Wow. So many good questions!!
Let’s go!
You will find that some of the questions are combined because the answers are similar or involving both.
- What exactly are you doing with your life? It looks like it’s good things.
Indeed, it is good things. Mostly, anyway! In a nutshell: this World Race is an eleven month missions trip to eleven different countries all around the world. We are a squad of almost 50, divided into teams of 6 or 7. In each country the teams are distributed to different ministry hosts whom we lodge and work with for the month. This will usually be a church, school, camp, or any Christian organization we can partner with and offer volunteer services for a month.
- So, what does a day in your life look like?
This definitely has varied from country to country and being involved with a large variety of ministries, but in general: we have 4-8 hours of ministry a day, an hour or two of team time, bible study etc. Every week we get one day of rest and one adventure day to go places or do whatever floats our boat.
- What does billy goat meat taste like?
It was an old billy, so the meat was very tough. It tasted like an animal.
- Is it really really warm in Africa?
No. In Ethiopia it was rainy in Addis and Jinka, but hot in Turmi, the desert. Here in Rwanda we have the most beautiful weather we’ve had on the race. It is dry season and never rains. Every day is nice and sunny in 70’s.
- Did you see any venomous snakes ?
No. In spite of it having been one of my silly fears about coming on the race.
- Is it common for people to die from snakebites or crocodile attacks in those areas of Africa ?
I don’t know about snakes but in Ethiopia, Lale told us several people get eaten by crocodiles in the Omo River area every year.
- What does it feel like to be surrounded by naked children or women with breasts exposed? Were any of the men naked? If so how did that make you feel?
This was only in Ethiopia, in the “bush” that nakedness was normal and culturally accepted. It really didn’t feel that weird being exposed to it. Recognizing that it’s a very normal part of their culture made it seem so ok, and there was no critical thought about it. Most men wore shorts or goat skin skirts.
- Does the air in Cambodia smell like fish? Was it warm and sticky there?
Good guess! It was warm and sticky there. Cambodia and Bolivia were our hottest months (December and January!). As far as the smell there, fishy would describe it somewhat, but so would piggy, doggy, and cowy.
- Which country had the most natural beauty? (Birds/wildlife etc)
Ethiopia. Specifically the Omo River Valley.
- Which culture did you find the most fascinating?
The tribes of Ethiopia. If you have not read my blog about our experience in the bush, please do so here. It was absolutely one of the best experiences of the race.
- Which culture had the friendliest people?
We found very friendly individuals everywhere we went, but generally, as a people group, the friendliest were probably Chileans or Rwandese.
- If you would move to one of the countries you visited, which one would you chose? / If you had to pick one country that you would have to live the rest of your life without ever coming home again which one would you pick?
Without ever coming home again?!! Only Heaven. Ok. For the sake of answering this question; Rwanda.
- If you had to pick a culture and marry someone from that country which culture would you pick?
Key words: “had to”… I don’t believe that’s relevant here. But let’s say…Greece. (Lol.)
- Which country/culture would you choose to start a major mission/foundation type of ministry ..?
Ethiopia, or Eastern Europe with the Roma people.
- If you’re in the Southern Hemisphere does it feel like you’re below us somewhere?
Yes indeed. In fact, it constantly feels like I’m gonna fall off the earth. Just kidding.
- Do toilets really flush the opposite direction in the Southern Hemisphere?
Even google doesn’t seem to know. I forgot to look. I typically don’t spend more time with a toilet than necessary.
- Did you meet any handsome guys whom you would consider marrying? Did any act like they have a crush on you?
Again, I forgot to look. I’ll keep an eye out these last five weeks.
- What has been your craziest, most breathtaking experience?
The bus ride in Bolivia where I legitimately thought, “This is it. I’m going to die…”
- Do you have a favorite country that you visited? If you do, why?
Ethiopia. The rich cultural experience and getting to know and work with my wonderful brother, Lale. (P. S. He is coming to Pennsylvania! Stay tuned for event details and invitations!!)
A close second is Thailand. I loved our host and the amazing ministry, Amane English Center.
- What was your most challenging food to eat;) Most delicious?
In Cambodia, we had some of the most delicious dishes with cooked pineapple, chicken and rice, but… it was also abit challenging to eat because more often than not, the rice had ants in it, which I’m not particularly fond of. Also in the most delicious category would be our meals in Europe, three months in a row, we did our own cooking and I was privileged to be on a team with professional chefs. Well, pretty much professional… I’ve also become especially fond of the Enjera in Ethiopia.
- What are you most excited about your return back to US? What do you most look forward to?
Meeting Landon. Holding Landon. Reuniting with family and friends, nieces and nephews. (And yes, you Molly!!) Christmas with Mom. Going to church. Having soap, lotion, and clean water readily available. Shower pressure and toilets with flushing mechanisms that actually work.
- What was your biggest challenge on the world race??
I believe the biggest challenge for me lay in the first three months of the race, balancing extreme homesickness, adapting to world race culture, living 24/7 with people I did not know well yet, and leading the team. Also, Christmas without family.
