What’s been your favorite part about the world race?
I think my favorite thing about the race is every day is different! I find myself meeting new people almost everyday. I’ve learned so much from these people and am grateful for the relationships I’ve created.
How many countries do you go to?
My route is three countries: Romania, Guatemala, and Ecuador. While in Romania I got to do international missions in Serbia! Our host also surprised us with a trip to Greece month one.
Which country has been your favorite?
I don’t know if I can pick a favorite! Every place I’ve gone has taught me something new. I have met incredible people everywhere I go who want to tell me where they are from and show me the beauty of their country.
What has been the hardest part?
I’d say the hardest part is living with 20+ people. I love my squad a lot, but I miss having true alone time.
Do you have days off?
Yes! Our off days in Guatemala are Saturday and Sunday. We have one day for sabbath and one adventure day a week!
Have your views on the God and religion changed?
Yes! I used to put God in a box and underestimate His power. Here’s the thing, God can heal, He can move mountains, and He can do the seemingly impossible.
I think the word religious has started to have a negative connotation behind it. I used to claim, “oh I’m not religious” because I had the misconception that being religious equaled being legalistic. James 1:27 reads ‘Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.’ If being religious is simply this; simply loving, I want to be religious.
What is one thing you didn’t think you’d miss but do?
I miss driving, which is weird since anyone who knows me knows I’m the last one to offer to drive. But I really miss the luxury of driving around listening to my favorite music.
Do you get to see your family at all?
In two months, my parents will get to come to Guatemala for a week and serve alongside me!
What has been the biggest test of your faith in the field? Anything make you question your faith in Him?
For some reason, I thought my depression would just be left behind in the states. I found myself questioning ‘how can I share how good God is when I feel so broken?’ But I have faith, that God will use my struggles to meet someone right where they are at. Empathy is powerful.
What type of ministry do you do?
My main ministry in Romania was evangelism! We spent hours a day in villages and cities sharing who Jesus is to us. We also hosted two weekly youth events to introduce teenagers to who God is. Now that I’m in Guatemala, my team will be in a village serving with a team of Guatemalans. We have the opportunity to do all sorts of ministry. We will be doing house visits, stove installations, teaching English, tutoring, sports ministry, and helping with video Bible studies.
Do you feel like you were prepared for this experience?
I don’t know if there’s much I could’ve done to prepare myself for this radically different lifestyle. I spent a lot of time with God, before leaving. I don’t think there’s really any better preparation than that.
When do you come home? Are you excited to come home?
I’ll be home in the end of May/ early June! I miss my family and friends a lot and I’m excited to be back with them, but right now I’m living in the moment and loving where I am!
