As the World Race comes to an end; with just 8 days left on the field my mind is flooding with incredible memories of this last year. I wanted to share a few of them. Here are 11 things that I never thought I would be equipped, led or able to do in my lifetime. Hope you enjoy!
- Help lay the first cinderblock “cornerstone” for a church, community center and school in Dieouzon, Côte d’Ivoire.
- Get the opportunity to use the little bit of sign language I know to communicate with Charles and Gifting (two beautiful human beings) who ran a sewing shop in Sunyani, Ghana
- Teach English to 9-16 year olds at Ace American Academy, a primary school in Phnom Penh, Cambodia and find a calling/passion in life.
- Play checkers, Jenga and Jackpot with the ladies who danced on bar tops in the famous Bangala Road red light district in Phuket, Thailand and absolutely love every moment spent with them.
- Be completely led by the spirit to pray and believe that God could and would stop the fire that took the lives of neighbors and destroyed 4 story buildings to ash in Hakha, Myanmar.
- Not letting fear and doubt keep me from doing a 3 day, 29 mile hike in the Himalayas for trekking ministry — having a greater purpose than serving myself and taking every step for my brother Ralf and those who were waiting to hear the gospel in the remote villages of Nepal.
- Being able to serve my family during a time of need. Allowing God to use me, give me strength and the ability to care for Ralf in his last days here on earth. To choose commitment, honor promises and not give up during hard times. I can be a source of light and blessing not a burden in Ongole, India and Olney, Maryland.
- Having the honor to disciple and walk alongside a beautiful young woman who was unaware of her value. Be able to teach, share, speak life and truth, have fun together and so much more. Become a mentor even if it’s for a short time in Belmopan, Belize.
- Say goodbye and love others intently from afar. Continue to pursue from thousands of miles away in San Raymundo, Guatemala. Bonus: serving alongside “Lee Lee” (my mamma) in Antigua, Guatemala. Loving on the lost together.
- Choose to take another leap. Follow God’s calling to move to Cambodia in February 2019 to become a director of the primary school I taught during month 3. As my amazing teammate (Prisca) said… “I kicked fear in the face” in San Salvador, El Salvador.
- Intentionality – experiencing daily rhythms, 5 am sunrises, hearing the Lords voice and what He has to share with my squad mates as I do listening prayer for each of them, the gift of fasting, understanding how prideful I am when I think I’m being humble and understanding the importance of embracing my “daughter-ship” with my Heavenly Father in Granada, Nicaragua
Ok, so here’s one more… technically we did 12 countries in 11 months.
- Be brought to tears as you worship Jesus with people who a year ago were perfect strangers. Realize life will never be the same and has changed for the better. I have fallen in love with 27 incredible human beings, I am honored to call these people my friends. Awed with an unconditional genuine love because I see them through the Father’s eyes. Praising our Father, worshiping, lifting our voices and loving the lost together. Finishing strong side by side in Valle de Angeles, Honduras.
Thank you, F squad!
Thank you, Jesus!
xo,
R
