The World Race has been an experience that I will never forget. It has been the hardest journey of my life thus far. I never imagined I would be challenged in the ways that I have been both in ministry and personally. What I have discovered is that God can reveal a lot more to you when distractions are limited. Here on the Race things like TV, radio, cell phones, creature comforts, restaurants, nightly activities, etc, have all been very limited. Because of that self reflection and hearing God's voice have all become more prominent in my life. It has not always been easy and it is not always fun being on the World Race but what I have learned so far is worth it and I know that God is not done with me yet. He has called me to 11 months and I plan on staying that extent of time. God is doing too many great things around the world and I would hate to have gotten this far and have to miss out on the rest. I have been given the chance to pray over the sick, love on orphans, teach, preach, see people surrender to God, be answered prayer to individuals, and so much more. My months on the Race have each been so different that it has felt like each month was a year. I even struggle sometimes to remember where I was last month! I cannot imagine what the rest of this journey is going to look like but I am excited and hopeful.
With that stated, I wanted to thank each you that have been following my blog, posting comments on my blogs, praying for me, emailing me, and supporting me in so many other ways. You are the reason I am not only able to be on this journey right now but also the reason I am fighting till the end. I am still roughly $2,000 away from my financial goal. Praise God! If you would have asked me before the Race if I would ever be able to see my goal reached I would have probably laughed a little but God remains faithful and I know that He will provide me with the rest. I was required to have all of my funds by July 1st. I have obviously run out of time and have not met my goal yet. I fully know that if God wants me to finish the Race than He will meet my need. I am not sure how He is going to do that but I remain positive and simply ask that you pray for me during this time.
If you feel like you may be part of the answer, look to your left and you will find the “Support Me” tab. If you click on that you can donate online and it will go directly into my account. You will receive a receipt for your taxes because the USA rocks and will allow you to deduct it! You can also donate via check. Directions can be found under the “Support Me” tab. Please feel free to email me with any questions. I have internet all month!!!
God used me in a whole new way this past month. He called me to return to Maria and bring her a new pair of shoes, socks, sweater, and a month supply of food. I wanted her to know that God heard her cry and led me to her. It is only because of God that my heart was so touched by this woman. Maria needed a break and God provided that for her. I simply got the chance to be God's tool in this situation which I was honored to do. I wish you all could have been there to see the happiness that was expelling from Maria. As I took off her holey and dirty sock and placed a new sock and shoe on her foot, she began to sing praises to God. She could not stop smiling.
One of the most special things I gave her was the pink sweater I picked up. While I was in the store shopping for Maria's shoes I felt God tell me to also buy her a sweater. I decided to be obedient and purchased Maria the sweater. After sitting and speaking with her she began to express how cold she was because of the weather. Again, I was able to answer her prayers because I obeyed God's call.
The best part was still to come. My translator and I began to bring to her out bags of food and supplies; she was so shocked she didn't know how to respond. I have never seen someone so happy over the most basic things that most of us take for granted. She continued to sing, laugh, cry, swing her arms in the air and praise God for hearing her
prayers.
I believe that God calls us to be the change in this world. So many times we question why He allows so much sorrow to take place and what He is doing about it. I am continually reminded that He calls you and me to do something about it. God will always present us with opportunities no matter where we are to answer prayers of those crying out to Him. He used me that day and I was so blessed to be able to be used. If we are walking with God and listening to the Holy Spirit, He will guide us to those in need. What I have learned is not to get so wrapped up in myself and my schedule that I miss Him speaking to me and in the process miss out on an amazing experience. I pray that whatever you are doing in life that you know God is surrounding you with people like Maria. They could be at the grocery store, or at your workplace, or even on a stroll through the park, you never know when God might lead you to someone.
This morning looked like most mornings here in Swaziland. My team and I traveled to a Care Point to play with children and encourage the Go-Go's (caretakers). We were headed down the road to visit a Go-Go and something out of the ordinary caught my eye. There was an elderly woman in a wheel chair in the middle of a long uneven and rocky dirt path. What was most interesting was the half-functioning wheelchair she was sitting in. It was the first wheelchair I had seen in Africa because most that are disabled simply stay at home and do not venture out. Not this woman. She was determined to get around.I watched as she pushed herself inch by inch struggling just to move.Something in my heart ached for this woman so I decided to go up to her and ask if she needed a push. After approaching her I noticed she was struggling to maneuver the wheelchair with 1 leg, no shoes, and not a single tire.
