On the race, we refer to everything according to the month number or country we were in. Theres no concept of time or days, so everything depends on where we we were at. Heres a low down of the month, what ministry we did, and where I was at personally and with the Lord.
Cambodia- Phnom Penh. October
Holy Spirit spoke a lot into my life through my teammates. I found forgiveness and freedom.
Our ministry was teaching english, guitar, and leading Sunday School.
Fun: I ate a tarantula and we bought a lot of elephant clothing from markets.
State: The race is exciting and I can take the heat, bucket showers, floor sleeping with no space, and constant community with no problems!
Thailand- Chiang Mai. November
The Lord taught me how important boundaries are and how to see people through his eyes.
We did bar ministry, interceded, and built relationships with women at Zion, the coffee shop.
Fun: I got up at 4 am and jumped into a songtou to ride up to the top of a mountain for a sunrise with friends. We also got to see the Lantern Festival.
State: seeing exploitation aggravates me- they’re empty and searching for something. I’m emotionally exhausted. I have a huge passion for women’s ministry and I’m going to start exploring this passion.
Malaysia- Kuala Lumpur. December
The Lord showed me how important relationships are and how ultimately He just wants us to love others no matter their race, age, gender, or religion.
Our ministry was working with muslim refugees and helping prepare everything for the school year. I also helped in the coffee shop where the students worked.
Fun: I fell in love with pineapple fried rice and ate it every day. Literally. We went to a local play about Malaysia cultural and I also beat boxed at the staff Christmas party- this is not where the Lord gifted me.
State: I had no idea refugees were like this. They go through a lot and the media doesn’t give you a correct view of what it’s like. Freedom of religion is an underestimated thing we take for granted. Americans have a super blessed life.
Philippines- village of Balabag, outside Bacolod. January
The Lord broke my heart for the things he didn’t intend to have in this world; sin, sickness, brokenness, pain. He also showed me a super simple lifestyle.
Our ministry was church planting, physically and spiritually. We did sports ministry, evangelism, intersession, a three day conference.
Fun: We survived tenting in a typhoon, we would ride in trikes up a hill to our village and got stuck multiple times and they rides were filled with laughter.
State: Why does God do what he does, why isn’t Dennis healed, why why why? I love this village and this simple lifestyle. Everyone on our squad says we smell but we’ve been tenting in the middle of a sugar cane field and idk what they’re talking about.
Zimbabwe- kadoma. February.
The Lord worked through the walls I’ve built up around evangelism. I fell in love with it and realized how he speaks to me. The Lord also worked through my fears of preaching and He spoke to me more than ever. He equips where He calls.
Our ministry was street evangelism, home visits, preaching, and visiting schools.
Fun: wifi is far and in between in Africa and we went to Harare for a day and ended up running all over town in the pouring rain looking for wifi to call our moms. We also woke up at 3am to watch live on the red carpet on E! As a team.
State: Africa is hot and team changes are hard. We stand out a lot here and they put Americans on a pedestal.
Zambia-Lusaka. March
Grace upon grace. Abba has given us sooo much grace and it’s beautiful. I realize how much has been extended to me and extended it more to others.
We did ministry at a school and taught and told bible stories. We also preached, youth ministry and evangelized.
Fun: we ran out of gas by the city trash site, and went to the Africa Cup soccer game!
State: Africa literally has no wifi. Theres a ton of pot holes and speed bumps. This community has a ton of faith and trust in the Lord, and He shows up in amazing ways every single time.
Malawi- Salima. April
If you seek me you will find me. The Lord will show up and he will answer your prayers in His way.
We worked at a clinic, preached, and did youth ministry.
Fun: we went to Lake Malawi but not the resort part, there were more farm animals in the water than people. We also spent Easter morning reading scripture with Zebras and Giraffes.
State: God provides, just go with it. Make skits and songs up as you go and so it with confidence, people will never know. Don’t think about the reality of it- staying in an abandon hospital, huge bugs, the fork you’ve used every day and washed only with water, they’re not that bad.
Ukraine- Kolensti, outside of Kiev. May
I will give you rest, come to me. I really have a passion for women, but sometimes all you’re called to do for them is pray.
We prepared the land for summer camps that they host. We painted, sanded, cleaned, handed out banana bread to the community.
Fun: We flew to Krakow, Poland for the weekend on a cheap flight and visited Auschwitz and a Salt Mine. Liviv is also an awesome city.
State: It is snowing and I only have shorts and tank tops. The last 7 months I’ve been sweating nonstop and I don’t know how to react to this stuff falling from the sky. Europe eats a lot of bread.
Romania- Draganesti Olt. June
Invest in people and build relationships. Find out peoples gifts and strengths and use those. Embrace your parents and thank them for what they’ve done for you.
Our ministry was intercession, teaching english, evangelism, home visits, and handing out bibles.
Fun: We road tripped to see castles and the mountains.
State: My parents are awesome and it’s so cool to do ministry with them. I can’t wait to be home with my other family. I’m really going to miss this family. People around the world are awesome and I love meeting brothers and sisters in Christ.
Albania- Drenova, outside Korce. July
The Lord created beautiful scenes for us to enjoy, sit and take them in. I also realized how much the Lord speaks to me through nature. You can also do anything with the Lord and talk to him whenever you want no matter what’s going on. Do more of what the Lord gives you joy through.
We put on an english camp for two weeks, attended women’s meetings and church meetings.
Fun: Hiked the mountain in our backyard and had a rain day where we chilled, made chili, and watched movies.
State: Goodbyes never get easier and thy still suck. This world is sooo beautiful and I take advantage of it a lot. A lot of things are bittersweet in this season right now.
Spain- Barcelona, El Camino, Mijas. Now and August
Live missionally. You can do every day life and invite the Lord into that. Invest in your community.
Our ministry in Barcelona is following where the Lord leads. For me, I’m not sure what that looks like yet. The Camino, we will be seeking the Lord out there too and creating conversations with other people walking. In Mijas it’s debrief.
Fun: All of it.
State: How is it already month 11. What am I doing with my life. I’m going to miss these people and this lifestyle. I’m ready to be home. I never want to leave these people. I love the race. How many days left. How is the last month.
Heres a recap of my race so far. The very very short recap. I process externally with being asked questions so feel free to ask anything!! I’ve loved the race and it’s awesome reflecting on how the Lord moved, so all questions and thoughts are more than welcomed!!! Love y’all and see ya in about 27 days! Wow.
Also, thank you SOOO much for all the prayers, support, love, grace, and everything else throughout this amazing journey the Lord has taken me on. You all have made such an impact in my life and I’m incredibly blessed.
