Q: What was your favorite part of the World Race?
A: Living in 24/7 community – there’s nothing better than having friends surrounding you all day every day; makes life so much more fun.
Q: What was your favorite country?
A: Cambodia! I loved it even more the second time, and could see myself living over there for a period. I love the people, culture, cities (Phnom Phen, Siem Reap) – everything! It’s beautiful!
Q: What was your favorite ministry?
A: It’s a tie between working at the orphanage in Cambodia and worship ministry in South Africa. Singing vs. playing/loving on the cutest kids ever … can’t decide!
Q: How was the food?
A: Asian food… come on… amazing! Thai/Cambodian/Malaysian food was the best by far. But Kenya came in for a close second. We had a cook in Kenya (Marion) and she made hearty, comfort food for us, which was ideal in their cold winter weather.
Q: What was the most challenging part?
A: Most challenging part and favorite is the same: community. Although I LOVE living in 24/7 community, it also has its downsides…. No alone time, feedback, constant accountability (ugh), and six other opinions that you never really asked for.
Q: What was your “biggest God moment”?
A: Hmm… I had many sweet revelations from the Lord… but the “biggest” moment was probably when God spoke to me about my future during Month 1, and then it repeatedly getting confirmed throughout the race. (I’ll explain further in my next blog.) Also, Jenni and I getting healed from malaria is worth mentioning.
Q: Were you ever scared?
A: Yes. (Mom, skip this section.) At one point, during Jenni and I’s malaria stint, I actually thought Jenni had passed away based on my team mate’s reactions to her seizure. The only other time I was really “scared” was when we rafted the Nile and I was sure I was going to drown. There were, however, MANY experiences on the race that made me nervous, for instance, getting pulled over by corrupt police on travel days, riding on the back of sketch motorcycles, being approached by strange men when being on an all-girls team, nonexistent seat belts, crossing the street in Cambodia, getting past pimps to minister to prostitutes, being white in Africa (can bring lots of unwanted attention). But you can’t let fear and nervousness get to you – you have to remember that God has you in the palm of His hand!
Q: What was your biggest lesson learned?
A: Patience – in life and with the Lord. Living with people 24/7 in one tiny room, working with kids who don’t speak English, constant miscommunication with your contact, and of course, waiting on the Lord to heal, provide, lead, speak, etc. It can all drive you a little crazy after a while!
Q: What was the weirdest place you slept?
A: Overnight buses, rat infested church floors, tents in Nicaraguan jungle. Are those weird? I can’t tell anymore…
Q: What was the worst travel day?
A: Busing from El Salvador to Nicaragua. We were constantly stopped by corrupt police, and I had decided to take my malaria meds that day which (unknowingly) made me sick to my stomach. Yay for travel days!
Q: What was the most exciting thing you did?
A: So many… rode elephants in Thailand, rafted the Nile in Uganda, baptized in South Africa, hiked a volcano in Guatemala, shared my testimony to 8,000 people in El Salvador, safari in Kenya. Do those count?
Q: What did you miss the most from home?
A: Ruby! Duh! Also, driving, Reeses Peanut Butter Puffs cereal and my bed.
Q: What was your biggest regret?
A: Not bringing my phone. You can buy sim cards in every country.
Q: Would you do it again?
A: YES. Best year of my life. Recommend it to anyone ages 21-35. Take a year off of working and invest in yourself spiritually. You’ll never regret it.
