to reveal different things about you. You also need to be around people you don’t like because how else will we learn to love others?? Which is in fact, the most important thing we can do. Also, community fills our spirit with joy! Community is fun. What I would suggest for someone who wants to transition into community is; step into something uncomfortable. Find a group that you will be consistent with. They exist everywhere, so just ask, seek, pray, and the door will be opened.
BONUS QUESTIONS
Are you sad that you don’t get to hang out with Y squad anymore?
YES I am very sad! Heartbroken, in fact. Y’all are fearless!! Keep sharing Jesus with the world!
Who’s your favorite new teammate?
His name is Liam, he’s a stuffed Lemur. He’s the only one on my new team who doesn’t make fun of me. (this is a joke)
THANK YOU FOR READING
