They always say, “A picture is worth a thousand words.”
Well, this blog will say a lot then. Here is a compilation of pictures from my 15 months on the field. Enjoy!
#1 – Cambodia // October 2016
My journey began with these dear hearts in a village on the outskirts of Phnom Penh. We taught English and developed relationships. Pictured with us is Chanta. She’s amazing. All these women changed my life.
#2 – Thailand // November 2016
Elephants. One of the best days of my life. This beautiful pachyderm helped me to breathe again in the midst of a hard month of bar ministry.
#3 – Malaysia // December 2016
Christmas caroling in four languages. Wearing punjabis. Laughter and joy.
#4 – Philippines // January 2017
Riding around in this van with 15+ people to high schools was always an adventure. We did 30 min programs in the front of classrooms with songs, questions, and sharing testimonies. It’s one of my more favorite things I’ve done.
#4+ – RSQLs // EST. January 2017
The night before marked a turning point in my life and these two were huge in that moment. Some of their encouragement still spurs me on today. Leading the last half of my eleven month with them was truly a blessing. Love you, Erin and Joshu.
#5 – Zimbabwe // February 2017
This is Zach. He and his cohort brightened my day in the midst of a stormy time in Zimbabwe. He lives at a safe house and children’s home. This smile always brings a smile to my face.
#6 – Zambia // March 2017
I spent the month with these two amazing teachers and their babies. Encouraging and being encouraged. Along with singing and drawing a number of posters for their classroom walls.
#7 – Malawi // April 2017
We did door to door evangelism all month long. This was one of my favorite days. We shared some of our favorite verses with these women, prayed for them, and then went next door where God healed two people of leg pain. Amazing.
#8 – Ukraine // May 2017
Here I am seated atop a stack of crates. I stacked these crates as I climbed them and am about 20 feet in the air. This was training for the next weekend where we put together ropes courses for children at a church retreat.
#9 – Romania // June 2017
Here I learned about fellowship and abiding with brothers and sisters. My eyes were opened to new levels of leading from a place of empowerment. Family. Through barbecues, birthday celebrations, homeless ministry, kids ministry, and more.
#10 – Albania // July 2017
Most impressively decorated VBS I’ve ever been to. My Albanian friends put their all into what they do and it was so much fun to help with decorating and the VBS.
#11 – Spain // August 2017
All the random, small Spanish towns we journeyed through on the Camino de Santiago. All the people we met along The Way.
#11+ – M Squad // Circa 2016-17
Too many things that I could say about these people… they are MY people though. We laughed, cried, had conflict, encouraged, teased, talked in British accents (or as close as some could get…), adventured, held one another, scratched backs and heads, danced, and everything in between. It would be too long of a post if I kept going…
September – December 2017 spent in Texas and Georgia. Soaking up all the time I could with family and getting ready for the following five months.
#12 – Indonesia // Jan/Feb 2018
“I love You, Jesus, deep down in my heart…” Children continually touch my heart more than I could dream of touching theirs.
#13 – Philippines // Feb/Mar 2018
God led us to new partnerships for the feeding program run by our host. We met an awesome pastor who had a heart to feed his people. All he needed was the provisions. He was an answered prayer for us, and we were one for him.
#14a – Laos // March 2018
We assisted in building a wall. We dug holes, picked up trash, mixed and carried concrete, carried and layer bricks, and whatever else was asked of us. Physical labor shows the spoils of effort given. Also, some of the best food I have ever eaten.
#14b – Thailand // April 2018
Handing out Bibles to Chinese tourists on a pier in Thailand was not something I thought I would ever do. I was continually humbled by those who received the gift we were offering. China is not exactly friendly to Christianity.
#15 – Cambodia // April/May 2018
I didn’t spend a ton of time in ministry this month which wasn’t the easiest on me but I loved every moment of this month. Instead, most of my time and focus went to these amazing women. If you want to hear more about them read my precious blog “WoManistry”.
#16 – Vietnam // May/June 2018
Volunteering at a daycare. Most of my days consisted of being a chair for the kids who wanted a lap to sit on. Or cleaning up vomit. I love all those little sweethearts.
#16+ – E Squad // Circa 2018
I love the people pictured here. God put a love in me for them before I met them and that has only continued to grow. They’re patient and thoughtful. They are strong and passionate. They are on a journey, and I am blessed to have been a part of it. I’m by no means close to perfect and have messed up probably 1,000 times in the past 5ish months with them. But, they are forgiving and have taught me too many things to number. I am blessed by them. Love you, E Squad.
#16++ – Alumni SQLs
My heart. I love them beyond words. We get a limited amount of time together as a team since we travel around the squad. I can undoubtedly say they have been a top highlight of these past 5ish months. I can’t even imagine what it would have been like without them. Not only are they my co-leaders but my dear friends. Love y’all more than words!
