In this post, I would like to give you all a more detailed description of exactly where I am going, and the various activities I can expect to do during my time abroad. To this end, I have attached the World Race profile of each country I will be visiting.
My journey will begin in southeast Asia, a beautiful country with contrasting jungles and urban areas where people are hungry for the hope of the Gospel. The next stop is Ethiopia, in the Horn of Africa. Then I’ll come close to home in Latin America, in the land of promise and potential. Throughout my journey I’ll learn firsthand what it means to be the hands and feet of Jesus.
Cambodia
Cambodia boasts the famous Angkor Wat, a Hindu temple that later became a Buddhist monastery. Hidden for centuries under dense jungle, today Angkor Wat is one of most photographed places in the world. Cambodia itself is struggling to heal from one of the worst genocides in modern history. In the 1970s, the Khmer Rouge killed over 1.5 million men, women, and children. Faced with inconceivable poverty and desperation, Cambodia became a source, transit point, and destination for human trafficking.
My squad will start its journey with three months at the Adventures in Missions (AIM) base located in Siem Reap. There, AIM missionaries in Cambodia are passionate about serving their local community through our guesthouse, cafe, and restaurant while actively planting churches and partnering with many local ministries in the area. The people of Cambodia are hungry for hope and healing. I look forward to sharing time and the Gospel with them.
Ethiopia
Located in the Horn of Africa, Middle Eastern and African tribal influences touch every corner of Ethiopia. The birthplace of coffee, literary and archaeological discoveries date back to Bible times. The Orthodox Church even claims to have the Ark of the Covenant. It’s also a nation well acquainted with pain. In the last century, civil wars and famine devastated the land. Those in rural villages remain isolated, without clean water or access to markets, and the country’s ability to provide basic services is strained.
In Ethiopia, my team will spend three months with a few of AIM’s ministry partners. My team will join in care of orphans, learn how Ethiopians garden and harvest their meals, and serve the homeless and forgotten while sharing the love of Jesus. I’ll take a deep dive into a beautiful new culture, and I expect these months to be a highly transformative experience as I share God’s heart with His children.
Nicaragua
Called “The Land of Lakes and Volcanoes,” thick rainforests, rugged highlands, and beautiful beaches define Nicaragua’s beautiful landscape. Its rich history dates back to the Spanish conquistadores. However, hopelessness, addiction, destitution, and poverty plague many in Nicaragua. The poorest nation in Central America, almost 80% of Nicaraguans live on less than $2 a day. One in four Nicaraguans is either starving or suffering from malnutrition. Entire families live on and scrounge for scraps in city dumps. The people of Nicaragua need to know they are seen, loved, and not forgotten by God.
My team will spend a month in Nicaragua, partnering with Restore Educate Activate Perpetuate (REAP) ministry in Granada. REAP Granada reaches out into the community in multiple ways: through worship, Bible studies, sports, dinners, visiting local hospitals, and more. I will share God’s love and disciple all who are hungry for spiritual growth.
Costa Rica
A hot spot for surfing, Costa Rica is an adventure seeker’s paradise. Between its stunning beaches, lush rainforests, and beautiful people, it’s easy to enjoy “pura vida” there. Outside of the tourist destinations, however, are large pockets of poverty and broken families throughout the nation. The country itself is transitioning from self-sufficient farming societies to more urban living. Traditional morals and lifestyles are giving way to a modern, consumer-oriented world.
While in Costa Rica, I will stay two months in the town of Jaco.
Working alongside a partner church, I will share the gospel with people on the beach and through acts of kindness wherever I go. These last months on my adventure are sure to be impactful as I use the spiritual training gained throughout my Gap Year experience. Following the voice of Jesus each day is the greatest adventure I’ll ever take.
