To help me write my "Expectations of the World Race blog," Caleb sent me a list of 10 questions he thought people might want to know. To mark the mid-way point of the race this week, he sent me another set of questions to answer for you all, my loyal readers. Thanks for keeping up with me so far! Your comments and emails have been such an encouragement to me! There's loads more pictures on Facebook from the first 6 months so be sure to check there as well.
1. Who is the most interesting or memorable person that you have come across?
This journey has been dotted with so many interesting people whose stories have touched me deeply and broken my heart. One in particular that stands out is the elderly lady we met in Los Pinos, a slum in Tegucigalpa, Honduras. Abuela's story rocked me to my core. Her past was filled with horrible things I could barely wrap my American mind around. Her family had experienced everything from extreme poverty to HIV, murder, rape, prison, prostitution, homelessness, and drug abuse. The day I met her, she seemed to be on her deathbed. She had been terribly ill for 3 months, with virtually no medical care.
We spent several hours praying for Abuela, and one of the nurses on our squad was able to get her medicine from the pharmacy. I left in tears, and emailed many of you begging you to pray alongside us for this lady who had already been through so much. The very next day we went back and by the grace of God, Abuela was up on her feet, doing laundry, joyfully thanking the Lord. I believe with my whole heart that God healed her. I don't know how she's doing today, but I know this woman's testimony will forever be etched in my mind.
2. Looking at the trip now, how would you describe your motivation for going and has it changed through the months?
I had a lot of reasons to come on this trip. You can refer to this blog I wrote back in the fall. I wanted to help people. I wanted to know Jesus more. I wanted to travel and see the world, and so on. Gradually my motivation has morphed into I just want to be obedient to the Lord.
This is where He called me, so this is where I am. And as long as I can keep that up, I know the rest of my life will turn out okay too. Simple enough, right?
3. Worst smell…
The World Race is full of nasty smells. For someone that loves the smell of fire, I sure hate the smell of burning trash. In Malaysia there's also rubber factories everywhere that smell absolutely terrible.
4. Is there a particular word that you find yourself constantly using now that was nonexistent in your pre-trip vocabulary?
"Totes Mish" is our phrase for whenever we're doing or wearing something that looks completely ridiculous and completely like a missionary. I'm not really down with the M word. Most of us just consider ourselves to be regular people traveling the world serving Jesus.
5. What is the most ridiculous article of clothing that you have worn?
This is a very timely question, as I wore this little gem just last week.
6. Describe the perception of American people in the eyes of the foreign people you come in contact with.
They think we're all obsessed with celebrities, that we all live in mansions, and that we are really liberal. At least that's what the people I've met this month told me.
7. What has been the biggest surprise?
If I'm being completely honest, it'd be that this whole thing has been harder than I expected. I didn't come on the trip because I thought it would be easy. I knew, somewhat, what I was getting myself into, and I mentally prepared myself for the worst. But I guess I thought I was superwoman and that I would handle the heat and the rats and the gross food and "living among the least of these" with such grace and ease.
I want to be like Paul. I want to be content in any situation because the Lord is my strength. I want to be joyful always, to be thankful in every circumstance. But truthfully sometimes that's easier said than done. I don't like bugs any more than I did six months ago. I get motion sick constantly. I didn't realize how taxing not having any alone time can be. I'm still a picky eater. I miss Mexican food, and red wine, and Target.
But I'm learning there's a fine line between when I need to put on my big girl pants and a happy face and strive to have a positive and grateful attitude, and when it's okay to be vulnerable and express my frustrations and weaknesses.
So please don't read this as I am miserable (Got that, Mom?!) I am truly having the time of my life and I am FULL of joy. The good times far outweigh the crappy stuff. I'm certainly learning to laugh my way through sticky situations. And best of all, I KNOW God has me where he wants me in this season. Just being honest and admitting my biggest surprise is the World Race is not as easy as I expected. Or maybe I'm just not as tough as I thought I was. And that's okay.
8. Name the 3 most disgusting things you have eaten.
Anchovie curry, boiled unripe plantains and chicken claw stew.
9. What did you forget to bring?
I think I pretty much brought all the essentials.
10. One sentence, what have you learned?
God loves me way more than I can even fathom.
My final fundraising deadline is in one week! I'm only in need of about $300. If you're able to contribute, you can give online here. Thank you!
