One of my greatest excitements: being able to translate for my team in Spanish (Costa Rica, Nicaragua & Honduras)!
Weirdest thing I did: skinned a goat & barbequed it with our host family (Bulawayo, Zimbabwe).
Craziest thing I ate: a deep-fried tarantula (Kampong Cham, Cambodia).
One of my favorite new foods: banh xeo! It’s a large crepe filled with meat and fresh herbs, wrapped in rice paper and dipped in peanut sauce (Vietnam and Cambodia).
Longest travel “day”: 72 hours (from Tegucigalpa, Honduras to Puerto Galera, the Philippines).
Hardest months: when homesickness set in (Month 6) and when I was plumb wore out from all the travel/new stimuli (Month 10)!
Favorite months: all of the ones where we lived alongside those who are deemed “poor” in the eyes of the world, yet who are so rich in faith.
A dream come true: the opportunity to see my family’s sponsored child through Compassion International. She is precious (Leon, Nicaragua).
Favorite adventure: snorkeling in gorgeous blue water with rainbow fish, sharks, swordfish and a sea turtle (Langkawi Island, Malaysia)!
Something I rejoiced in: being able to use artistic gifts for His glory! I taught music classes (Malaysia & Zimbabwe), designed wall pieces for team housing (Costa Rica & Thailand), painted murals for children’s educational facilities (Cambodia & Malawi), and led worship through music in many countries.
One of the biggest ways I grew: a willingness to say “difficult” things in love, both for my growth and for others’.
One of the biggest lessons I learned in sharing about Jesus: The Gospel isn’t a memorized script. Rather, it is a joyful freedom to share how Jesus has worked in me and in the world through His saving grace!
A few of the things I miss the most from the Race: the opportunity to learn about a new culture each month. The close-knit community of our squad and teams. And not having a phone to distract me.
One thing I hope to never forget: the power – and joy – of simply living life with people.
“The Word became Human and made His Home among us.” – John 1:14 –
