Since the World Race is coming to an end for my squad and I, a lot of people have been posting a favorite memory from each country for the 11 days leading up to going home. I thought I would do something similar, but turn it into a blog!
The Race is full of memories… fun times with our teams and squadmates, encouraging conversations with each other, sight-seeing, awesome adventures, memories of teaching English, playing with kids, painting, prayer walks, going into some really dark places carrying God’s light. But I think the most impactful thing is the friendships and relationships made in each country. I have made friends in each country who I will never forget, and I want to share them with you. Several of these friendships I have already shared through blogs, so if you’ve been keeping up with me you might recognize some of these faces!
CHINA: In China, I helped teach preschool. The kids there were a little crazy but I loved them so much! Timmy and his mom, (on the right side of the picture) were so welcoming and great friends. I loved teaching Timmy – he is so smart! It was also a privilege teaching with his mom. I got to go over to their house to make homemade dumplings with their family!
MONGOLIA: We did ATL ministry in Mongolia, which stands for Ask The Lord. Going out into the city to make friends was a little overwhelming for me, but God led us to a tiny little restaurant where we met these precious boys. The older one (on the right) is Ik-tush, and we visited him as much as we could! He was always happy to see us and saying goodbye was hard.
JAPAN: Month 3 of the Race we stayed at local homestays, living with families and building relationships. I stayed with three different families, but the Ishida family was special to me! They welcomed us so well, fed us awesome food, and laughed with us as we communicated through the language barrier. I am so thankful for the time spent with them!
NEPAL: I got to teach English to this sweet girl, Juna, while we were in Nepal! She had a limp so I also got to help her with her physical therapy exercises. Even though she didn’t speak much English, she was very smart and helpful and a joy to teach!
INDIA: In India, we served at Sarah’s Covenant Homes with disabled children. This is a hard month to choose one kid, because they’re all so special! Here are a few pictures that capture the fun we had with the kids! I miss them.
MALAYSIA: This month we worked at a home for the blind. I worked in the braille production room with Siew Lee and Samantha, and I always looked forward to spending my afternoons with them and the conversations we would have! They are both believers, so it was refreshing to be with them in a country where many people don’t believe in God.
THAILAND: In Thailand we met a lot of people and made a lot of friends. The friend I want to share with you is Rosie, an intern at Zion Cafe where we worked. I chose her because her passion and vision is so evident in everything she does! Every conversation I had with her, she would always excitedly tell me about her hope for more women to come live at their safehouse. She loves the women at the café so much and genuinely cares for each of them as a friend. She was definitely an encouragement to me!
CAMBODIA: Month 8 we worked at an orphanage, and honestly I can’t chose just one person who impacted me – so here’s a picture of everyone at the orphanage! This kids are super disciplined, getting up around 5am for chores, homework, and breakfast! They take care of the animals, garden, and keep the place clean. I enjoyed getting to know them all!
VIETNAM: Kelly was our schedule coordinator, translator, and friend in Vietnam. She went above and beyond to make sure we were well taken care of! She went with us for a weekend trip to an island, and we had a blast with her! Her love for Jesus is so evident and encouraging to everyone around her. She is a friend I would love to see again.
PHILPPINES: We visited a church in the mountains to paint and help fix it up, where we met this sweet old pastor. He welcomed us into his home and insisted that we call him ‘Lo-Lo’, which means grandpa! We got to pray with him and he cried when we said goodbye.
INDONESIA: Finally, month 11! For our final week, I got to go everyday with Friska to a local train station. For two years, she and a friend have been going to this train station to spend time with the at-risk kids who live there. This is an area of poverty and prostitution, but she consistently goes back every week to teach these kids and provide a safe place for them to come. It’s been such a blessing spending this past week with her! Her story is amazing, she loves to laugh, and God’s love flows out of her everywhere she goes! I’m thankful for this sister.
There are so many more people and friends who have made a difference in my life, I wish there was a way I could share all of them with you! I am so thankful for each and every person I have met over the past year. I can now confidently say I have friends and family in 11 countries now! And while goodbyes were hard, I don’t know if or when I’ll see them again, I wouldn’t trade a moment with any of them.
Thanks for taking time to read!
