Shanda Dodd Shanda Dodd - The World Race 2008

Words of Wisdom

Mon, 8 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

It's hard to summarize all that I've been learning here at G42... so while I figure out how to put it all into words here is a sampling of some quotes from class. I pray that they will inspire and encourage you like they have me.

Make something dead come to LIFE with your words.

You are an unstoppable force if you believe it.

In the beginning was the WORD... God uses words... so speak some out.

He's the word and I am the voice!

The only thing you bring from the past is the knowledge that "He is Lord!"

Prophesy is used to build us up, stir us up, cheer us up... exalt, edify, and encourage.

Concentrate on giving and your needs will be met, if you concentrate on having your needs met you'll be left wanting.

Don't let the tyranny of public opinion keep you locked down in mediocrity.

Hear the VOICE and have the guts to say YES!

Sometimes God doesn't answer our why's, He just wants us to trust Him and say yes.

Your biggest enemy is yourself... so get over yourself, your pride and what people think about you.

Once in awhile the lion needs to roar to intimidate the enemy... when was the last time you roared?

Praise shuts the mouth of the enemy.

I can't screw up enough to make Him love me less and I can't work harder to make Him love me any more... that's why it's called unconditional love.

Death isn't scary, Life is scary.

Knowledge tells you where you are, wisdom gets you to the future.

The greatest value of something is what it reveals to me about God... what do you reveal about God?

God gave us passions for a reason... so GET PASSIONATE and make a difference in this world.

Post-Christian? - pt 2

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

This past week we were asked to write a magazine article about...

1 - Who we feel called to minister to

2- Their current need

3 - What ministries are currently doing something about it

4 - What we plan to do

These two blogs are my passion and my vision. I wish I could make the actual article bigger, but unfortunately all I can give you is a the little version. However, I trust that the words will speak for themselves without the graphics and nice layout.

Part 2

Sharing God's love

one cup of cafe con leche at a time

Another chance to encounter God is needed in Spain. In the tiny pueblo of Mijas, tucked along the hillside of the Costa del Sol, God is hard to find. With only two catholic churches in town, attended by a few elderly women, the church has lost it's voice and faded into mere memory. When the question "Does Mijas need a church?" was asked to a local, the response was "We have a catholic church, but only a few go, so why would we need another church?"

The Spaniards aren't just going to walk into an evangelical service asking to hear about God. They need something different, something new and inviting, a place where they can connect with God without all the traditions and rules that have held them in bondage for so long.

Opening up in late spring of 2011 is La Vita Bella, a cafe in the heart of Mijas with the desire to change the hearts of the whole town. The cafe will cater to the hosts of tourists that come to experience Mijas's quaint and cosy charm, but also to the locals, both Spanish and foreign. The aim is to create a place of community and acceptance where God's love flows freely. Whether through serving a cafe con leche to a visiting Japanese tourist or asking a regular patron how their day is going, Christ's love will be poured out into the lives of those who frequent the cafe.

La Vita Bella will offer various community events throughout the week - salsa dancing, open mic night, English/Spanish exchange, book club, etc. The weekly gatherings will allow for more intentional outreach and discipleship as the attendees become comfortable enough to ask questions and seek the Answer that will lead to changed lives and renewed hearts.

Helping the helpers
reach the unreached

A few minutes walk down the street from the cafe is La Casa Bella Bed and Breakfast. Offering quality rooms and good prices, La Casa Bella is sure to become the favored place to rest your head in Mijas. However, like La Vita Bella, it's purpose is two-fold. Not only will the quaint little bed and breakfast provide lodging for weary travelers, it will also provide a place of rest and relaxation for missionaries who are in need of downtime.

La Casa Bella will offer free lodging to missionary families, as well as prayer, encouragement, and an overall relaxing atmosphere. Being a missionary is a full time job, and a hard one at that. By providing a place for missionaries to be poured into instead of pouring themselves out, La Casa Bella hopes to empower and refresh those that are out there day in and day out sharing Christ's love with the world.

How can you get involved?
How can you make a difference?

Europe is in need of Christ's love. Ministries are popping up across the continent, but the need is great and workers are still few. Whether you feel called to pray, to start your own ministry, or to give financially, your influence will be felt. Europe doesn't have to be post-christian anymore. There is still hope! Through the efforts of those dedicated to exposing God's truth, there's no doubt that the prodigal continent will return to the Father who is waiting with arms wide open.

