In two days i will enter into my last week of The World Race. As I take the time to look back over the year, i realize that alot has happened. One of the biggest lessons i’ve learned is: transition. We have had alot of transitions this year. We have said hello to new countries, cultures, languages…people. And in World Race fashion, we have said good-bye to them as well. I can’t say whether it was more difficult to enter into that next country- re-learning the new culturally acceptable etiquette, re-learning how to greet someone in a shop, re-learning how to make sure you are going in the correct restroom…or, whether it was more difficult to leave that country that had somehow, in such a short period of time, found a permenant soft spot in your heart. I can see the faces, remember the names, re-count how many different modes of transportation we took, and remember not only the names of all the currencies, but even some conversion rates!!
The world has treated us well…H Squad definitly has had its share of drama…but for the most part, i feel like we are emerging from our experiences on the Race having allowed the diversity of the world to saturate us and change us. I am a better peson because of this year. I have a softer heart. I have a greater awareness of the needs and richness of the world. I am so thankful that this year is now a part of my life story…So, thank you world. Thank you for enriching me….i will never be the same.
Below are the 11 countries I went to this year. To the right of the country name is how you say “hello, good-bye and thank you” in the language of that country. The amount of language we learned in each place changed from month to month..but these three words were always first on the list to get down. I also wrote just a short summary of the month or what impacted me most from each place.
Dominican Republic Hola, Adios, Muchas Gracias Worked with Pastor Manuel, spreading the gospel in the small town of Mogollon, 10 minutes outside of San Juan. We fell in love with a young man named Felix, who not only translated for us, but touched us with his gentle heart and willingness to serve in any way he could!!
Haiti Bonjour, Au revoir, Merci
Helped rebuild an orphanage and church that was destroyed by the recent hurricane. Gonaives was once a bustling city- now in rubbles. I will never forget the small, meak woman named Mishu who served us everyday….spaghetti with hotdogs for breakfast!! …and dont forget the ketchup and mayo to mix in….yuck.
Cambodia Chum reap suor, Choum reap lia, Ar kun
Taught English…and learned that i really like teaching!! We loved our students and spent alot of time investing in relationships with them outside of class- river boat rides, games nights, chocolate chip cookies, shopping in the markets and eating! Will always remember our boys,Chivvy, Both, Long, Gun- great names!!
Thailand Sawadee kaa, La gon kaa, khorb koon kaa
Beautiful Chaing Mai- Northern Thailand. Contrasted by the ugliness of rampant prostitution. Interacting with the bar girls is something i will never forget. This month opened my eyes very wide to the corruption of the world and the injustice that breaks the Father’s heart.
Vietnam Chao, Xin chào ông, Cam On
Realizing ministry is difficult in a closed country. Vietnamese are simply beautiful people. We were up in the hills, in the town of Dalat- which is a collision of Europe and Asia. Cooler weather, artichoke tea, and a balcony on which i sat for many hours, reflecting on the almost half year that had gone by.
South Africa San Bonani, (couldn’t remember/find “goodbye”), Siobonga
One of my favorite months…despite crying when i heard we were staying in South Africa rather than going with the rest of the squad to Mozambique. We helped ready houses that were to be children’s homes under the organization of Iris ministries. Fell madly in love with a little girl named Prosperity…who i call Cheeks!
Malawi Mulibwangi, Tionana, Zicomo
Oh beautiful Malawi…The Warm Heart of Africa. I would go back in a heart beat! Worked with COTN- danced with widows- they attempted to teach me to knit, held babies, and played human tug of war with village kids…now that is a good month 🙂
Mozambique Salama, Kihorwa, Kihosslikliro
The African bush bush!! The wildest, craziest month of the year…made me to never want to ride another bus in my life! Hours in the back of a flat bed, bringing the gospel to some of the most unreached parts of the country…singing, praying, dancing, camping, eating spaghetti night after night…what memories!
Romania Salut, La Revedere, Mutsa Mesk
Over 70 Racers in the same small town!! We were in a scenic rural town, living up close and personal with the locals. Grassy hills over looking lakes, horse drawn carriages, and Merrel- our host who didn’t speak much English, but could cook up a mean meal!! Also had a wonderful birthday this month- felt very loved by H Squad!!
Ukraine Privet, Paka, Spaciba
I wore my Squaddie hat alot this month as I hopped around from team to team. Being able to see all the different ministries that the teams would be working with gave me such an excitement to know the impact that our squad was having that month in the Ukraine- really cool!
Switzerland Bonjour, Au revoir, Merci
Confirmed as one of the most beautiful places i have ever been. Was blessed beyond measure by the YWAM Chatel base, and hopefully we blessed them in return- that was the goal 🙂 My heart was at rest in the two weeks i spent here and i was sad to leave…
And there you have it…my year. There are a handful of countries that aren’t included in this parade of flags…those that we passed thru and some we even were able to stay in for a day or two…but for the most part- these 11 countries are where i saw God. I saw Him move, provide, ignite hearts, multiply food, heal people, and enter into places that He wasn’t necessarily allowed to before. Yes, the world desperately needs the Heavenly Father…but do not be dismayed…He is alive and well through out it all. His name is being professed and praised in many many nations….and as we allow our hearts to align with His, more workers will go out and gather that heavenly harvest!! God is good…All the time. All the time…God is Good!!
