So today I recieved a phone call while I was in the middle of a intense work out at the gym. This was a life changing phone call. I have offically been accepted to the July 2 World race. Lets just say I think I have been having an anxiety attack for about 7 straight hours! I need to recieve approximatly $3,331 dollars in 8 days.. Is that even possible?! I am leaving it up to God and trusting he will take care of me. I think reality has finally set in that I am about to leave for the most amazing adventure of my life! The emotions running through me are out of control! This is really happening, I am about to spend the next 11 months living out of a backpack, sleeping in a tent, with only 40lbs of material to my name and ironically I have never been so excited!! Am I crazy? I mean I just said im going to sleep in a tent for a year and I'm excited about it. There will be no more going to starbucks for a $4 coffee,no more cell phone, no more having a whole closet of clothing to choose from, no more 6am spin classes, no more straightening of my hair, nothing, nada, zip, zero! I will be washing my clothes in the river, sleeping on a mat, and having little to no communtication with the outside world. Lets just say yes I'm terrified. However I can't wait! I'm going to be a changed woman and see things
many people never will. My family says I'm nuts and I'm going to get killed, I tell them I consider myself lucky to get to be able to do something so amazing for someone so amazing as God! The crunch time is now! I am asking for prayer! LOTS AND LOTS OF PRAYER. And if you feel you can give a donation or know someone who would like to please send them my way! Every penny counts and right now I need all I can get to make this dream become a reality!!
My New Race :):):):)::):):):)
Romania
The northern regions of Romania are home to the gypsy community. Though strangers in their homeland and forgotten by society, the gypsies are a strong and vibrant people who embrace the light of Christ in an inspirational way. Here, you will teach English, lead sports camps, live life with the gypsies, and more. It will be an exciting time of learning about a people group you may not have known even existed.
Ukraine
Caught between its past oppression under the USSR communist regime and the desire to be accepted by Western society, Ukraine is a land of many ups and downs. Thankfully, there's hope, light, and life spreading like wildfire throughout this nation. Is it the kingdom of God coming in power? We think so.
India
India bursts with people and culture. Home to a sixth of the world's population and a diverse array of beliefs from Hinduism to Islam (and blends of folk religions and other faiths), it is a country of pluralism – twenty-nine languages spoken by over a million native speakers, multiple cuisines, socio-economic classes, and political parties. While the country is on the edge of full economic development, India still suffers from the likes of poverty, human trafficking, forced prostitution, and religious persecution. You may have the opportunity to partner with ministries that have had a long and storied presence, and/or with local churches to encourage believers whose testimonies will challenge you. Your presence will bring hope and truth to the marginalized, those that society deems "untouchable". You'll change India from the inside out.
Nepal
Home to Mount Everest, the world's tallest mountain, Nepal literally sits on top of the world. Nestled in between India and China, this Hindu kingdom boasts a variety of climates (due to the variation of altitudes). Most of Nepal adheres to Hinduism (about 81%), with a plurality following Buddhism (about 11%); Christians comprise half a percent of the population. Just over half of Nepal is literate and half of the population that is old enough to work is either unemployed or underemployed. In addition to the adventurous experiences you will have here, you will also visit widows and orphans in their times of distress and protect the innocent who are prey to human traffickers. This month of your World Race experience will immerse you in a culture that is desperate for an encounter with the living God. And guess what? You'll be that encounter.
Rwanda
Many who hear "Rwanda" immediately think, "genocide" – it was 16 years ago when 800,000 people were killed over the course of about three months. According to the U.S. State Department, Rwanda (once colonized by France) has the highest population density in sub-Saharan Africa; and like much of sub-Saharan Africa, this nation also is fighting hard against HIV/AIDS. This nation played a part of the genesis of this human rights organization and inspired this song; as you help bring healing to a country still recovering from this deep wound, God may birth a dream or vision in you…
Kenya
Who hasn't heard of Kenya in their lifetime? The Kenyan people are colorful, musical, artistic and hungry for the love of Christ. The Maasai bush, the Nairobi metropolis, and the Kibera slums comprise a country diverse yet unified in history. As a new era dawns in Kenya, so does the Gospel of truth and faith. By meeting felt needs in the bush and the city, the World Race produces lasting fruit and lasting ministries to carry on even after we leave.
Uganda
This East African nation was also once a kingdom and British protectorate. During most of the later half of the 20th century, Uganda was under military rule, first under Idi Amin, the subject of the film The Last King of Scotland. Much of northern Uganda was also troubled by the Lord's Resistance Army, which heavily recruited child soldiers. Referred to as the Pearl of Africa, Uganda is diverse in topography and wildlife. You may find yourself in the north partnering with ministries that are bringing still-needed healing and reconciliation or in the south working with churches to evangelize and disciple the next generation of Kingdom workers.
Thailand
According to the CIA, the kingdom of Thailand, known as Siam until 1939, is the only country in the region not colonized by Europe. Their 2000 census showed that 94.6% of the population is Buddhist, 4.6% are Muslim and 0.7% is Christian. Approximately 600,000 people live with HIV/AIDS in Thailand. With nearly two million people estimated to be forced into prostitution, it has become one of the most popular places for sex tourism. Change lives in the city where you, like Jesus, might befriend prostitutes or in the countryside, where you may serve youth, care for orphans and encourage believers.
Cambodia
Cambodia houses one of the Seven Wonders of the World, Angkor Wat, a Hindu temple and monastery built during the Khmer empire in the 12th century. It later became a Buddhist complex a century later, and today, just over 96% of Cambodia is Buddhist. Almost 30 years ago, 1.5 million Cambodians died at the hands of Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge regime. Today, Cambodia is a source, transit point and destination of human trafficking and the government is struggling to stop it. The people of Cambodia are thirsty for the hope you can bring.
Vietnam
After nearly a century of French rule, in the mid-20th century, Vietnam was split into communist (north) and non-communist (south) halves. By 1975, Vietnam was made whole again, but as a communist country. Even with the economic reforms and restoration of diplomatic ties human rights are limited in Vietnam, especially freedom of religion; most of Vietnam is Buddhist, less than 10% is Catholic. Here you'll be fed with pho, delicious beef noodle soup, and in turn feed believers and pray God's light and presence everywhere you go.
Philippines
This Asian island nation, once a Spanish colony and an American protectorate, is a country in tension, trying to cross the threshold between the third and first world. It offers a variety of landscapes – beaches, mountains, volcanic lakes – and languages, with Tagalog as the national tongue. The Catholic Church is a substantial piece of the religious pie, however, Islam is growing in the island of Mindinao. The Filipino people and culture love music and dance and community. While there, you may find yourself living with and giving hope to the destitute, caring for orphans, and challenging the growing number of Christ-followers to rise up.
