We’ve now experienced about two weeks of family, friends, hot showers, and so many food choices it’s unbelievable. Reentering the first world after a year of living, for the most part, in the third, is an experience to say the least. Thankfully, for us it has been a positive one. Leaving our friends and family was undoubtedly the biggest sacrifice of this year, so reuniting with them has brought so much joy to our hearts!
While our crazy foreign adventures have come to a close, an entirely new adventure has been awaiting us stateside. We feel eternally grateful to all who have so faithfully followed our journey and want to keep you informed on our transition home as well as what the next steps in our story will entail.
Having visited so many unique cultures and places, we wanted to give you some insight into a few of our favorites, least favorites, hardships, lessons, etc. We may be “one flesh” but we have many different likes and dislikes!
JM: China
Ashley: South Africa
2. Favorite Ministry
JM: China, College outreach and church planting
Ashley: Swaziland, running nursing clinic and working at orphanage
3. Hardest Country
JM: Mozambique
Ashley: Mozambique
4. Favorite Food
JM: Chinese fried beef noodles
Ashley: Pizza from Leo’s in Romania!
5. Worst/most interesting food
JM: Balut, developed duck eggs
Ashley: Silkworms in China or Iguana in Nicaragua
6. Favorite Culture
JM: Romanian Gypsies or Nicaragua
Ashley: South Africa and Guatemala
7. Biggest way you saw God move
JM: Healing the woman’s head in Mozambique
Ashley: Healing a child’s finger in the Philippines or changing hearts of high school students in the Czech Republic
8. What did you truly abandon this year?
JM: My plans for the future
Ashley: The nearness of family and friends
9. One thing you wished you would have brought?
JM: An Eno hammock
Ashley: Less “world race clothes” and more “Ashley clothes”
10. Most homesick time?
JM: My birthday in Mozambique
Ashley: Romania while sisters on both sides of the family were wedding dress shopping!
11. Area of most spiritual growth?
JM: Growing in my spiritual gifts in Swaziland
Ashley: Learning to listen to what the Lord says to me and recognizing that my voice is valid and worthy of being heard
12. Favorite day of the race?
JM: Valentine’s Day in Romania
Ashley: Thanksgiving in South Africa
13. Most impactful person you met along the way?
JM: Our contacts, Jake and Steph, in China
Ashley: Calvin, one of the little orphans in Swaziland, and Connie, my Nicaraguan Mom!
14. Biggest thing you’ve learned from doing the race married?
JM: We’re on the SAME team!
Ashley: I was told month 1 that that doing the race as a married couple is great training for parent hood….you have to make your marriage a priority because the others aren’t going to do it for you!
15. One word you would use to describe your year?
JM: Surreal
Ashley: Readiness
16. Biggest thing you’ve learned from living in close community?
JM: Serving people and hospitality should be a way of life
Ashley: Conflict breeds intimacy…therefore, constructive feedback is necessary and positive for healthy relationships when delivered in love.
17. Country you would return to?
JM: Romania
Ashley: South Africa or Guatemala
18. Biggest thing you learned that you plan to implement at home?
JM: Operate out of love not fear
Ashley: Less really is more
19. One piece of advice you would give to future racers?
The race was one of the most challenging years of our lives and marriage. At times it may feel as though there is no end in sight, however it will end. It will pass by faster than you can ever imagine. Live each moment. Experience all that you can experience. Learn from each and every person you encounter along the way. Allow your heart to break and love in ways you never have before. You will never be the same!
