Instead of just asking how my time abroad was, I’d love some deeper questions…I can’t honestly answer with a “wow it was so good” kind of answer because I’ve felt every single kind of emotion on my journey.
So y’all asked some questions about my time, and here’s some answers!
What was the number 1 thing that effected you the most?
Definitely the community. Living in community is hard and beautiful all at once. I learned so much about myself and how to cope with things you can’t control. It was a hard lesson, but definitely something I’ve needed to work on for a while.
what was the hardest place to be in regards to living conditions, food, etc?
While Malawi was one of my favorite countries, it was a difficult month for me. At night I would wake up to cockroaches crawling on me, mosquitos biting me, and when it rained I’d have water dripping on me from the hole in the roof above my bed. Before the race, I’d never seen a cockroach before, so it was rough for me to be attacked by them nightly.
Food wise, we ate carbs, carbs, and more carbs in one meal. There were nights we’d be served potato wedges, nshema, and spaghetti noodles together. It was hard to come by lots of vegetables, but it was mango season- which meant that mangos were literally falling from the sky.
Did your time on the race give you a deeper appreciation of your life here in United States?
Absolutely. However, it’s also made me angry. We have SO much here, we live in excess. It’s disgusting actually. There’s people who literally live in the chicken coops with their livestock. I went to fill up my water the other night and started crying because I have the choice of using tap water or filtered water. Some people don’t even have an option for clean water, and I have two different kinds of drinking water readily available at all times. It’s heartbreaking to me.
What was the worst thing you ate while on the race and what were some of the best things you ate?
Ugh…nshema. It looks like mashed potatoes, but it lies. It is not mashed potatoes. It’s a maize-based meal that Africans eat regularly. You grab a little ball, make an indention with your thumb, and scoop your collard greens into it. Then you pop it in and hate your life lol.
One of my favorite things I ever ate was this teriyaki pork thing on a stick and sticky rice combo. I also had some of the best fried chicken I’ve ever eaten while in Laos. I don’t know what they did to it, but it was so crispy and delicious. gosh, I love fried chicken!
Was there something you packed that you didn’t end up needing? And was there anything you wished you had packed?
Honestly not really…I used my tent a total of 3 nights, and I guess I could’ve gotten by without it but I also appreciated having it when/if I needed it.
Pajamas! More specifically my pink sheep nighty that my teams always heard me complaining about not having it.
Were you ever attacked for being a christian where you went or did people act or look at things different?
It depended on where we were. Africa, for example, was very open to christianity and hearing about Jesus. They still relied on their witch doctors, but would have a “relationship” of sorts with Jesus. In Asia it was different; being primarily Buddhist, lots of the locals didn’t want to hear about christianity or any other religion other than theirs. Staying at hostels was always interesting. We’d meet locals and foreigners and get to have deep conversations with them. Some were super nice and polite and asked questions while others were straight up hateful.
What broke your heart? What made your heart smile?
Definitely any and every clinic/hospital environment I went to broke my heart. In Zambia while at a birthing clinic, my mind was blown and my heart was shattered. Women would travel for miles and bring their own supplies just to give birth on a hard table in a dirty room. I desire to work in women’s health in high poverty areas, so that was a big passion of mine going into the race. I’m so thankful that I got to experience that- heartbreak and all.
Wow, so many things made my heart smile over the last 8 months! Some of my favorite memories, it’s so hard to pick just one, are from when we’d go to children’s homes or do children’s ministry. Any time our host said the words “children’s ministry” I’d roll my eyes, because, well, I’m not always the biggest fan of kids…but every time it was amazing and I loved it!
Did you grow in being able to share the gospel? Do you think it will be easier to do here at home now?
While I’ve worked at my church youth group for the past few years and have become comfortable with speaking about Jesus, I’ve grown much more comfortable in sharing my story with complete strangers. I can share my testimony- even the hard parts- to a room full of strangers and know that the effect it can make is worth any bit of me feeling uncomfortable.
I learned that a lot of times, just acting like Christ can speak louder than any words you can say.
Were there any areas that were difficult to connect with the people you were ministering to? If so, how did you overcome that?
Where we were at in Africa, nearly everyone speaks English. In Asia it was constantly a game of charades, which I became quite good at by the way, so pick me next time there’s a team game of it!
Google translate was good when you had to ask a question, but like I said above- acting like Christ is and loving like He calls us to is the best way to overcome any language barrier. Give a smile, learn a few basic words, and love, love, love!
What was the biggest lesson you took away from being a part of a team you couldn’t choose and were often in close quarters with? What advice do you have for others who are a part of a team, whether work, school or otherwise?
Make. It. Work.
