Route
I’m excited to let you know that our route has been changed up a bit for our last 7 months on the field and is as follows:
Nepal (November)
Home to Mount Everest, the world’s tallest mountain, Nepal literally sits on top of the world. In addition to adventurous experiences you will have here, you may also visit widows and orphans in their times of distress and protect the innocent who are prey to human traffickers. This month of your World Race experience will submerge you in a culture that is desperate for an encounter with the living God.
Swaziland (December)
The Kingdom of Swaziland is one of the last remaining monarchies in Africa. Home to 1.1 million people and breathtaking scenic views, it’s also where the world’s highest HIV/AIDS infection rate lives (26.1% in adults and over 50% of adults in their 20s). It’s estimated that by 2050, Swaziland may cease to exist. Young orphans are scattered throughout this nation in desperate need of attention. For years, Adventures has been committed to seeing these statistics reversed. Here, you’ll most likely find yourself involved in a variety of outreaches, including education, orphan care, care point feedings, and more.
South Africa (January)
While it’s been several decades since apartheid has formally ended, there’s still more healing and reconciliation to take place in South Africa. One of the wealthiest countries on the continent yet much of the population living outside the cities is poor. Like the rest of sub-Saharan Africa, this country struggles with a high rate of AIDS/HIV. Host to the 2010 World Cup and breathtaking natural attractions, it’s also a place full of kingdom potential, waiting to be released — by you.
Thailand (February)
According to the CIA, the kingdom of Thailand, known as Siam until 1939, is the only country in the region not colonized by Europe. Their 2000 census showed that 94.6% of the population is Buddhist, 4.6% are Muslim, and 0.7% are Christian. Approximately 600,000 people live with HIV/AIDS in Thailand. With nearly two million people estimated to be forced into prostitution, it has become one of the most popular places for sex tourism. Change lives in the city-where you, like Jesus, might befriend prostitutes-or in the countryside-where you may serve youth, care for orphans, and encourage a remnant of believers.
Cambodia (March)
Cambodia houses one of the Seven Wonders of the World, Angkor Wat, a Hindu temple and monastery built during the Khmer empire in the 12th century. It later became a Buddhist complex a century later, and today, just over 96% of Cambodia is Buddhist. Almost 30 years ago, 1.5 million Cambodians died at the hands of Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge regime. Today, Cambodia is a source, transit point, and destination of human trafficking. Unfortunately, the government is struggling to stop it. The people of Cambodia are thirsty for the hope you can bring.
Malaysia (April)
Enter a world entrenched in Islam. A people within the thriving metropolis of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysians still live in ignorance of the Good News of Jesus Christ. As you delve into this culture of works-based religion, strong self-discipline, and uncanny faith, you will have the unique opportunity to deliver hope and point the people to their Redeemer.
China (May)
Host of the 2008 Summer Olympics and home to 1.3 billion people, China’s not just grand in land mass and population. Beside the Han Chinese, there are over fifty minority groups. While China has grown in leaps and bounds industrially, intellectually, and economically, it’s still a politically closed nation. Depending on where you are, you may meet Buddhists, Muslims, and Taoists; there are even churches – government approved and regulated. The underground church is extensive and continues growing, even thriving, amidst persecution. While there, you’ll have to pay homage to the Great Wall, and bring light and hope to a people in darkness and depression. How you’ll do that exactly – you’ll find out once you get there.
Team
As T-Squad entered our 5th month on the Race, we experienced more than just route changes. It was time for us to raise up squad leaders from the squad and let our alumni squad leaders head home, raise up any new team leaders needed, and form new teams.
Although I am very sad to say goodbye to what has been my seven member family for the past four months, including some of the most amazing and Godly women and friends I know, it is time to say goodbye to the era of “Unfading Adornment”. I am so thankful for the impact that my wonderful teammates have had on me over the past four months, allowing me into their lives, teaching me so many things, challenging and encouraging me just as I needed, and loving me so well. So, to Shelby, Bri, Emily, Lacey, Sarah, and Susan, thank you; I could not be more grateful for the role you have played and will continue to play in my life; love y’all!
But with this sad goodbye also comes a very exciting hello! I am now a part of a completely new team to me, including 6 great women along side me. The seven of us are known as “Aliza,” meaning, “to be filled with joy” in Hebrew. We are excited for this new phase in our Race! Let me introduce you to Team Aliza:
Get to know these beautiful ladies and read their awesome blogs by clicking on their links on the lift side of this page!
I am so excited for this next chapter of the Race and the ways God will use these next 7 months and my wonderful new team!
