These were asked of a friend with us on the race….
Ok…my turn…
1. Who is the most interesting or memorable person that you have come across?
This is an impossible question to answer. I have met so many incredible people. Truly incredible men and women of character. Children, families, all of the above. Tony, Pastor Noe and his family, Emmi, Juan Carlos, Mario, Antonia, Kumar & Josephine, the teammates that walk along side me every day, day in day out… the list goes on…
If I have to pick one I’ll share about Rithy (pronounced Ru-tee). The man who runs the Cambodia Hope Association (Orphanage). He is an orphan himself, has 28 children in his care, his wife and he are unable to have children personally, two babies were left under trees, one of which is disabled, both of which they have adopted as their own, he lives completely by faith and the generosity of God’s grace. And he is an inspiration.
2. Looking at the trip now, how would you describe your motivation for going and has it changed through the months?
My motivation for going has so many levels. I’m just so honored to be here, to have the supporters that have provided so graciously. I often wonder why it was such a difficult decision to go, but looking back, I couldn’t be happier.
I will say that one thing I dreamed of was to make a difference in the life of at least one person, one family or one child and I felt the whole trip would be worth it. I am so happy to share that we have made a difference in SO many lives. I am honored and privileged!
Oh my….
Where does one begin….
The trash dump…
Entire rivers of feces…
Dead animals in the street for days…
I can’t pick…
4. Is there a particular word that you find yourself constantly using now that was nonexistent in your pre-trip vocabulary?
High Preference & Un-offendability
High preference is preferring others always. Easy to say, harder to do. Holding another’s values above your own. Over and over again. It’s the healthiest thing you’ll ever do.
Being unoffendable
How you may ask? Well….truth is… It’s not about you. That’s how. If it’s not about you, you can’t be offended. Let me just say that again so it sinks in…. If it’s not about you…………. You can’t be offended…… trust me. It’s true. I could write pages on this. If you are curious, just email me or comment to this blog. Let me just say this… if anyone is looking for freedom or peace in their lives… being unoffendable is an incredible start….
5. What is the most ridiculous article of clothing that you have worn?
I wore a dress in Grenada, Nicaragua, pearl like earrings (since I had pierced ears it was easy), a beautiful thin belt to go with my dress and a huge bow/flower in my hair/shaved head. Don’t ask. Only happened once. Not a normal day on the race. But if I can care for 28 orphans or spend my day in a trash dump…. I guess I can wear a dress…
6. Describe the perception of American people in the eyes of the foreign people you come in contact with.
So far, incredible. People are very friendly and appreciate a smile and loving heart. I must say there is a difference between our presence and the ugly American Tourist. I pay attention to people, I ask them their name, I ask about their day. There is an intentionality that I walk with. I actively try to be set apart from the average American. I try to make people’s day. Whether you are American, Chinese, Malay or whatever… people are people and often the response you get is based on what you put out there.
7. What has been the biggest surprise?
Virtues!!!
Patience. Love, Gentleness, Love, Sincerity, Honesty, Integrity, etc…..
The depths in which you can grow in these things. The moment you take a step in patience and you are so pleased in how you fought the tendency to be ugly or say the wrong thing…. Guess what?… you are only reminded of how much further you have to go. It only showed you the other places in your life that you are not being patient or loving. So just before you give that little pat on the back… you humbly realize that this is a life long journey.
8. Name the 3 most disgusting things you have eaten.
Ant eggs, dog meat, and so many unidentifiable meat-like parts that look so clearly like organs you don’t even know where begin. (AND… we leave for Africa tomorrow!!!!!!)
9. What did you forget to bring?
Honestly… I’m blessed to have packed well. This may sound strange… but a French press.
Coffee is heaven. Food without bones or cartilage is heaven. Furniture is heaven. Sleep is heaven. It’s not what’s in your pack. It’s the basics of life that you may not have realized were so so sweet and so so special.
10. One sentence, what have you learned?
My journal is 650 pages.
I wish I could express it with these simple words on a page.
Force me to choose…
So much of your life is a CHOICE!!!
Attitude is a CHOICE!!!
(Today is only the beginning…. Follow your dreams… do what you say you can’t do…. Stop believing the lies… )
Email me or comment to this blog if you need more… please say yes before you say no