- Remember that key .. From the beginning of this God Adventure?? I want to hear the story of discovering its significance from your first thoughts to the deeper revelations you opened with it!
When I got the key, the word “enough” was least of what I’d expected. However, three weeks in, in Chile, I got the revelation of what it means for me. I remembered a moment over a year earlier one day I was reflecting on my life and how much I loved life, realizing there’s little I would change if I could. It was a “spiritual high” moment of feeling so happy and thankful. Then the Lord asked me if I could be stripped of all this “good life” and still count Him worthy of all my praise? My answer of course was yes, not realizing that it would, in fact, very soon become a reality. The consequences of leaving the Amish involved stripping me of almost everything I held dear: my job, my home, and many relationships. My blog It Is Better to Have Loved sums up the revelation of how powerful and meaningful the word “enough” is to me.
- What are your top 5 take away moments/ things you didn’t blog about?
- Standing on Mars Hill, where Paul preached to the Romans about the temple to the unknown God.
- Sailing the Greek seas, anchoring off shore, and swimming in the ocean.
- In Ethiopia, realizing that every fear is inferior to the power of God, and that I can, in the Name of Jesus, conquer those fears to complete extinction.
- The beautiful gift of friendship with amazing sisters and learning to a greater extent the value and beauty of healthy community
- Late night conversations and quality family time with our Rwandese family of 19.
- What is the one thing you thought you would never experience but did?
Being bitten by a dog on the street.
Sharing a bedroom with rats.
- What countries and people group do you believe you are drawn to the most, will there be a return visit or stay?
There’s different things I love about each country and people group, and I believe I’ll return to some: Bolivia, to meet with Ismael, my sponsor boy; Thailand, visiting the ministry and host there; Bulgaria, reconnecting with Zoe Church and close friends there, including Viki; Ethiopia, for Lale and all of Omo Child; and Rwanda, cuz I love Rwanda! Oops. That’s kinda a lot of travel, considering there’s as many or more new places I really want to travel to!!
- What do you anticipate will be the hardest thing transitioning back into life after the race?
Even though this very close and constant community can be very challenging at times, I believe the lack of it will be the hardest adjustment to transitioning back home.
- If there were one piece of advice you would give to others in consideration of all you experienced, what would it be?
To future racers: be careful with expectations you make for your race experience and your community. And even then, surrender them all to God. He may have something completely different in mind. Also, aspiring racer, can I take you out for coffee?;)
To others in general: consider what you are living/striving for. Don’t go with the flow of a self-seeking lifestyle. Don’t underestimate the difference you and your time and your money can make. Be open to learn from others and compromise your opinion for the sake of seeking to understand those of others.
- Are you on your way home yet??!! When are you coming home?
I have less than six more weeks. I will run into Mom’s open arms on August 29, around 6 pm, Lord willing.
- How are you changed?
Maybe you need to tell me. Growth and change often is a process that the one directly involved in, does not fully realize the extent of what is changing. I know one thing is a broadening of the mind that allows me a new and greater perspective of many things, including life itself. Also, the value and possession I hold towards materialism has changed.
- What revelations did you get about yourself, life, or God that never occurred to you before the race?
God knows better what’s best for me than I ever will. Gratitude really does change things. I may not be able to change the whole world, or rescue every child, but making a difference for one at a time, is enough. Men’s deodorant works better than women’s. All except the latter have occurred to me before, but were certainly emphasized on the race.
- What was your hardest moment?
Homesickness. Moments of feeling like it’s impossible to be clean.
- What did you miss most?
Mom.
- One food you would never eat again?
Goat liver and sardines
- Would you heartily recommend for others to go on the race?
Not without a conversation, understanding their heart and their desire to go and being confident that this is where the Lord is leading them. If it’s only for the satisfaction of some whimsical desire for more travel and adventure, I would not recommend at all…
- Have you ever regretted going on the race?
In flesh, yes. In spirit, no. Again, I’ll direct you to a blog. This one is from month 2, but has remained so true throughout the whole race; Facts Over Feelings
- Knowing what you know now, is there anything that would have kept you from going on the world race?
No. Because I wouldn’t trade this year’s experience for anything. However, I have no desire to do it again!;)
- What will you pursue when you get back home? What will you be passionate about?
I will most likely pursue teaching in one form or another. I want to pursue business as a means of advocating for missions. I am passionate about time and money well spent and learning and applying how it best benefits and builds the kingdom. I am passionate about good education and quality relationships.
- What was the most wonderful experience?
Connecting with Omo Child in Ethiopia, then spending four days in the bush.
- What was the most dreadful experience?
Motion sickness and throwing up in a little bag, while having every logical reason to believe our bus will roll over the cliff at any moment…that crazy Bolivian mountain road..!
- Do you see yourself going on another lengthy trip soon?
At this point, no. But some would remind you that soon for me could mean within a week, or within five years.
That‘s all for now. I look forward hearing more of your questions and answe them face to face when I get home!
