October 7, 2017 – A cancelled vacation led me to Guatemala for a short-term mission trip instead. I came back changed with a higher level of faith and rededicated my life to the Lord.
October 7, 2018 – I hugged my parents in Atlanta and began this 11 month journey to 11 countries to share the love of Jesus with “the least of these” aka the World Race.
In just these past 12 months alone, I’ve seen God work in so many different ways in my church, my family, and my own personal life. Looking back, before, during, and after, I can now say He has been faithful. He never changes. People change, nations change, culture changes, but He never changes. That’s one of the many things I love about Him.
A song I’ve been singing a lot lately is Faithful by Elevation Worship. Click to hear it!
Just a few days ago on Tuesday, October 9th, O squad aka Ohana began the journey to our first country – the Philippines. We left Atlanta that morning and flew to Los Angeles, California. There we had an 8 hour layover, so we got to explore a little bit. We even took advantage of the layover and went to the beach. I had never been to California, so I was excited to visit the beach on the West Coast. It didn’t disappoint. Watching the sunset was fitting. The sunset was a symbol of one season of my life ending and a new season beginning. A season of leaving the comforts of home with just a big pack and a daypack and serving the “least of these.” A season of saying yes to not knowing exactly what each day/week/month will look like. A season of living with my new sisters and brothers in Christ and together pursuing Jesus with all of our hearts, souls, minds.
Here is a photo of some of O squad at the beach:
The gorgeous sunset, my last one in the USA until after the World Race:
After California, we had a 14 hour flight to Taiwan. It was a great flight. Shout out to EVA Air for attentive flight attendants and great meals. Also, the Taiwan airport is so unique with themed gates/waiting areas, including our gate which had a Hello Kitty theme, from the wall decor to the benches to the floor. It was interesting walking through there exploring. We did not have enough time to leave the airport and come back, so we spent the 5 hour layover inside.
Next, we flew 3 hours to the Philippines! At the Manila airport, the squad said our goodbyes and each team went their separate ways. Team Tigress (my team) and Team Vessels of Joy drove a tight 2 and a half hours to our ministry for month 1!
We survived the ride 
and are now thriving at the ministry!
Click this link to learn more about what other teams on my squad are up to this month.
Subscribe to the blog (link on left) and my teammates blogs (links on left) to get some updates on what we’ve been up to at Kids International Ministries for the month.
Don’t worry, I will also write specific blog posts about KIM. They are an awesome ministry, doing amazing work among the children in this community. I am blessed to be a part of it for the month. Week 1 of my World Race has been amazing, tiring, emotionally draining, and exciting all at the same times.
Overall, I’m so glad I’m here. When God calls, I encourage you to step out in faith and obedience. He will be there to provide the strength, endurance, and grace to carry out the calling.
Thank you to everyone who has supported my World Race so far through prayer, encouragement, or a financial donation. Thank you!
I am now $2,454.00 away from the next support deadline. Please prayerfully consider a monthly or one-time donation to support the mission to bring the love of Jesus everywhere we go. No amount is too small! Any amount is appreciated.
That being said, if everyone reading this today gave $35, I would reach the next support-raising goal 2 months early! See my previous post on Ways to Donate or just click the Donate button above on the right.
In courageous faith and for His glory alone,
Sharon
