Our squad consists of about 59 people and we are all split into teams of 6 or 7. We will all travel together to countries and then split up and head to different ministry sites for the month. At the end of each month we will all travel back to one location within country and spend a few days doing squad feedback, bonding, and probably more training and preparations for the next country. Let me tell you a little bit about my journey thus far!
The day has finally come to launch on a journey that will forever change my paradigms; the World Race. First stop, more training and bonding in Chicago! We spent several days doing worship, praying, attending sessions, and team bonding. From Chicago, we flew into New York. We had a 12-hour layover so our squad was able to spend all night roaming the city. We were able to see Time Square, ride the ferry into Staten Island, and then eat at a really amazing pizza joint where many stars go. After a long sleepless night, we boarded our flights from New York to Atlanta, Georgia, and from Georgia we flew on a 16 -hour non-stop flight to Johannesburg, Africa. I did not get to sit with anyone from my team, but was able to make conversation with some folks from Africa and a woman who was from the states but was teaching in Africa. I
I was able to see my first African Sunset as we landed! Our squad boarded a bus and then headed to a conference center where we would all spend a day of rest together before splitting up into our teams and traveling to our designated ministry sites. This month, teams were split into different countries since there were not enough contacts In one country. My team (p-31) came to Zimbabwe, Africa. We traveled with one more team from our squad called fierce pursuit who will be staying in the city of Harare (the capitol) in Zimbabwe, and my team will be traveling to Bulawayo, Africa tomorrow to work in an orphanage for the month.
The ride here was one crazy story. My team and Fierce pursuit decided to take Eagle Liner; a South African bus system. Our bus was scheduled for three out of a bus station in Johannesburg, Africa (rated the most dangerous place in the world). We must have had angels with us! The bus did not arrive until 9pm. Took about 30 min to load and board, and then decided to break down one hour into our ride! The tire was busted so we spent a couple hours getting it fixed. What was supposed to be an 18 -hour bus ride turned into a 27-hour bus ride. The ride was so long and extremely sketchy and there were moments when all I wanted to do was cry, but our two teams were able to have a good attitude about it and enjoy the experience of it all. I even got to see the most beautiful Sunset in which I listened to an African song on my I pod and cried at the beauty of it all….before attempting to sleep uncomfortably. Oh the joys of travel days!
When the teams finally arrived in Africa…. We were greeted by our contact and given a wonderful African meal! We prayed and then we have spent the past few days doing ministry in a village, painting, and working out in the yard at our contacts house.
We were able to minister in a village of about 800,000 people. We played with kids; spoke at a church service in a brick room with a dust floor! The experience was nothing like that of worship in the states. There was something raw, and extremely real about the people we encountered. We were able to share with them why we are here and just spend time having fun dancing around and singing with them. The women and children that we hung out with were so giving, so happy, so generous, and so in tune with the Holy Spirit. They have thankful hearts and know what it is to live in a raw and real community. Before we left the site, the people prayed and sang over us. It was one of the most powerful worship moments I have experienced and there were no instruments involved. God’s presence was truly there! Being here for the short time that I have has really opened my eyes to the world. There is so much we are missing, do not know, and can learn from these people in Zimbabwe. This is only day two of the World Race, and I have already encountered God in such a way that I have never before. My heart is full, and my hands are ready to serve. I was told we are going to an Internet café in an hour for the first time since the race started so after making a meal for my team I rushed to pre blog this so I can share with you all what is going on in my life. I apologies for the lack of grammar, depth, and details, as I have not had much time to write. Stay tuned for more detailed blogs on the ministry I will be doing for the next month in Bulawayo.
I am currently still not fully funded. If you feel lead to help me, you can make a donation by clicking on the support me link and making a one time, weekly, or monthly donation. I am at 6,888 and need to be at 11,000 by November and a total of 15,500 by March 1st in order to stay on the World Race. I know I am supposed to be here and am certain God will provide, so thank you to all my supporters and all that will support me! Thank you for all your prayers and encouragement. I am forever grateful.
2 Corinthians 9: 7-11
