There are 40 people on Z squad. Living with that many people was a new experience for the majority of us. Our home for the month was our tent, nestled snugly in between the four rows of tents created to house all of us. Needless to say, “privacy” took on an entire new meaning. The World Race is a year of learning to live in community, but community of 40 people in one room with three bathroom stalls and two showers is definitely an advanced lesson.
I’d be lying to you if I said that Jam and/or I really enjoyed month 10. As a married couple, our situation brought about unique challenges our fellow racers did not face. Our marriage is in some ways put on a hold for those four weeks, which all those who are married can understand how there is no way for this to not affect every other aspect of life. Our marriage is central. It’s priority and since January 2, 2010, it has become the core of who “we” are. Little did we know, enduring our month in Mozambique would prepare us.
Mozambique was by far the toughest month we’ve faced and while I have absolutely no desire to ever repeat it, I’m eternally grateful for all I learned from it. Thankfully, in the midst of 40 people we could think back to how we handled our month then. I’m happy to report that while I cannot describe month 10 with beautiful metaphors and similes, we came out on the other side with so much more to show than 5 months ago. Instead of taking out frustration and discomfort on one another, we knew, going in this time that we were a team. We are on the same team! We were uncomfortable no doubt; we did it together and, I believe, are stronger because of it.
Our ministry, aside from pouring into the boys who lived at the residence, was an assortment of outreaches to the surrounding communities. We visited prisons, churches, colonies and villages, began the initial phases of building a large garden, and even stood on street corners holding signs that said things such as “Honk if you love Jesus” or “I’m forgiven.” To say we had an interesting month is an understatement. At times we found it difficult to be involved in so many different ministries this late in the race. We’ve seen so many varieties of churches and communities around the world. I couldn’t help but think, though, that there’s bound be an enormous amount of power that is exuded from a group of 40 Christians who are on fire for the Lord. Each time we unloaded our school bus at our designated destination, (yes, we rode a yellow school bus almost daily!), I pictured a power surge happening in that place. We were undoubtedly an overwhelming site, but I came to realize that we were the kind of overwhelming the world needs more of!
Honduras will definitely make our “difficult months” list, but as I reflect on our race I’m grateful for each trying experience we’ve had. It’s these months that will stand out. The memories made during the hardest moments will be the ones we remember fondly and laugh about in the years to come. It is months like Mozambique and Honduras that we are pushed to our limits and beyond.
P.S. The website was having trouble loading our pictures, so check them out on facebook!
