There is something incredibly beautiful about the opportunity to not only travel this big, wide world, but to experience the rich depth of connecting on a personal level with other cultures and building relationships with individuals around the globe.
This blog is dedicated to those individuals, most of whom were our loving and gracious hosts, as we settled in each country. These have blessed us tremendously by opening their homes, schools, or whatever ministry they were a part of, and trusting us to partner with their work. They welcomed us into their culture with open arms.
Now, after being home for over two months, I still look back to each “home” I’ve had across the world and say, “Wow, God. That was beautiful. Thank you for those people, for their time; their love. Thank you for that learning experience.” It truly is a gift to have learned from such diversity: culturally and perspectively. All for the common goal of living and advancing kingdom for the sake of Jesus Christ and the Gospel.
To Pastor David and his church family in La Florida, Chile: Thank you for the jump start into the world race. You have equipped us in so many ways for what lay in the year ahead and have been so gracious in our adjusting to the work and life of a missionary we’d committed to. You have loved us, supported us, and made us one of your own: family… So on behalf of DiVine Roots, I say, Thank You!!
To the Ywam staff of Mendoza, Argentina: You have opened up your base and created “home” as a safe place and a place of growth and empowerment for our squad. Thank you!! Special shout out to Richard for working with our team specifically and teaching us so much by your wisdom and devotion to the work of the kingdom.
To the team of Compassion International in Montero, Bolivia: Wow, what a blessing it has been working with the kids at school and on weekend outreaches!! Luis, you are an amazing leader and have been so generous to our team. Thank you Pastor Pedro, Ester, and Maria, for connecting me with one of your dear boys, Ismael. Your church family and the Compassion ministry there will ever hold a very special place in my heart, and I hope to return and reconnect with you all. Thank you for loving, and caring so well for Ismael and all the other kids at Compassion.
To Pastor Prach and our Cambodian family: Living on your farm in the remote village of Kampong Chhnang was a great experience of adventure full of the sights and sounds of authentic farm life that I will never forget. Thank you for inviting us to be so completely a part of your family and of that farm life from assisting in the delivery of piglets, to commuting to school every day on your tractor like no other… The memories of our weeks spent with you are truly unique and special.
To Golf and Benz, Morgan, and all of Amane English School: You have all been amazing hosts. Thank you for not only welcoming us to partner in the work of Amane, but also challenging us and calling out our individual gifts, presenting us the opportunity to exercise and operate out of those gifts. You have taught me so much about what it means to serve selflessly and trusting the outcome to the Lord, even in those areas where I may feel incapable or the means I have to work with may seem insufficient. Thank you for challenging me and believing in me. Our team has been so enriched by our time in Thailand.
To Karl and Julie, Mrcajevci, Serbia: Working with you at your camp was such a fulfilling experience, delving into physical labor and breathing in the fresh, woodsy, winter air. I loved everything about our surroundings at camp, and definitely miss Nikki, Benny, and Sammy. Thank you for opening your hearts and home to us, and for connecting us with all your amazing friends in Cacak.
To Raul and the Hope Church family in Romania: Thank you for hosting the grand event of the racer’s parents coming on field. Thank you for your devotion and dedication to the work of the kingdom. Raul, you have taught me so much and have imparted incredible wisdom. Thank you!!
To the city of Sofia, Bulgaria: As ATL, (Ask the Lord), we had no assigned host for our month here, but have connected with so many wonderful people!! Thank you Zoe Church, for the welcome into your family, allowing us to help along in kid’s ministry, and being part of the social activities like volleyball… Spending time with you guys has truly been epic and uplifting. Thank you David and Beth and the whole crew at Young Life in Sofia; working with you and hosting the house concert was simply the best! Thank you Vikki, for introducing us to the city of Sofia and teaching us all about its history and charm. Above all that, your gift of friendship is priceless and our interactions were indeed God-ordained. You are loved!
Ethiopia, again, ATL. To Josh and Krystal, and family. Wow, how does one begin to thank you guys for the amazing intervention mission you had played in our short time with you?! You have given us food, a home, and family in the best way; never mind that we were pretty needy, carrying bedbugs and had little to give in return. To Lale, Ayko, Emnet, and all of the staff and kids of Omo Hope: Again, wow, wow. What an incredible experience working with you guys and learning from you and from the people of Turmi and Dus!! Not only was it an outstanding adventure, something has been ignited in my heart that will never again be the same. It is my pleasure and joy to continue as an advocate and a partner to Omo Hope’s mission.
To James and Olivia, and our beautiful family of Kigali, Rwanda. Thank you for making us one of your own. You truly have loved and valued us as daughters of your own; adding seven to the family, no big deal! I have been so blessed by your intentional quality time that you sought to give to us constantly. We felt so loved by your church family and privileged to be a part of it.
To Lightforce International, Lira, Uganda; George, Michael, Bob, and all the rest of the amazing staff, cooks, school teachers, corn harvesters, warehouse cleaners, and hard-working mouse catchers of our farm-home in Uganda. Such a great way to wrap up the world race; I have loved every minute of the hard work on the farm and in the classroom with the amazing kids of Lightforce. Thank you!!
My heart explodes in gratitude and praise to Almighty God, for this gift, this rich experience that traveling the world in missions for a year, has proven to be. In gratitude for every friendship, every learning experience, even the hard ones, for I know He has wonderful purpose in it all…
Thank You, God!!
