What can I say~ these past 12 months have been the best,
worst months of our lives. God has grown us more than we are even aware of I’m
sure. It’s crazy to think that this chapter is coming to a close~ it’s not the
end, rather just the beginning of a wild adventure that God has in store for us!
We cant wait to see the rest of you, and hear about the things that have been
going on in your lives these past 11 months, and share with you more about what
God has been doing in ours.. We thought it might be fun to answer 11 questions
that some people might have for us!
1.
What was your favorite memory of the race?
Josh:
It is hard to pinpoint one specific moment but I would say that my favorite
time of ministry would be leading worship in a Pilipino Prison (that is the
Philippines.) Another favorite life moment on the race was climbing a mountain
in Tanzania and then sleeping at the top under the stars with some friends from
the race. We saw about 10 shooting stars, a huge Horned Owl and a sunrise that
was indescribable.
Bri:
Hmm.. Which one to choose? There was a moment in Cambodia where I felt God’s
presence like I’ve only felt once before. I was spending time with the Lord and
crying out to Him, and then suddenly I felt as though He came down and just
touched my heart and started breaking my heart for what broke His. It was such
a beautiful feeling, but it was so powerful that it was almost too overwhelming,
in a good way. =) Shortly after that Josh and I felt the call to go back to
Cambodia!
2.
What was your favorite type of food?
Josh: I agree with Bri; Thai and Indian food hands down!
Bri: Thai and Indian~ DELICIOUS!!!!!!
3.
Which was your hardest month, and why?
Josh: Malaysia was rough. The bamboo
jungle kicked our butts and it was spiritual low point of the trip. Leaches,
extreme heat, and ramen noodles didn’t help the situation either.
Bri: I think I have 2. Guatemala (month
1) because everything was new and different, including our team and we were
traveling so much that month. And Malaysia (month 6) because we kept having manual labor months of
ministry, and it was hard to see the purpose behind it at the time~ and we were
in the JUNGLE doing manual labor. The last day of that month made it all worth
it though=)
4.
What was one of the biggest things you have
learned this year?
Josh: True love is a day by day, minute by minute choice. Also, we
are missionaries all the time. We don’t ever take off the “missionary hat.”
Some of the best ministry this year has been the unplanned, spontaneous times.
Bri: Fruits of the Spirit~ and LOVING others
5.
What did you see that was the most
heartbreaking?
Josh: We saw so many tough
things this year. I think one of the most heartbreaking situations was in our
last month. We worked with HIV positive orphans. I don’t think I need to
explain further.
Bri: One, I’d have to agree
with Josh.. And two, while we were in
India walking on the streets we saw a man that I will never forget. He was so
distorted that I couldn’t believe it was a person. (I’ll tell you more about
him in a future blog!)
6.
Out of the 11 countries are there any that you
would like to go back to?
Josh: Mine are the same as
Bri’s…exactly.
Bri: To visit~ Panama,
Thailand, Malaysia, India; To do ministry~ Cambodia, and possibly India
7.
How many different beds did you sleep in?
Josh &Bri: 52+
8.
What is something that you have learned that you
would like to take back with you and incorporate into your life?
Josh: Generosity, Loving like
Jesus, and Worship is all of life. I also want to incorporate evangelism into
my daily walk. I want it to flow naturally out of a pure heart.
Bri: Worship like I’ve never
seen before! Devotion to the Lord in prayer, and more of God’s Spirit.
9.
Which month was your favorite, and why?
Josh: India for sure. It was
such an incredible month. I agree with Bri though, we still feel a strong call
back to Cambodia.
Bri: Although we definitely
feel called back to Cambodia~ India was my favorite month. Our contacts we had
were so honoring, and I learned so much from them! We got to worship for 3-4
hours per day and our ministry that month was working with these amazing
HIV/AIDS orphans, and working in the Red light district. It was a beautiful way to end!
10. How was it like living in community all the
time?
Josh: Growing. Definitely
challenging but such a good time.
Bri: Not easy at all. Very sanctifying~
very growing, but so good at the same time. It’s a love hate kind of thing…
11. If you could sum up these 11 months in one
sentence what would you say?
Josh: I wouldn’t trade it for
anything but I would not do it again! I know that sounds strange but I really
loved it and hated it at the same time.
Bri: It was nothing that I wanted or
expected, but EVERYTHING that I needed~ God’s ways our not our ways, but they
are so much better for us.
