Here it is everyone…My 11 countries. Each with it's own blend of beauty, mystery, and faith.
I wanted to share where I'll be heading, and a bit about each county-the first bullet is an adaption from the World Race January route 2 blurb and the second bullet is something silly I'm looking forward to.
There's so much to be said on each country…What am I most curious about, what I'm excited for, what I'm apprehensive about (BIG BUGS!), what can I hope to learn from the each organization that we partner with, how will God challenge me, how will I challenge myself?
I don't know much about the countries I will be in, but here is what I have learned so far…
Guatemala
- Guatemala needs God’s touch, gripped by poverty and bound to a spirit of religion, the people of Guatemala hunger for the kingdom of God to pervade their lives.
- Looking forward to…seeing my first toucan, and then reciting Shel Silverstein’s poem ‘The Toucan’ an all time favorite.
Honduras
- “Hondo” comes from the Spanish word for depth and there’s lots of depth to Honduras; It’s home to the Aztec and Mayan civilizations, whose ruins still stand.
- Looking forward to…eating a banana in the “banana republic”
El Salvador
- El Salvador is the third largest economy in the central region yet the smallest (in land mass) country in the Americas.
- Looking forward to…getting lost and exercising my Spanish skills…hola!
Ukraine
- Ukraine is a land of many ups and downs; caught between it’s past oppression under the USSR communist regime and the desire to be accepted by Western society.
- Looking forward to…Being in Europe’s “bread basket” mmmmmm carbs.
Romania
- The northern regions of Romania are home to the gypsy community. Though strangers in their homeland and forgotten by society, the gypsies are a strong, vibrant people who embrace the light of Christ in an inspirational way.
- Looking forward to…Living with the gypsies!!! My mom would have LOVED this.
Kenya
- The Maasai bush, the Nairobi metropolis, and the Kibera slums comprise a country diverse yet unifies in history. As a new era dawns in Kenya, so does the gospel of truth and faith.
- Looking forward to…during the first rain storm singing and dancing to “the rain down in Africa” song.
Uganda
- Referred to as the Pearl of Africa, Uganda is diverse in topography and wildlife, once a British Protectorate, then under military rule, with armies in northern Uganda heavily recruited child soldiers.
- Looking forward to… getting schooled by kids and finally learning how to play soccer.
Tanzania
- Tanzania has a one-third split between Christianity, Islam, and indigenous religious groups. This diversity creates a colorful landscape of people and beliefs
- Looking forward to…Gazing upon Mt. Kilimanjaro
Thailand
- Approximately 600,000 people live with HIV/AIDS with nearly two million people estimated to be forced into prostitution, the Kingdom of Thailand was known as Siam until 1939
- Looking forward to…eating curry at every meal!
Cambodia
- Houses on of the Seven Wonders of the world, the Angkor Wat built in the 12th century. Almost 30 years ago, 1.5 million Cambodians died at the hands of Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge regime.
- Looking forward to… walking in a country steeped in beauty and a history that confuses me
Malaysia
- 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.
- Looking forward to…adding my own dash of flavor to “Asia’s melting Pot”.
Oh the places I'll go.