----------------------------------------------------

My time here at G42 is quickly coming to an end and as I'm getting ready to "say Amen and make a plan", I ask that you would keep me in your prayers as God continues to open my eyes to opportunities for making His dreams and my dreams come true. Also, please pray for support as I'm still in need of $1770 to finish out my time here. If you feel personally called to donate you can do so by sending a check to

G42, Inc.

P.O. Box 17419

Fountain Hills, AZ 85269

or going online at http://www.g42leadershipacademy.org/donate and click on 'intern support' and type 'Shanda Dodd' in the box given.

Post-Christian? - pt 1

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

This past week we were asked to write a magazine article about...

1 - Who we feel called to minister to

2- Their current need

3 - What ministries are currently doing something about it

4 - What we plan to do

The next two blogs are my passion and my vision. I wish I could make the actual article bigger, but unfortunately all I can give you is a the little version. However, I trust that the words will speak for themselves without the graphics and nice layout.

Is there still hope for Europe?
Or are we fighting a losing battle?

Europe was once founded on Christianity. Everything from education, to business, to art was based in and around the church. It's presence was unmistakable and it's power was undeniable. However, if we take a look at present day Europe the remnant of the church is most visible in old Cathedrals that are photographed by countless tourists, yet, remain empty on Sunday mornings. Europe has moved on from Rome and it's Popes and Luther and his 95 theses and replaced Christianity with a mix of hedonism and socialism which is creating a selfish and pleasure seeking culture where religion and God are the last things on anyone's mind.

If we take a look at statistics it can seem like we are fighting a losing battle.

There are more believers in China than the entire population of Germany...
One church in Korea has a membership that is equal to the whole population of Amsterdam...
There are more members of the Assembly of God denomination in Brazil than there are evangelicals in all of Europe.

Is it a lost cause to try and bring Jesus to this generation of Europeans? Is it hopeless to think that Europe may once again live in the fullness of it's Christian past? From all appearances "Europe has become the prodigal continent, squandering its Judeo-Christian heritage which leaves us with the daunting task of helping it to come to its senses and return to the Father."

with a hopeful eye the question still remains... how do you take a continent "who's been there, and done that" and get them to once again embrace the church, once again embrace the Father that loves them, the Son that died for them, and the Spirit that guides them?

Do Europeans really need God?

Don't they have everything they need?

Many Europeans live in nice flats and drive fancy cars, they drink good wine and eat great food. They are well educated and versed in the arts. They have health care and some of the world's finest doctors at their finger tips. They have a job that pays the bills and even gives them four weeks paid vacation a year. What more could they want or need?

In a purely physical sense most Europeans don't need God. They don't need him for shelter, for food, for protection, for healing. Why would they need to believe in God when they have it all? So many Europeans view a belief in God as a weakness and Christianity as a belief for those who are less intelligent and haven't really thought through it all.

Somewhere in between their Christian foundations and their secular present, Europe has lost sight of what is really important. They have forgotten that there is a God above that loves them and craves a relationship with them. They have forgotten what church is really supposed to be like. "They have forgotten that their beloved Europe wasn't built by men who believed Christian values', it was built by men who believed in Christ."

Christ is the key. The old covenant ways of right and wrong, of law and conscience are over. It's time that Europe's eyes are opened to the realities of Christ and his new covenant of grace and truth.

The saying goes actions speak louder than words' and that is exactly what we need to do. We need to show the Europeans that we are bringing something different. If we arrive with Christianity tied up in a nice little package, they will laugh. They have heard it all before, or so they think. We need to provide a way for Europe to experience God outside of the organized church and present them with the truth that doesn't resemble the strict, traditional, stagnate form of religion that they have become immune to. We need to show them that God is alive and well, that He is reigning on His throne from heaven and that He has a plan and purpose for each and everyone of them.

Who's daring to be different?

Who's thinking outside of the church box?

In Amsterdam, a group of young artists have opened Dwaze Zaken, a Christian cafe in the center of the city. It functions as any other cafe would, selling chai lattes and slices of homemade carrot cake. Yet, there goal is not to make money from overpriced coffee and pastries. They've created an environment where God is constantly present and anyone is welcome. The cafe reaches out to the art community be showcasing artwork, hosting dance nights, and putting on live concerts. Whether there's a trumpet blaring jazz, a guitar playing some rock tunes, or a dj scratching some beats, the crowds flood in. Christ is shown not by singing hymns or reciting prayers, but through the art, the music, the peaceful atmosphere and the smiles of those behind the counter.

