Wow… a lot has happened since I last blogged and I’m so sorry for slacking on the updates. Life on the race has been a rollercoaster ride but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. These last four months I have been with a new team of dynamite gals and we were blessed to have served in Nepal, Malaysia, Thailand, and Cambodia together. While in Nepal and Malaysia our ministry was a lot less structured as we didn’t have an organized ministry host. The World Race describes these as “Ask The Lord (ATL)” months. Before and during the month we are in constant prayer and communication about what we feel like the Lord is leading us to do. In many ways this ministry is similar to what life at home will look like. We are able to do a lot of fun touristy stuff, yet make our encounters with others very intentional. Our schedules are left flexible for any interruptible ministry opportunities. It is freeing in some ways and stressful in others.
During our time in Nepal, my team and I jumped around a lot. We started in Kathmandu, made our way to Pokhara, ventured off on a six-day trek in the Himalayan mountains, and then returned to Kathmandu. I absolutely loved this month and cherished the little ways God continued to show up. One of my favorite memories from Nepal was when a teammate of mine discovered she had lice during our six-day trek. We had no access to any stores, pharmacies, or anything. So we made use of what we did have which was mayonnaise, Coca Cola, and a dinner fork to sort through her hairs morning and night. It was quite the funny bonding experience. At the end of our trek we made a vibrant friend from Poland who we were able to pour into for about a week. She taught me a lot about life’s little treasures and embracing the goodness of the world.
While in Malaysia, we struggled to find ministry opportunities for about a week in the city. Eventually we made our way to Penang and partnered with YWAM at their homeless feeding facility. It was truly an answer to prayer for both our team and the YWAM base as they were in the process of moving buildings. During our time there we were also able to enjoy some amazing street food and develop relationships with the staff at our favorite restaurants. A big takeaway from this month was learning a lot more the Muslim religion and how difficult it is for people to get out of it.
Next we headed to Thailand, a very anticipated country for many people on my squad! This month our squad joined together for various ministries. Some including, an orphanage for children infected with AIDS, helping to free Burma refugees, supporting church planting and bible smuggling organizations, ministering to sex trafficking victims, and a lot more. This was a very eye opening month for me especially in regards to refugees and sex trafficking. My heart was torn apart seeing just how big of a problem these things are and also how unaware the rest of the world is. At the end of the month, we had the opportunity to invite our parents onto the field. It was so much fun to share this opportunity with them and to give them a preview of what exactly my life has been like for the last 7 months. Not only did our bond as a family grow but I was also able to witness them dive deeper into their personal relationship with God. It was such a beautiful experience. My favorite memory from this month was going to a monk chat with my parents and really feeling like our time had been fruitful.
Last but not least, we are currently finishing our month in Cambodia. Majority of the teams this month taught English at different schools throughout the country. Honestly this was probably one of my hardest months. Not only was I still processing everything I had learned and gone through in Thailand, but for the first time I was missing the comforts of home, and it became difficult to find the positives. I had been bottling up a lot of emotions and they all came crashing down at once. But despite my terrible attitude the Lord was still good to me. He gave me peace in my spirit and taught me a lot about myself that I had never reflected on before. Everyday on the race is a constant state of growth and I am so thankful for it but man am I exhausted some days.
Next stop AFRICA!!! This is just what I needed to put a little pep in my step. I am so so excited. In just four days we will be heading to Ethiopia and I can’t wait! Africa has been the most anticipated continent for me since I was in high school! I have always felt a deep interest and calling for Africa and I cannot wait to see what the Lord has for me there. Please pray for safe travels, good health, and against any spiritual warfare. Thank you to everyone who has reached out to me and continues to encourage me. I wish I had more time to contact everyone but trust me I have been praying and thinking about so many of you! Three more months and I will be home! YAY!! Please feel free to reach out for any questions you have I would love to answer them. Love ya’ll!
