I realize that I haven’t got to see a lot of people in person and maybe you’re not sure what to ask after an 11 month long mission trip…so I thought I might just answer some questions you might have!
What was your favorite country?
The countries that I liked the most were Thailand and Colombia. In Thailand we visited a lot of markets, had great Thai food, and attended the Latern festival in Chaing Mai on Thanksgiving. We also had many fun adventure days going to play with elephants one day, and the next week we camped on Thailand tallest mountain, Doi Inthanon! In Colombia we were located in a small town called Filandia. This town is in the coffee capital of Colombia, so we had a lot of really good, cheap coffee and the town is very beautiful and so quaint.
What was your favorite ministry?
I loved months where we got to ask the Lord and do whatever he called us to do anywhere in the country! These months included Malaysia and Ecuador. In Malaysia we met several people that were of the Islam religion and got to have cool discussions with them, I still talk to one friend, Aina today! In Ecuador we worked with Venezuelan refugees. Not in a camp, just meeting them on the street. We worked with a church that serves refugees and even held our own event to assist refugees medically, legally and spiritually. As far as actual organizations, I learned a lot and was challenged during my months in Lesotho with Africa 4 Jesus, South Africa with Impact Africa and in Nicaragua with REAP ministries. In these ministries we walked from house to house to pray with people, hear their stories, and help around the house with whatever they needed.
What was something that you learned?
One thing I really learned how to be ‘interruptible’ this year, which just means allowing God to interrupt my plans in a day with His. This resulted in a much slower, more self aware way of living-where is the Holy Spirit moving here? Who needs to hear of God’s love today? My eyes were much more open to a balance of task orientation and people orientation.
What was the most difficult month?
Lesotho was definitely a hard month, conditions wise. I got sick from the water (which was fixed after a few days), and we had ‘long drop’ toilets. Overall, we had fairly good conditions most of the race. And although the conditions were not amazing in Lesotho, I loved our ministry and the host.
What was your favorite food?
I had a lot of amazing food on my trip! I loved Filipino food-my teams favorite here was pork ticino and lumpia. Then in Thailand I ordered pad-see-ew nearly everyday for lunch. I also loved Latin American food, specifically Colombian and Venezuelan food. In Colombia my team had lunch and dinner prepared for us every night, and my teams favorite meal was hot chocolate and empanadas for dinner. In Ecuador we met a lot of Venezuelans that took us to their favorite restaurants. The Venezuelan empanadas were so bigger and fluffier than other empanadas. I hope I get to have some in Peru!
What have you learned about the Lord in this year?
I learned so much more about the kingdom of Heaven on earth this year. Like stories that I had read in the bible actually coming to life and being applied. Specifically I’m thinking of healings, feeling Holy Spirit, hearing God’s voice and what God’s love really looks like.
What has home been like?
For my month at home I lived in Iowa with my parents. It was difficult to adjust and didn’t have a community to come back to, so I mainly resorted to solitude. My family had a lot of good conversations though and it was my moms birthday when I was home so I was glad to celebrate that with her! I also surprised my parents with newfound knowledge of baseball and football (shoutout to Caitlin Casey, she taught me everything I know). I also raised some money for my upcoming trip by teaching swim lessons! It was so good to get back in the water again and teach!
What are you doing now?
At this current moment, I am in Gainesville, Georgia being trained for my role as an alumni team leader. I have gained so much knowledge and am having a great time getting to know my leadership team! Today my team and I head to launch in Atlanta and I will meet all the new racers for the first time! We will leave for Peru on Monday October 7th and my first ministry will be with Incalink in Trujillo, Peru.