After successfully pushing this woman to her home which took 3 people because of the condition of her wheelchair, we sat down and spoke with her. Maria was her name. She shared a portion of her story which blew my mind. She was married at one time with 8 children, and then her life took a turn. Throughout the years, all 8 of her children and her husband died from various illnesses, most likely AIDS, which no one ever speaks about. This woman is surrounded by so much death and sorrow but on top of that she struggles to provide for herself. Shortly after the death of her husband someone broke into her house and tried to rob her. In the process they cut off her right leg so that she was unable to run after them. They cut her leg off…Could you imagine the pain and sorrow this woman has endured throughout her life? Maria still struggles with pain everyday and is unable to work because of her disability. Without any programs to assist her she is left alone without any help. I am still uncertain where to start processing this but know that this woman affected me in a way most cannot.
What was finalized today is that God has definitely given me a heart for the disabled. Growing up my mother developed MS which has now caused her to struggle with walking and left her unable to get around fully without walking aids and wheelchairs. When I met Maria, I instantly pictured my mother trying to push herself in an ill-equipped wheelchair with no one around to help or encourage her; with no one back at home to help her around or provide some kind of income so that she could eat. Maria has no income at all and will go without food at times. She has one friend in the area that will come visit her and bring food supplies but that is rare. She is virtually alone with only God to lean on. Maria is such a strong woman and faces life with a smile. She shared that at times if she owned a rope she would hang herself but this woman is a fighter. Instead of sitting and sulking in her current situation she gets herself up and ventures out even along the dusty, uneven roads.
We asked if we could pray for her and she gladly accepted but what do you pray for; that God will meet her most basic need, or that she will be loved by someone? After praying for her she broke and started to cry the most genuine tears. This woman is tired and simply wants a break. The most shocking thing for me was the fact that she did not ask for help or money. Only after I asked her what we could do did she simply ask for a pair of shoes for her one foot so that she could get around better. I imagine if that were my life and I saw 5 Americans walk over to me and ask what I needed; I would give them a list that would take up a notebook and do it without a smile. Maria has forever changed me and my view of sorrow. This woman has nothing and is still joyful. So often myself and so many others cry over the smallest things like not getting that perfect detail worked out for a wedding or missing that promotion or raise but worldwide people are struggling to eat or even have someone to love them; the most basic and free need. That is my job here on the World Race; to love those that may have no one else. I am confident that Maria was blessed by our visit but most of all I was changed today because of her testament to life.
Africa has begun and I am currently in Swaziland! Our days are filled with Care Point outreach and home visits. Care Points are feeding/education stations set up by AIM and G42 to provide children with a meal that may be the only one for the day. At these Care Points, my team and I create and administer children programs, build into the women running these stations, and share life with those around us.
On top of a new continent I am on a new team. We have done a 5 month change up and had to say goodbye to our old teams. Team Fugee is no more and has been replaced with Team Raw Fish. Although this switch was one of the hardest things I had to do in my life, I know that God is faithful and will allow my new team to be just as much of a family. It is never easy saying goodbye to something so great like Team Fugee. We spent 24/7 together. When you break that down into reality, I was married to these individuals for about 1.5-2 years. We went through so much together and had a bond that nothing can ever break. They will always be my first WR family and nothing will change that. It is going to be so hard not seeing them walk out the rest of this journey but I know that communication will not cease. I can still remember when my teammates opened up in ways they never had with anyone before.They shared things with the team that no other person ever knew before the Race and I the same. When you share a bond with individuals like that, something special is created; an unbreakable connection. I will dearly miss you Team Fugee and the 4 months we shared together.
I wanted to take some time to introduce my new team. We have decided to go with the name Raw Fish because that is our desire for each other. We want to be raw with one another not holding back and we want to see that mentality spread like Jesus spread 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish to feed thousands. My new team is going to grow and stretch me in new and unexpected ways. My goal is to be open and ready for that change.
Natalie (3rd to the right): Vivacious and ready for action. Nat is not one to mess around but takes tasks seriously with a smile on her face
Karri (3rd to the Left): Quiet with a voice. A huge and important asset of this team as she brings her firm yet subtle drive to the table
Charlotte (2nd to the right): Firm, opinionated, but full of compassion. She is going to kick my butt and challenge me like most cannot
Kacie (2nd to the left): The lover of Team Raw Fish. She is always available to genuinely care about what you are going through and to love you in the process.
