Well folks, ministry for the race is over. It's a strange feeling. As I type this I am at our final debrief where we are spending a few days together hanging out on the beach, reflecting back on this past year, and saying our final goodbyes to friends that have become family over the past year. It's so crazy how fast time has gone.
I am dedicating this blog to all the incredible people I have met over the past 11 months. I came on this trip to serve and most of the time I walked away being more blessed than I ever thought possible and been given more than any earthly thing. Here are some of the people who have made a huge impact on me and that I will remember forever.
Month 1: Moldova. Maria.
This woman is CRAZY! We met her on a house visit and ended up going to her house several times. She is a woman of God I tell you. As soon as she saw us coming she hit her knees in prayer thanking God for bringing us to her. I forget how old she is, in her 80's but she loves the Lord. I was blown away by her faith and her prayer life. It really challenged and encouraged me. We spent a long time praying with her and singing praises together. She was just awesome.
photo by the lovely Jess Gasperin.
Month 2. Romania. Tony.
I wrote a blog about him while we were there. But this guy, I am quite fond of him. I won't lie, he's a big brat. But he has the sweetest side to him. You just have to see past that. Just a boy desperate for attention. Our main ministry was playing with the children at the children's home so we played together everyday. I let him do my hair, paint my nails, swing, whatever he wanted to do. He wasn't always easy to love but through him I learned what loving like Jesus really means 🙂
Month 3. India. Chinni.
This month we worked with YWAM and Chinni is on staff. We were involved in lots of different ministries so I enjoyed getting to know the staff and have that constant relationship with people. She is hilarious. You could hear her laugh a mile away. I loved getting to hear her heart for the country and her love for Jesus.
Month 4. Nepal. Pramila (in the yellow dress).
I love this story. Pramila wasn't part of organized ministry. Two of my teammates met her while running one morning. She isn't a Christian but has lots of questions and I believe she is so close to becoming a believer. Her and a few sisters were staying in Kathmandu for a few months because one sister was really sick and needed better medical care. Unfortunately on the day we flew to Africa her sister passed away. While we were in Nepal we went to her house several times to pray and answer questions Pramila had. The whole situation broke my heart in a way I had never felt before. Still praying for her and her family!
Month 5. Kenya. Pastor Kimani.
Oh Kenya. This month rocked my world. I preached, which is huge. We worked with several different pastors doing revivals and crusades but Pastor K was our main one who organized everything. This guy is an amazing pastor. His love for people would blow you away. He was so encouraging to me and patient with me during this process of finding my voice, and becoming confident with speaking to groups.
Month 6. Rwanda. Breezy!
Breezy was our brother for the month. He's about the same age as my own brother and it was so great having him around. We joked around, laughed, and did everything real siblings would do. He was so sweet to us, and his family was so great to us. Having a brother around was good for my soul.
Month 7. Uganda. Pastor Thomas.
Uganda was a rough one. But Pastor Thomas has more joy than most people I know. He was always laughing and smiling and on days that I didn't think I could make it any longer his joy would turn my mood around and it got me laughing at my own situation. My team died laughing almost everytime we saw him on his little scooter and this shirt he wore almost every day:)
Month 8. Thailand.
In Thailand, my favorite month, we worked with lady boys at a coffee shop. We taught different classes and skills.This is the student I taught sewing too! I didn't think I could do it but I did! He designed aprons for the cafe and we made them become a reality. He wants to be a clothes designer some day so we helped him start pursuing his dreams. One of the funniest people you will ever meet.
Month 9. Malaysia. Felisha.
This rugrat stole my heart. Our contacts daughter. She was wild. So much energy. I'm pretty sure she never sleeps. Repeats everything you say. Afraid of hangers. I loved the family we lived with so much. They became like really family and I will always remember them. They have such great dreams and visions for their life and community and I was honored to come alongside them for a few weeks.
Month 10. Cambodia. Somali. Spelled wrong probably
This girl is truely beautiful. So smart, funny, caring, and loving. Always taking care of her younger sister. She came to the English classes we taught but she was ALWAYS hanging around our house. Spoke pretty good english so she was so helpful!
Month 11. The Philippines. Ofrina!
I absolutely love this woman. It's kind of a long story about how she is related to ministry but basically she is staying with her sister who lived below us helping out at the camp/ childrens home we are working at. Again another example of somebody who loves so well. Every time we saw her or walked by she was singing, dancing, shouting, etc. Our last day she even did a cheerleading stunt and played basketball. Age doesn't hold her back from anything. She loves vistors and loves serving. Such a beautiful example of a woman chasing after the Lord.
When I remember the Race, I will remember faces. Remember the amazing people I met along the way. Their stories, their lifes are a part of me forever and have changed my life in some way or another. And these are only a few. There are SO many more 🙂
