About a month ago, I found out the training camp for the route I chose conflicted with an important family vacation that was planned before I chose to join World Race. At first I was bummed and frustrated God threw this curveball, especially when it seemed like things were starting to come together for my September route. Even though my options were limited, I know serving God is an adventure, and He had simply started my adventure a little sooner. The best option for me with these conflicts was to switch to a new route leaving in January 2016, but during this time these routes had not been announced yet. I felt like the pause button on this adventure had been hit, and I was anxious to resume and start again. It was difficult trying to remain patient during the passing weeks waiting for the new routes to be announced. Over the past month I spent more time in prayer and trusting in the plan and purpose God has for me. I also decided to start focusing on the positive aspects of leaving in January, instead of thinking about what I’d be missing out on by leaving later. I began to realize with this change, I would be home to celebrate my sister’s birthday, celebrate the holidays, and have more time with friends and family. These realizations reminded me God knows best and everything that happens has purpose, and as I continually trust in Him, God will put the pieces into place.
About 2 weeks ago the January routes were finally announced! Deciding on a new route was much harder than I anticipated, all the January routes sounded awesome! For about a week I was trying to decide between 2 routes that I liked the most. During this process I realized whichever route I chose I would be serving God, the most important aspect of this adventure, I just needed to pick one of the possible journeys I would embark on. My heart kept leaning toward one of the routes, and I decided to make the call and officially switch to a January route. The moment I switched routes a new sense of excitement rushed over me, it was like the play button had finally been hit and I could resume my adventure. Even though it feels like I’m starting over with this process, I know God has a plan and I am just along for the ride. I am so excited for this new route! Below are the new countries I am going to, so please take a moment to read about the amazing places I will be serving in:
(These are the pictures & descriptions from the World Race website)
Mozambique
One of the most beautiful countries in the African continent, Mozambique is a favorite location of World Racers for a variety of reasons: the people, the landscape, the ministry partnerships, the miracles that this country has seen, and more. The former Portuguese colony is seeing signs of redemption and economic recovery; because of, or in spite of, the extreme poverty gripping the nation, the church grows. You will teach, preach, and practice “true religion” with widows and orphans while you grow in your identity in Christ. One of your most interesting travel “days” may happen here.
Malawi
Known as “the warm heart of Africa,” Malawi is a place you visit to ignite your passion for God’s love. This country has a beautiful landscape and an even more beautiful culture and population. This month, you’ll fall in love with the people of Malawi and bless them with the love of God. Chances are you won’t want to leave.
Zambia
After years of British colonial rule, Zambia became independent in 1964. Since then, the economy has grown and the official religion has become Christianity, but there are still great needs in Zambia. With the country near the bottom of the United Nations Human Development Index, the Zambian people still suffer from poverty, short life expectancy, malnourishment, lack of clean water, and the AIDS crisis. Zambia needs encouragement from missionaries who can remind them of God’s faithfulness in the face of challenges.
Philippines
This Asian island nation, former Spanish colony then 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, and Islam is growing in the island of Mindinao. The Filipino people and culture love music, 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.
Thailand
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% are 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 a remnant of 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. Unfortunately, the government is struggling to stop it. The people of Cambodia are thirsty for the hope you can bring.
Colombia
From the Andes Mountains to the Caribbean coastline to the Amazon rainforest, Colombia is one of the world’s most ecologically diverse countries. Also ethnically diverse, Colombia is home to many unreached tribes, a large student population that’s becoming more and more distant from the gospel, and thousands of children living in the streets who need love and hope. In spite of its reputation for political upheaval, Colombia is a place where missions efforts are growing. Amazing stories of transformation like the revival at the prison in Medellin are happening, and you can come help write more!
Ecuador
Named after the Spanish word for equator, this country is packed full of natural beauty. From the Amazon river to glaciers atop Andes volcanoes, this country is sure to enthrall you, and it’s people too. As diverse as it’s landscapes, the indigenous and Incan influences give this country a unique culture. Although the country is about 95% Catholic, there are still indigenous shamanistic practices that are integrated in their faith. With more than half of the population sitting at or below the poverty line, Ecuador is a country waiting for God’s Kingdom to come.
Peru
The cradle of Inca civilization (think: Macchu Picchu) and one of the “Andean states”, Peru is full of epic wonder; yet she is barely acquainted with her Creator. Though many natives still practice traditional religions, God is up to something in this country. The Peruvian church thirsts for truth and authentic spiritual breakthrough. Its political past has been riddled with guerilla violence and corrupt leadership, from which the indigenous poor and urban affluent are recovering. Whether you rough it in the jungle or live in the city; you won’t forget Peru.
Chile
Because Chile stretches the length of South America, it is home to an impressively varied climate, from the world’s largest desert in the north to Patagonia in the south. It is a country rich in history, culture and the arts. But Chile still struggles with traditionalism. Attempts for long-term growth in the church has resulted in more formal religion that is often without the spiritual gifts or true revival. You could be the visual representation of the changing work of Christ in you.
Argentina
Argentina is the largest Spanish-speaking country in South America, the second largest country on that continent and the 8th largest country in the world. Known as a Crisol de Razas – “a crucible of races,” or a “melting pot” – it is a nation of immigrants, where the mix of languages and cultures have created something all its own. This nation is steeped in tradition; their unofficial national religion is Roman Catholicism, but while 92% of the people would declare themselves so, only 20% practice it. Protestantism counts for about 2% of the population. While in Argentina you will live your faith in such a way that everyone, whether practicing their religion or not, will be compelled to ask who your hope is in.
