When I first saw Jess at training camp, I knew we'd be friends. She burst onto the scene, rockin' a construction vest and an orange tutu. Just before launch, she posted a YouTube video of herself singing in her room with some crazy mannequin named Jequina. From the beginning, I was excited to get to know this girl.
J-Hurst is a force of nature. She laughs loudly, often at inappropriate times. She's not afraid to tell it like it is. And if you give her a compliment, prepare to see some eye-rolling.
But, there is also another side to Jess. I listened to her story in Mozambique as she recounted how, as a child, her father left her to be raised by her grandmother. I watched her stand in front of our squad in Nepal, and confess that she is deaf in one ear and tell how it's affected her life. I've heard her sing with a voice that can only be born from deep hurt. Have you seen Sister Act 2? She's our Lauryn Hill, ya'll.
Beneath her "whatever", "I don't care" exterior, is a girl who cares deeply. So deeply, that she has participated in or led three other AIM trips. Her love for people is evident. I watched a young, wheelchair-bound girl's face light up when Jess came for her daily visit. I saw the care in her face as she comforted a team member who lost her mother. And if there's a baby around, it's probably in her arms.
It's easy to see how much Jess loves the Lord and His people. She is an amazing woman of God and it's been awesome to watch her grow in her faith this year.
In Thailand, Hurst "borrowed" my phone. Later that night, while checking Facebook, I realized "I" had posted a status update. "Jessica Hurst is my FAVORITE person ever! I love her and so glad she's my black sistah on this race #theworldneedssomecolor."
True Statement.
Jess currently needs over $3,000 to be fully funded for the race. She will be sent home if she doesn't see a significant increase in her account within the next few days. Please consider helping her out with what you can. Skip lunch one day, fast and pray for her instead, and give her $5.
If you would like to support her, please visit her blog at http://jessicahurst.theworldrace.org/ and click on the "Support Me" tab.
