announcements! and race route…

Hey guys!  Guess what: I just found out my exact departure date for the World Race, and it is… (insert drum roll here)…January 3, 2010!!!!!  We will be leaving from LA to Auckland, New Zealand!!!  It’s so crazy to me that this is finally all about to begin.  In a little over a month I will be out of the good ol’ US of A for 11 crazy months.  Oh yeah, I also wanted to give a quick support update while I’ve got your attention.  So, as of now I have raised (insert second drum roll) $6,220!  Thank you SO much to those who have given so far!  I’d encourage anyone who reads this to consider giving just a few bucks (or, really, whatever you are able) toward this ultra-worthy cause.  I still have $7,580 to go, and I know God’s going to continue to provide.  I  want to give a quick shout out to my amazing Uncle Rick and Aunt Rachel who have been letting me stay with them in Boston for the past couple months.  I have been working with their medical practice, and they have been so generous to not only pay me for this, but to also provide room and board, and other random treats as well (I’ve been spoiled!! haha).    Every penny I’ve earned here will go toward the Race, so I’m super-grateful to them for that.  They are an amazing couple with two awesome boys, and I love and appreciate them so much!  

Well, I realized that I never actually posted my race route on here, so in case some of you are still unsure of where I am going, this is for you: (Oh and the videos for Thailand, Cambodia, and Romania are at the end of the page for some reason, so make sure you scroll down. I’m not that great at this blogging thing it seems)…

New Zealand Everyone who watched the Lord of the Rings is captivated by New Zealand’s beauty. In the midst of a paralyzing atheistic culture, the Maori people are still experiencing revival like never before. Ministries and outreaches from those burdened for this island nation are contributing to the reclaiming of this people group for the cause of Christ. The World Race is headed to New Zealand to speak truth and reap a harvest to the glory of God.

Australia  From the Sydney Opera House to the Aboriginal Tribes of the Australian Outback, World Race will seek to partner with ministries, churches and missionaries who are spreading the hope of Christ to the rich and poor alike. While Australia boasts a more westernized culture, the marginalized, impoverished, destitute and lost still exist and live each moment for the hope of hearing the good news.

Malaysia  Enter into Malaysia and walk into a world entrenched in Islam. Although Malaysia is home to one of the most thriving metropolises in the world, the people of this nation still live life with little to no knowledge of the gospel. It’s a world much like our own, but much different in the spirit. Delve into this culture of works-based religion, strong self-discipline, and uncanny faith, while delivering hope and pointing the people to their Redeemer.

Thailand 

With nearly two million people estimated to be stuck inside of prostitution in Thailand, it has become one of the most popular places for sex tourism. Change lives in the city and rock worlds in the countryside. Thailand’s sure to capture your heart.

 

Cambodia 

28 years ago, Cambodia experienced one of the most gruesome genocides known to man where over one third of the country’s population was slaughtered. Still in recovery from their past, the people of Cambodia are thirsty for hope. 

 

 

Kenya  Who hasn’t heard of Kenya in their lifetime? The Kenyan people are colorful, musical, artistic and hungry for the love of Christ. The Masai bush, the Nairobi metropolis, the Kiberra slums…comprise a country diverse yet unified in history. As a new era dawns in Kenya, so does the Gospel of truth and faith. By meeting felt needs in the bush and the city, the World Race produces lasting fruit and lasting ministries to carry on even after we leave.

Uganda  From the Ugandan islands to the base of Mount Kilimanjaro, the African people of these nations share a common bond. Through the wild lands, home to Africa’s “Big Five” animals coexist people, reached and unreached with the Gospel of Christ. Through evangelism, church planting and discipleship, we will be a part of a movement to further the kingdom of God in this incredible region of the world.

Africa ATL  Twice during your World Race experience, your team will take a month to ATL (ask the Lord) for a new mission field. He may lead you someplace in the middle of a buzzing city or somewhere that can’t even be found on a map. Either way, it’s a time of listening to the Lord’s voice and following him with true abandon.

Romania 

The northern regions of Romania are home to the gypsy people. 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’ll teach English, lead sports camps, live life with the gypsies, and more.

 

 

Ukraine  Caught between its past oppression under the USSR communist regime and the desire to be accepted by Western society, Ukraine is a land of many ups and downs. Thankfully, there’s hope, light, and life spreading like wildfire throughout this nation. Is it the kingdom of God coming in power? We think so.

Eastern Europe ATL  Ask God where to go and do what He tells you. It’ll be one of the most adventurous and memorable months of ministry that you’ll have on the Race. Romania, Ukraine, Moldova, Croatia, Germany, Greece… God could lead you anywhere in Europe to unveil His kingdom. Are you willing to abandon your last month on the Race to Him?