World Race Q&A with Amy!
- “How has Jesus changed you?” • That’s a tough one. There are times when I feel like I haven’t really changed, but I know I have. The Lord’s grown me in my boldness, confidence, and contentment in how the Spirit leads me. I’ve learned about trust and pride and community, too. I’ll reflect on this more and write a blog post on it at the end of the Race!
- “What do you think it’s going to be like living back in the United States?” • Honestly, I think it’ll be pretty rough. Just experiencing a bit of the feeling of western culture last month made me really nervous to go home. I know I’m going to be much more intentionally grateful for things, but it’s also going to a challenge depending on the Lord in finding community and purpose.
- “What is the most impactful biblical truth you finally believed while on the World Race?” • So, I’ve been reflecting on what God’s intention was when He referred to Himself as “I Am.” It hit me this month that His name here emphasizes finality and sufficiency. If God only gave us the “I Am” statements about Himself in the Bible, we would have enough to know His character and His goodness. With that, He really emphasized the power our words have. If people only knew us by our “I am” statements, would we be pointing to God with those?
- “Do you feel like it’s gone by fast?” • Overall, yes. It’s flown by. There are some months that felt foooorrreeeevvveeerrr long though! It feels like I just announced I was going on the Race and now I’ll be home in 2-1/2 months.
- “Can you even pick a favorite place or WAS IT ALL AMAZING?” • Each country was amazing in its own way and the Lord taught me a lot from each place and culture. That being said, my top three so far are South Africa, Nepal, and Romania!
- “What was your favorite ministry on the Race?” • In South Africa, I got to spend a week helping out at a camp for kiddos with CP while their mamas got lessons on caring for their kids and biblical counseling and encouragement. I was honored to be a part of it! Those kids were incredible and seeing the restoration between them and their moms was one of the most beautiful things I’ve seen.
- “What’s one thing you learned in your hardest month?” • That God is constantly good and my worth in Him is not changed by my behavior or by how other people view or receive me. Also, that He’s still good even when I don’t understand Him at all and don’t get why He lets things happen the way they do (which is often).
- “What’s one thing you learned that you didn’t think you were going to learn?” • How difficult and beautiful life in community is, what caterpillars taste like, and that mercy showing is definitely NOT my highest spiritual gift in this season.
- “What food did you not expect to see in other countries?” • Snickers bars – they’re everywhere! But I REALLY miss salt and vinegar kettle cooked chips and those are definitely nowhere to be found.
- “Sum up each country in one (ish) word.”
• the Dominican Republic – whoa
• Haiti – Suffocating
• South Africa – Joy
• Botswana – Family
• Zambia – Pressing
• India – Growing pains
• Nepal – Rest
• Romania – Gifts
• Bulgaria – Community
11. “What is the weirdest thing you’ve eaten?” • Caterpillars, tripe, and horse meat (sad about basically all of those)
Bonus questions:
- “When are we hanging out again?” • I get home in June and I’m up for Chick-fil-A dates any day.
- “What are your plans after the Race?” • God hasn’t filled me in on His plans yet, haha. I’d like to do another short term mission trip before spending time at home. Then, I’d like to work in a nonprofit either in Greenville or somewhere in NC while I study and prepare for grad school!
- “What do you do when you don’t have almond milk?” • pray, take all of my friends’ tums, and pray some more.
