I haven't actually sat down and worked the math but I have heard rumblings among my fellow Racers that this is Half Time. Meaning, this week we pass some mysterious point in time that marks half way through our World Race. And, since I missed the Super Bowl, due to my chosen detour during kick off of being curled up in an ice block disguised as a Romanian train station at 4:30 am one balmy winter morning, I thought I'd offer up some of my own "favorites" from the Race that could be seen as the commercial breaks from the main event of ministry.
With no further ado here are a few of my Half Time favorites:
Favorite Snack: Rusks. Introduced to us in South Africa and enjoyed in Mozambique and Swaziland these are a cross between a granola bar and biscotti, yum!
Favorite Travel Day: I always loved travel days but with the new twist of my new role leading them I especially like the smooth ones. The 24 + hour drive from Cape Town, South Africa to Maputo, Mozambique definitely goes down as my favorite from a gazing out the window, smooth sailing, perspective (runner up, the 30+ hour train ride in China)
Favorite Travel Day Story: Before arriving in Romania it would have hands down been the ride to and from Beria, Mozambique (those roads and drivers are insane) but jumping off a train in the middle of Eastern Europe where there isn't even a platform and you land knee deep in snow before the break of dawn also gave me pause and made me wonder just how sane I am.
Favorite Gift: My heart necklace from Karen (China). We've been showered with gifts along the way but since Karen politely decline to hear about my Jesus this gift from her is significant and ironic: significant, reminder to pray for her and ironic because I tried to give her the gift of love (Jesus) and she gave me the symbol of love (Heart).
Favorite Bed: My bottom bunk in the Philippines. I slept like a baby even though the typhoon
Favorite Shower: The Slade's thatched roof "hut" in South Africa may have ruined me for the balance of the Race
Favorite Toilet Paper: Romania three ply it's so much better than Africa .05 ply!
Favorite Spontaneous Dance Party: Girls night in the Philippines because when else have patrons pushed tables aside to let a group of Americans dominate and dance the night away in a pastry shop!
Favorite Currency: The Swaziland 100 bill had the "Big Five" on it and that was pretty cool. Moreover, the coins, like Ruffles, have ridges.
Favorite Church Service: Shekinah Community Church 4.5 hour wind or Spirit "raise the roof" service in South Africa
Favorite Over Loaded Vehicle: 18 Racers in a small SUV in the Philippines (runner up, 20+ in the Chappa in Mozambique)
Favorite Random Mode of Transportation: Mozambique takes the cake for variety of ways to get around but canoeing through the canals of South Africa wins this category as titled
Favorite Song (By Country): Just the way you are (Philippines), Rolling in the Deep (China), Waving Flag/Waka Waka (South Africa), Baby Baby (Mozambique), Colder Weather (Swaziland)
Favorite Meal at McDonalds: French fries, chicken fingers and OJ after being sick for a week in China
Favorite Tourist Day: Visit to the Great Wall
Favorite View: Swaziland
Okay, now to really shake up the blog, let's get interactive!
Do you have a curiosity about the Race? A "favorite category question" if you will? Fire it my way and I'll provide a follow up post full of responses!
We may be half way but we still have half way to go. By your generosity and Gods grace I am fully funded. Others on my team are still working to secure the finances needed to finish their Race. I would like to ask you, on their behalf, to consider donating to financially securing their Race and meeting the March 1st deadline:
Rebecca – A women blessed in worship, Rebecca sings beautifully and lifts all our spirits with a heart of encouragement. A music teacher in the States, she is returning to her teaching job and preparing a December wedding. Coming on the Race and leaving your fiancé for a year is no small commitment. She has an important place on Team Ignition as we'd like to keep her on the field to the end.
(Click "Support Me" on the left hand column of this blog: http://rebeccawells.theworldrace.org/)
Matt – A man of many and few words, when Matt shares what the Lord has been teaching him you listen. In addition, Matt is a gifted musician and quite the entertainer. Matt's creative nature keeps us all thinking and laughing thus his absence from our team would leave an obvious void. Please don't let that be the case, support him and keep him with us through August.
(Click "Support Me" on the left hand column of this blog: http://mattbell.theworldrace.org/)
Amaris – Technically, a leadership opportunity is moving this beloved sister to another team but that doesn't mean she is loved any less by Ignition. Amaris' laugh, hug, prayers, and dance moves have endeared her to me and I would hate to see her go anywhere but full force through the finish line. Please consider supporting my sister and her Race.
(Click "Support Me" on the left hand column of this blog: http://amaristorres.theworldrace.org/)
Sam – We've been together from the beginning and she is a huge part of my Race. Thankfully, she is SO close ($500) to being fully funded. If you have means please consider supporting Sam. PS: I know she doesn't have a lot of blogs up to get to know her by — she's been too busy managing our team finances and buying us groceries for us to survive! — but I assure you she is awesome 🙂
(Click "Support Me" on the left hand column of this blog: http://samanthamcguire.theworldrace.org/)
