1. What surprised you the most about this adventure that God took you on…?
CULTURALLY- Culturally I was most surprised by how willing people were to invite me into their homes and how hospitable people around the world with so little to give all they have to complete strangers.
SPIRITUALLY- God is still going to work whether or not I am obedient. He wants to use me to further His kingdom but He doesn’t have to.
PERSONALLY- I was so unhealthy mentally, spiritually, and definetly physically before the race. I am so much more healthy in all those areas now, I still want to continue growing in each as I transition now.
***Asked by Kara J.
2. What is something you learned about yourself and God while on this journey?
YOURSELF- I learned who I am and who God has called me to be. I am Jennifer Marie Kordelski, weird, lover of Disney, strong, heart for women and girls, loyal to a fault, friend to the friend-less. I have so much experience to give and I should freely give all I have. My calling from the Lord is women and girls of other nations! I love to love people, I have a huge heart to disciple and mentor young girls and college students. The Lord has allowed me many opportunities over the last year and I have soaked it all up.
GOD- I know who He is! I have gotten to know him and I know His character. He is not just my God, but my Papa. I used to think of God that is someone who is up in Heaven and yes He loves me, but I can’t talk to Him like a friend. I can and do! God is my best friend, I tell my heart, the hard things, struggles and victories with Him. He is the first person I go do.
***Asked by Mom.
3. Is it harder to bring the gospel to…and Why?
A developed country that is apathetic toward religion.
A country that is politically or socially hostile towards religion
An underdeveloped country with limited resources and access to education.
I think there are challeges with each type but, I would have to say it is harder to bring the gospel to a developed country that is apathetic toward religion. Apathy is such a big hurdle to overcome and reverse. When someone is apathetic toward God it is hard to open their eyes. The amazing thing is our God is bigger than apathy and can change the hardest of hearts, to see the freedom we can expierence with Him. The thing that has helped me when I connect with people who are apathetic toward God, is building relationship with them. I am a huge advocate that actions speak louder than words. Showing people how I live, how I live in freedom and with joy in the midst of this crazy life causes people to ask questions. People can argue all day about your opinons but they can’t argue with your story. It is your story and the Lord has you one the path you are for a reason. Share your story with people and see what happens!
***Asked by Hannah A.
4. What is one thing you have learned or appreciate from you experience overseas?
Something that I have loved about each country I have been to is the people I meet. I appreciate so much each interaction I have had. People around the world are so welcoming, loving and giving of all they have. When I was working with the Hamer tribe in the Ethiopian bush, I visited a woman at her home. This woman barely had a roof over her home, but offered my team and I coffee served in dried gords! Pure generosity is one thing I have both learned and appreciated from my year living overseas. Giving what I can, even if it isn’t much. Giving without expecting anything in return, even a “thank you”, giving just to bless others!
Asked by Kris L.
Frequently Asked Questions.
5. What are your favorite foods from your travels?
Empanadas in South America. We had a debreif in Valparaiso, Chile after our first month and still to this day, we all still talk about how good they were. If you ever go to Valparaiso, Chile visit a restraunt called Emila’s Empanadas!!! SOOO GOOOD!! Think of a hot pocket, and that is what an empanadas are!
Euorope had the best sausages and homemade bread! In Romania, my team and I lived off of garlic bread and sausages; not because we couldn’t get anything else but because it was so good! I honestly crave the sausages we ate.
In Africa I have loved many foods. One thing I will look for when I am back in the states is Enjera and Beef tibs; we ate this meal with our hands. It was so good. Enjera is a type of bread and it tastes like sourdough bread. Along with the enjera and tibs, we had cabbage, potatoes, some type of chile pepper sause and sometimes cooked veggies. Also samosa’s and chipati. Chipati is a bread that is a mixture between bread and a tortilla. My favorite type is one with green onion inside. Samosa’s are like hot pockets but African style. It is stuffed with fresh veggies, potatoes, and garlic, HOLY MOLY SO GOOD!!!!
7. What country would you go back to and visit again?
Honestly, I would go back to visit Chile, because I loved that country and it’s beauty. But what made my experience in Chile was all of the wonderful people I met and became friends with. The church we worked alongside that month felt like home. We were welcomed with open arms, and Christ’s love. I would also go back to any of the African countries I have been to. Ethiopia I want to visit this amazing missionary family we met. We had the amazing blessing to stay with them our last week in Ethiopia. Rwanda I loved so much, so much so I could see myself living in the capital Kigali! I loved the people I met, our host family and just being there. Rwanda definitely captured my heart. Uganda again I want to come back to visit all the amazing people I have met here. Africa has stolen my heart and now I understand why the Lord gave me heart for this continent so many years ago.
8. What are some things you will not take for granted that you did before?
I would for sure say, a washer and dryer! On the race I have been able to use a washer but dryers are not a thing in the countries I have been to. Most of the race I have had to hand wash my clothes and hang them on a laundry line. I am now a pro hand washer of clothes lol!
If you have more questions, leave a comment down below and I will do another blog with questions!
ALL MY NAPLES PEEPS! Also I would love to connect with you when I come home, lets grab a coffee, dinner or anything! I can’t wait to share even more when I am home. I love you all and thank you to everyone who asked a question!
See You ALL Soon!! <3
