new. That’s the word for right now. There’s a lot of newness unpacked in this blog, so hold on tight!
New continent
To update y’all, we are no longer in Africa. Early December the squad traveled from Lilongwe, Malawi to Vung Tau, Vietnam. After many layovers, a few days, and different modes of transportation, we arrived at our location for our second debrief of the race. But now, X squad is dispersed across Cambodia for month six of the race.
So far Asia is so different from Africa. We have hot water, electricity, air conditioning (almost forgot what that felt like), access to wifi around every corner, American restaurants, coffee shops galore, and the list could go on and on. We are no longer a far taxi ride from town, but can walk anywhere or hop in a tuk tuk. Everything is within reach. Asia is busy. Mopeds, tuk tuks, and people always on the go. And then there’s the people. The people here smile. They laugh, they are eager to talk to you, and they are searching for something. Some are searching for a spirit, a direction, a hope, a Buddha, and some are in love with Jesus. It’s a beautiful thing to see.
New team
At our debrief in Vietnam we had our first team changes of the race. Team changes is one of those things that you know is coming. You are excited and absolutely terrified at the same time.
Meet Team Exhale
Ben, Ann Marie, and Daniel are my new teammates! They are funny, down to earth, full of vine references and different accents, always down for adventures, and are full of Jesus. It’s only been about a month with them, but it’s already been a very sweet time together. This will be my team for the remainder of the race because…
New role
The first four months of the race we had alumni squad leaders. These three individuals have done the race previously, but came back out on the field for more! Month five was the time that they went home and they raised a few of us up to take their place. For X squad, that is Team Exhale.
As squad leaders a big part of our ministry is now our squad. The months to come the four of us will travel amongst the teams to join in on life with them. We will love the squad, serve them, and pour into them in any way. Ultimately, I’m just sitting here with my hands wide open for the Lord to use me.
With squad leading it adds a lot of decision making, leadership calls, finances, and a lot of behind the scenes actions. So far it’s been nothing like I expected, but boy has this season been beautiful so far.
New ministry
In Africa, we had very structured ministry. We had a host where they told us when and where to be. Often, we had people to cook for us. We always had a schedule.
Now in Asia, it’s looking a little different. We have months called ATL – ask the Lord. This means we implement a phrase that gets tossed around here on the race, “Life is ministry, ministry is life.” This means we get to live life, but see how can we bring kingdom in it. How can we take our passions, take what makes our hearts full, and turn it into kingdom building. It’s about learning how to be interruptible. So far it’s looked like girls who have a love for rock climbing finding a climbing gym in Cambodia, where the owners are Christians. Some have helping teach English to kids, some are hiking to unreached villages, and some are doing bold prayer walks around the city. For me, it’s finding a local soap store and helping them make their products. All are ministry. All are serving His kingdom. 
It’s a new year, new decade even, I’m on a new team, I’m in a new role, yet here I am serving the same God. And that’s the best thing about it all.
