Well, I know this blog post may seem a little out of place since I have already have a few blog posts up and running, but I have just been getting more excited about my World Race adventure this past week that I thought I would share a little bit about what this trip is all about.
Starting in January 2014, I will be venturing out on a trip around the world with my Saviour, my team, and my backpack.
We will be traveling to 11 different countries in 11 months to share the love of Jesus with those we meet along the way. We will be a part of the Lord's work in each of the countries we go to and I am super excited to follow Him around the globe!
With all the talk about different countries and traveling the world, you might be wondering,
“WHICH COUNTRIES ARE YOU ALL GOING???
Well, I'm glad you asked; take a look!
(blue: route details from the WR website – orange: my notes)
South Africa
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.
Why I'm excited to go to South Africa: South Africa was one of the 2 countries I prayed for to be on the route that God had for me to go on. I have always just liked the idea of going to South Africa for one main reason: Soccer Ministry! My dream is to play soccer with the people of South Africa while sharing the love of Jesus Christ with them!
Mozambique
One of the most beautiful countries in the African continent, Mozambique is a favorite location of World Racers for a variety of reasons: the people, the landscape, the ministry partnerships, the miracles that this country has seen, and more. The former Portuguese colony is seeing signs of redemption and economic recovery; because of, or in spite of, the extreme poverty gripping the nation, the church grows. You will teach, preach, and practice "true religion" with widows and orphans while you grow in your identity in Christ. One of your most interesting travel "days" may happen here.
Why I'm excited to go to Mozambique: I honestly was not sure if I had heard about Mozambique before looking into this trip. I am looking forward to experiencing life in Mozambique and just learning about the country in general. I am looking forward to ministering to the people living there in whatever ways God leads.
Swaziland
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.
Why I'm excited to go to Swaziland: All I ever hear about Swaziland is the vast number of people suffering with AIDS and that there are so many children left on their own to care for themselves and sometimes other siblings. It is a hard thing to think about, but it is a reality. I am praying for and looking forward to seeing God work miracles in this small country in southern Africa.
India
With nearly a sixth of the world's population within its borders, India is a country bursting with people and culture. Home to a diverse array of beliefs from Hinduism to Islam, to a blend of folk religions and other faiths, it is a country of pluralism with twenty-nine languages spoken by over a million native speakers, multiple religions, cuisine, socio-economic classes, and political parties. India's struggles with poverty and crimes of human trafficking, forced prostitution, religious persecution, and more. You might work with local churches to encourage believers and most likely be challenged by their testimonies. Your presence'll bring hope and truth to those that society deems "untouchable."
Why I'm excited to go to India: India was the second country I had asked God to put on my World Race route. The reason is simple: loving those deemed “untouchable” by society. I read a book (“No Longer a Slumdog” see my first blog for more from my heart: Matthew 25:40) about children and families in India that were living in awful conditions, worked in brutal ways for pennies, and they had no hope of anything more in life. I hope to be able to share the love of Jesus with them, telling them about the ultimate hope of life-everlasting through Christ Jesus.
Nepal
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.
Why I'm excited to go to Nepal: Mount Everest is there!!! That is pretty cool for sure. Nepal catches my heart when I started to learn more about human trafficking. Going to Nepal could likely to be a very challenging time by being around those who are hurting due to being trapped in human trafficking. I want to be a light to those trapped in darkness!
Malaysia
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.
Why I'm excited to go to Malaysia: Malaysia is a country I had heard of before, but I do not know too much about it. My mom has family who are missionaries in Malaysia, so it will be neat to also be able to experience life and ministry there.
Vietnam
After nearly a century of French rule, in the mid-20th century, Vietnam was split into communist (north) and non-communist (south) halves. By 1975, Vietnam was made whole again, but as a communist country. Even with the economic reforms and restoration of diplomatic ties human rights are limited in Vietnam, especially freedom of religion; most of Vietnam is Buddhist, less than 10% is Catholic. Here you'll be fed with pho, delicious beef noodle soup, and in turn feed believers and pray God's light and presence everywhere you go.
Why I'm excited to go to Vietnam: Vietnam is a place where I never thought I would go. I never have associated Vietnam with a nice place to go, simply because of it being a communist place. I am praying that the Lord will give me courage and strength to share the gospel in whatever ways possible!
Cambodia
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.
Why I'm excited to go to Cambodia: Another country that started to grab at my heart recently due to the many trapped in human trafficking is Cambodia. Learning that there are millions of people in the world trapped in the darkness of human trafficking really breaks my heart. I pray the Lord brings those trapped in the trafficking to freedom, but more importantly, that He opens their eyes to the light of His salvation! They need Him!
Ireland
Ireland boasts a heritage of Christianity through Catholicism. Yet the lifeless display of faith reveals that this nation is farther from God than ever. Rampant alcoholism and suicide rates reveal a desperate need for hope. Through sports, children's outreach, street evangelism, pub ministry, and the relationships that just happen along the way, the World Race reintroduces a life-giving faith to this beautiful, historic culture.
Why I'm excited to go to Ireland: I was excited to see Ireland on my route! I have some Irish background so it will be neat to be able to stand on the country that holds a part of my family history. Sports could be a way to minister in Ireland which is exciting to me, especially if it is soccer, or should I say football! The possibility of serving in pub ministries interests me, it would be something very different for me.
Ukraine
This Eastern European country is caught between its past oppression under the Soviet Union and the desire to be accepted by the West. People in the West tend to be more nationalistic than those in the East, where Russian is more commonly spoken. There’s a substantial orphan (social and full) population and human trafficking’s an issue here, too. Most people claim to belong to the Ukrainian Orthodox church, which is subdivided into three bodies. God’s desire is to bring hope, peace, authentic relationship with himself, and unity to this nation; you’ll find out how exactly you’ll participate in that!
Why I'm excited to go to Ukraine: I do not know too much about Ukraine, but I am looking forward to living and serving there for one month and hopefully being able to build relationships with those I meet, and sharing Jesus with my new friends.
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 and vibrant people who embrace the light of Christ in an inspirational way. Here, you will teach English, lead sports camps, live life with the gypsies, and more. It will be an exciting time of learning about a people group you may not have known even existed.
Why I'm excited to go to Romania: I hear that Romania has gypsies that we be ministering to. Ministering to them will be a brand new experience for me, but one that I know God will take me through with His love and support! Again, the possibility of helping out with sports camps gets me all excited and I am just looking forward to what the Lord has planned for my time in Romania.
So, those are my 11 countries! Pretty cool, eh? I am looking forward to this journey and to be able to experience life, people, and God in many ways in many places.
I hope you will journey along with me!
