In 11 months, I have been to 11 countries, doing mission work for [more than] 11 contacts, and loving on hundreds of people. I have given my testimony, preached the Gospel, hugged strangers, been invited into houses, recorded a song that plays in six African countries, led worship at church/squad gatherings, and learned more about myself than I thought was possible. I have cried, laughed, thrown up, pooped my pants, and fallen down a flight of stairs. I’ve been healed physically, emotionally and spiritually. My life has changed.
I want to share that change with you. So I have compiled 11 photos to tell you about the 11 countries I have served in and how they changed my life…
Honduras.
This is Alejandro. He is a two year old who’s father also happens to be his grandfather. Alejandro was born as a result of incest rape. But his life, like so many others, has changed the way I live mine.
El Salvador
This beautiful woman lives in one of the villages where we did door to door ministry. She didn’t speak a word of English, and my Spanish is downright miserable, but The Lord taught me what it means to be humble through this woman.
Guatemala
This is Andrea. I had a dream about her when we were in Antigua, Guatemala. And in that dream, Jesus said, “Remember this woman. You’re going to see her. And when you see her, you will be healed.” I saw her one week later as we were going house to house.
Albania
Sheep. We read all about them in the Bible. Lost sheep. Found sheep. Big sheep. Shepherds. I got to do some shepherding of my own in Albania. And sheep may not be very smart, but I understand the sheep referencing in the Bible now. Trust.
Bulgaria
Real friends don’t count chromosomes. This young girl lives in a protective home in Ruse, Bulgaria. She gets the extra attention and care that she needs. Unfortunately, she was unable to have the heart surgery she needed when she was a baby, so her heart is very weak. But she sure does know how to love.
Romania
You could say that Romania wasn’t my favorite country, and you’d be correct. However, despite the heat, and not enjoying ministry, I learned to be patient and find joy in the little things. This is also where I learned that I was good at ping pong.
Kenya
Also known as my FAVORITE country. These kids really know what it means to be a Christian. We were working at Challenge Farm in Kitale, Kenya. It is a place for street kids or kids who have dangerous situations at home. They are brought to Challenge Farm, given an education, a bed, and food every day. And don’t even get me started on their singing! A choir of angels, they are.
Uganda
This is where I took the “leap” into my new life. It took me 8 months, but I was able to grasp the concept of what it meant to really live. It’s not something that I can put into words exactly, either.
This is also the country where I became a recorded artist. My song Malaria plays in six African countries as a Public Service Announcement.
Rwanda
In Rwanda, I was fortunate enough to be working with Emily (Team TAE) and Rayna (Team Steadfast Pursuit) on a beautiful mural that we like to call “Because Walking on Land is Too Mainstream”.
I actually came up with that name while typing this blog, so really, it’s a mural I like to call “Because Walking on Land is Too Mainstream”.
During our painting sessions, we learned a lot about each other and what it means to have real faith. It was an incredible growing experience. (This month was referred to as “Feministry”.)
China
China was a hard month for me. Being the country that convinced me to sign up for this route, I went into China expecting bigger than life things to happen. I didn’t get the experience that I was hoping for. But I was able to strengthen my relationship with my team and with The Lord more than any other country this year.
AND FINALLY…
Philippines
We were in the Philippines when Haiyan struck land. We had a few days notice and all of our teams were prepared for the worst, but God did a huge thing for us and the storm missed all of our teams spread throughout the country. Some of my teammates had the opportunity to go down to Tacloban City where the Typhoon hit hardest. I did not join them, but I was able to put a video together of the damage and devastation. We have seen God’s faithfulness.
So that, in short, is my 11 countries in 11 photos.
I will be home somewhere in the first two weeks of December, and look forward to meeting up with anyone who would like to hear more about this great adventure.
Until next time…