If you need to take a little break, take a break. Put your headphones in and close your eyes. Spend time with the Lord and rest in His peace and comfort regardless of the situation you’re in.
It was honestly so hard to be on a team with someone I didn’t get along with. I would try and try to start conversations and make amends, but it was a one sided attempt. But at the end of the day, other people saw me trying and knew where my heart was. Make your heart known and try your best- I mean actually try and make an effort.
What were your favorite God moments? Did He share anything with you that you feel comfortable sharing?
Again, I literally can’t choose one favorite moment, there were so many! I’ll share 2 examples that are both really important to me.
I was so nervous about going home and starting nursing school. I had that plan for so long, but was worried that when it came down to it, I wouldn’t be a good midwife. What if I was grossed out?! I was just a little nervous…then the Lord opened up a door that allowed myself and 3 other nurses/nursing students to go to a rural village and visit their mother/baby clinic. It was beautiful, and a confirmation from God that I should work with moms and babies.
This one is quite personal, but I feel comfortable sharing it so here we go! While in Vietnam, God promised me a husband. He promised that my husband was at home waiting for me….So honey, if you’re reading this, I’m ready when you are Lol. We all know God’s timing is often much different than ours, but I know there’s someone around here eventually that I’ll get to spend the rest of my life with.
What is your biggest takeaway in terms of learning about yourself?
Wow, I learned a lot about myself over these last 8 months. Probably my biggest takeaway is to believe in myself more…cheesy, I know, but there were so many times in my past where I doubted myself and didn’t listen to my gut. The Lord gave me discernment, and I need to trust it.
Do you feel like there are some things you want to do differently now than before The Race?
Absolutely! I’ve been home for 4 days and I’ve already thrown half of my closet into a donate box. I don’t want to live in such excess. I survived with just 4 outfits and a backpack for 8 months, so why do I have 11 pairs of Toms alone?!
I also have a whole new relationship with God. While I had a close relationship prior to leaving, it’s been magnified. I rely fully on Christ, and not so much my relationships with others.
What are top 3 ways the race changed you? Maybe your perspective? Or the things that are Important to you?
1. One thing I’ve always struggled with was feeling loved, especially by guys. I’ve learned that I’’m very worthy of love-from both myself and those around me. I had the most amazing guys on my squad who have shown me what true, Christlike love looks like. Rob, Adam, Ben, Daniel, Austin, Jeevan, Jeremy, Bowen, and Jeff: thank you for loving me the way Christ loves. Each and every one of you have shown me my worth, and I’m so thankful for all of you.
2. Like I mentioned above, my relationship with Christ. I’ve grown so much in my spiritual maturity, and I’m so thankful for my time on the race.
3. Community. Wow, before the race I would fight for alone time, and the first few months I did as well. While I still need some quiet time to process and refill my cup, I don’t find myself isolating myself as much. Actually this past month in Thailand I spent the night by myself in my room for the first time in 8 months and I cried. I was so alone and I didn’t like it at all.
How did you raise the money?
This was the easiest part of this whole journey. When I first felt God calling me to do the race, I questioned Him. “Lord, how in the world do you expect me to raise $19,000?!?” “Just trust me. I’ll give you $18,000. Believe in My promise.” After that, I jumped all in. I trusted Him and never stressed about it, and you know what? I maybe put $500 of my own money into the race, and nothing more. He provided literally every penny.
Was there one person on the race that made more of an impact on you?
Wow…how do I even choose one? I’m going to choose the mother I assisted in labor. She was a trooper! Never once during the birthing process did she make a noise or even cry. She was amazing and totally inspired me to pursue my dreams of being a midwife and have natural births. I don’t remember her name, but she named her baby girl Precious…and precious she was!
What was your favorite country and why?
Vietnam 100%! We partnered with this amazing organization that teaches English to both kids after school and pastors. I loved the connections and relationships I made with the people involved in the ministry and the people that came to learn.
Where did you feel the closest connection with God?
I really started hearing from Him month 4 in Malawi. I finally allowed Him full control over my life, and it was amazing! I heard so much from Him and that’s when my relationship with Him truly deepened.
Why do you think God chose you to do the race?
I believe this is who He wanted me to be all along. To realize and grow in my strengths and abilities. To fully rely and trust in Him. These last 8 months have been absolutely amazing and life changing. I’ll never forget the lessons I’ve learned and the relationships I’ve gained.
Thanks for all the questions! If you have any other questions, feel free to message me!
I love you all and I’m so thankful for the support and encouragement I’ve received from the day I applied to the moment I found out I’d be coming home unexpectedly. You all are so incredible!
Much love,
Brandi