Philip (PC) (the only other dude): A man of God looking to experience all that he can and take others with him. A leader and spokesperson for Christ and His teachings
Team Fugee has landed in Nepal and it wasn't easy! Traveling from South India to Katmandu, Nepal was quite the trip. We officially traveled for about 3 straight days when you add it all up. That includes, but is not limited to, trains, planes, automobiles, busses, and by foot. In Katmandu we got the opportunity to meet up with the entire T-Squad and share our past month together. It is always encouraging to see the other teams and see how God has worked through them for the month. That, however, was not even the best part. After our short stay in Katmandu we had to travel back down towards India to get to our ministry site. That included a 7 hr car ride down the steepest mountain ranges I have ever experienced. Something I learned about Nepal…they do not believe in guard rails. I have included some pictures but sadly they do not do the experience any justice. We did get to see a very little part of Mt Everest in the distance. I can now check that off my to do list!
Thankfully, after much prayer and laughter we made it to our ministry site for the first half of the month. We have partnered with an organization called GEMS. GEMS is a global organization in numerous countries including the USA. Each branch of GEMS has a purpose to bring the kingdom to the world. Our branch here in Nepal breeds, raises, and sells fish to support the local ministries. Our job has been to serve joyfully this month. We have done everything from attempting to dig out a fish pond, chopping weeds Nepali style, digging and paving a walkway, etc. It has been a great experience for my team and I. It was hard at first thinking of this as "ministry" but our work will be used to supply the appropriate funds for GEMS so that ministry can take place even after we leave Nepal. This month was not necessarily about doing typical ministry but it meant getting dirty and leaving your entitlement at the door. This month has also allowed our team to grow in other areas. A closeness has developed between us and an environment has been created where we could all be open and honest about pretty much anything. I have learned what it really means to live in community that the Bible talks about. We are able to challenge each other, build up one another, and help one another realize perfection is nonexistent and Christ is needed.
Some other things that we were able to discover about each other this month are as follows: Lindsey can dig a ditch better than any man I have ever met, Allison has the ability to appear to be falling but never actually land on the ground…impressive, Lauren will eat anything off a table or floor no matter the environment, Anne is a sneaky cleaner and a mean water boiler, and John can jam out to Glee while he digs a ditch. Team Fugee has been rocking my socks and I am blessed to be surrounded by them. Family portrait included below!
After a 7 hour bus ride that seemed like more of a circus (Florescent green lights and loud Indian music; the picture does not do it justice…a true Indian experience) we made it to Mercy and Grace Orphanage.
As soon as we arrived we got a full blown Indian welcome! We were greeted by all the kids and signs/chalk drawling that said Welcome World Race. As if that was not enough, we had a special ceremony welcoming us and thanking us for coming. I love Indian hospitality. I even had some of the boys henna my hand which I later found out means I am about to get married. Anyone interested?
(The Kids forgot the "a" in Indian...I did not have the heart to tell them)
Here at Mercy and Grace, Madhava, his wife, and son Rajesh take care of over 100 children. Some are full orphans and some are half orphans meaning they have only one parent. In India, most kids have parents or families but because of financial reasons are unable to take care of them. This causes a great need for a home like Mercy and Grace.
Here at the orphanage, we are doing everything from teaching daily classes (art, music, English, drama, bible, etc), playing Kaberdee (picture follows…Indian Rugby), preaching, sharing testimonies and speaking life into those around us. I constantly remind myself that India is a place of only 2% Christian faith, so naturally Mercy and Grace is in the minority. When in a situation like that, you need all the encouragement you can get and we are blessed to be able to give it. They are able to look at our team as an example of what a Christian looks like. In the States, we have plenty of examples, but here, there is a very good chance that you are the only believer in the area. Talk about true faith and fully depending on God. Please pray that my team and I can continue to build into Mercy and Grace as brothers and sisters in Christ.
India has begun...we had a very uneventful plane ride to Doha, and then headed off to Hyderabad India. Here in Hyderabad, my squad and I have had the last three days filled with cultural debrief and some amazing sessions to mentally, physically, and spiritually prepare us for the next year. It gave me the opportunity to grasp the fact that my life will be so different over the next year: challenging, emotional, rewarding, and most of all...life changing.
It is crazy to be back in India, I almost feel like I never left; the people, the smells, the traffic, etc. I am so excited to be on the World Race and each of you made that possible for me. I am blessed abundantly.
Tonight we leave on a 7 hour bus ride to Vijayawada, India. We will be working/living at an orphanage and helping to take some of the workload off the main caretakers. More information to follow when I get there and find out more details!
In case you are just finding out about this for the first time let me introduce a little what my next year will look like! I will be traveling with a squad of about 50 people and a team of 6 pretty sweet individuals from Jan - Nov 2011 across the World. The World Race gives you a chance to travel to 11 different countries in 11 months. Each of these countries will provide a variety of outreach opportunities by sharing God's Love and Word. These opportunities can range from working at an orphanage, building relationships with women and children stuck in the sex trafficking industry, building a home/church/school, etc. Please help me launch this Jan 2nd by supporting me financially and in prayer. We will be traveling to the following:
India
With nearly a sixth of the world's population within its borders, India is a country bursting with people and culture. Moreover, it has a diverse array of religious beliefs from Hinduism, to Islam, to a blend of folk religions and other faiths. While the country is on the edge of full economic development, it's still stricken with poverty and privy to the crimes of human trafficking, forced prostitution, religious persecution, and more. So what will you do in India? Change it from the inside out.
Nepal
Home to Mount Everest, the world's tallest mountain, Nepal literally sits on top of the world. In addition to adventurous experiences you will have here, you will also visit widows and orphans in their times of distress and protect the innocent who are prey to human traffickers. This month of your World Race experience will submerge your in a culture that is desperate for an encounter with the living God.
Thailand
According to the CIA, the kingdom of Thailand, known as Siam until 1939, is the only country in the region not colonized by Europe. Their 2000 census showed that 94.6% of the population is Buddhist, 4.6% are Muslim and 0.7% is Christian. Approximately 600,000 people live with HIV/AIDS in Thailand. With nearly two million people estimated to be forced into prostitution, it has become one of the most popular places for sex tourism. Change lives in the city where you, like Jesus, might befriend prostitutes or in the countryside, where you may serve youth, care for orphans and encourage believers.
Cambodia
Cambodia houses one of the Seven Wonders of the World, Angkor Wat, a Hindu temple and monastery built during the Khmer empire in the 12th century. It later became a Buddhist complex a century later, and today, just over 96% of Cambodia is Buddhist. Almost 30 years ago, 1.5 million Cambodians died at the hands of Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge regime. Today, Cambodia is a source, transit point and destination of human trafficking and the government is struggling to stop it. The people of Cambodia are thirsty for the hope you can bring.
South Africa
While it's been several decades since apartheid has formally ended, there is still more healing and reconciliation to take place in South Africa. This country is one of the wealthiest on the continent, and yet, much of the population that lives outside the cities is poor.
Like the rest of sub-Saharan Africa, this country struggles with a high rate of AIDS/HIV. Host to the 2010 World Cup, and breathtaking natural attractions, it is also a place full of kingdom potential, waiting to be released - by you.
Mozambique
One of the most beautiful countries in the African continent, Mozambique is a favorite location of World Racers for a variety of reasons: the people, the landscape, incredible ministry partnerships, the miracles that this country has seen, and more. The former Portuguese colony is seeing signs of redemption and economic recovery; because of, or in spite of the extreme poverty gripping the nation, the church grows. You will be teach, preach, practice "true religion" with widows and orphans while you grow in your identity in Christ. One of your most interesting travel "days" may happen here.
Swaziland
The Kingdom of Swaziland is one of the last remaining monarchies in Africa. Home to 1.1 million people and breath-taking scenic views, it's also where the world's highest HIV/AIDS infection rate lives (26.1% in adults and over 50% of adults in their 20s). It's estimated that by 2050, the country of Swaziland will not even exist. Young orphans are scattered throughout this nation that is in desperate need of attention. For years, AIM has been committed to seeing these statistics reversed. Here, you will most likely find yourself involved in a variety of outreaches, including education, orphan care, care point feedings, and more.
Romania
The northern regions of Romania are home to the gypsy community. Though strangers in their homeland and forgotten by society, the gypsies are a strong and vibrant people who embrace the light of Christ in an inspirational way. Here, you will teach English, lead sports camps, live life with the gypsies, and more. It will be an exciting time of learning about a people group you may not have known even existed.
Moldova
Once a part of Romania, this former Soviet republic declared independence in 1991. Moldova, one of the poorest European countries, is riddled with a high underground crime rate. This country is vulnerable as a transit point of human trafficking. The main language spoken is Romanian (also called Moldovan) but there's debate as to what the Moldovan ethnicity is exactly. We need people who will bring Kingdom clarity and declare peace the peace of God over a land filled with confusion and chaos.
Australia
From the Sydney Opera House to the aboriginal tribes of the Australian Outback, Australia is as exotic as you imagined it. World Racers will partner with ministries, churches and missionaries who are spreading the hope of Christ to the rich and poor alike. While Australia boasts a more westernized culture, the marginalized, impoverished, destitute and lost still exist and live each moment for the hope of hearing the good news. Here, you may minister to people, much like you would back home.
Malaysia
Enter a world entrenched in Islam. A people within the thriving metropolis of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysians still live in ignorance of the Good News of Jesus Christ. As you delve into this culture of works-based religion, strong self-discipline, and uncanny faith, you will have the unique opportunity to deliver hope and point the people to their Redeemer.