Also in Amsterdam, the Shelter City Hostel is striving to take Christ out of the church and into the hands of the people. Shelter City is a youth hostel that at first glance looks like any other. It's rooms are nice enough, with bunk beds lining the walls decked out in Ikea's finest, but it offers much more than a regular youth hostel. The hostel has only a few paid managers while the rest of the staff are Christian volunteers looking to share God's love with the travelers that come through. Shelter City's goal isn't to cram the Gospel down the backpacker's throat, but instead offer a safe place to ask questions and be exposed to Christ's love.

It is a great place to reach out to those who are searching for more. A majority of the backpackers are longing for something, searching for that missing piece, searching for community, for love, for something greater than themselves. They are open to hearing about a God that they can have a relationship with, a God that loves them, a God that is about more than rules and "don'ts", a God that is about grace and mercy.

Shelter City holds weekly Bible studies and nightly prayer sessions in their cafe, along with cookie baking sessions and open mic nights. The events are all optional and open to whomever wishes to attend. Some nights there may only be a few curious participants and other nights the house is packed with bohemian wanderers who are finally realizing that Christ isn't just a missing piece, but He is the whole peace.

All over Europe Christians are realizing that there needs to be a new approach to reaching the lost. Cafes, hostels, bookstores, etc are popping up around Europe and their impact is being felt in a strong way. Change is in the air for Europe and it's not coming from Sunday morning services or five "Hail Mary's", it's coming from the waitress serving your espresso and the hostel clerk behind the counter. It's coming from outside the walls of the church and the Europeans are beginning to realize that their disappointment has never been with Jesus, but with stifling and irrelevant religion. And slowly but surely they are choosing to give God a chance.

Part 2

Bringing God out of the church
and into the hands of the Europeans...

What is G42?

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

What is G42... a leadership academy? a training ground? a discipleship program? a bible school? It's none of the above and all of the above at the same time. Am I learning leadership qualities, yes. Am I being trained, yes. Am I being discipled, yes. Am I learning about the Bible, yes. But G42 doesn't fit into any of those boxes. It's something different, something new, and something much needed in this day and age.

Each day Christ is being formed in me. Each day I'm challenged to be full of the Holy Spirit. Each day I'm called to live a life of excellence.

G42 isn't just a 6 month program, it's so much more than that. Here in Spain I've found my tribe, found a family, a community, of like minded believers that want to see God's kingdom come on earth as it is in Heaven, that want to see His glory spread over the earth, that want to be a part of a generation that makes a difference.

As my days here zoom by I'm amazed at how much God loves me, how much He values me, how great His plans are for me.

With each new day I see a little bit of God's kingdom spread here in Spain. Some days I see it in class or around the dinner table. Other times it's when we're helping to feed 150 needy families in the area or building relationships with the locals. This Sunday I'll see it as we gather in our living room to have church.

Here in Spain I'm a student, an intern, a missionary, a friend, a disciple, a daughter of the King, and a kingdom bringer.

Life doesn't get much better than this. I'm living out my dreams daily and they happen to be God's dreams as well. And to top it all off I'm surrounded by people who are doing the exact same thing, following God's call on their life at all costs!

For more info on the G42 Leadership Academy check out the website... http://www.g42leadershipacademy.org/

If you'd like to help me continue living God's dream here in Spain you can do so by going to http://www.g42leadershipacademy.org/donate and click on intern support' and type 'Shanda Dodd' on your donation. I need $3000 to finish out my semester at G42 (which ends in March). I'm also seriously praying into extending my stay here in Spain and helping G42 set their foundations. Your support is always appreciated.

So what happens here at G42?

Tue, 5 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

So what happens here at G42? What do we do with our time here in Mijas?

Today I cooked spaghetti for 15 people and ate dinner around a big table with good food and good conversation...

A few days before that I was at Ikea helping pick out the furniture, blankets, rugs, etc. for the 16 new interns that are beginning this semester...

A few days before that I was getting ready for a Christmas Eve party with 30 people from the community...

A few days before that I was at a local soup kitchen serving Christmas dinner to 30 members of the homeless community...

A few days before that I was sitting in class listening to Andrew talk about covenant and the importance of it in our lives in relation to God and those around us....

A few days before that I was playing with one of my teacher's children...

A few days before that I was going over a business plan project with one of my professors at a local cafe...

A few days before that I was talking with the other interns about walking out our destinies, following God at all costs, and living each moment as though we are co-heirs with Christ...

A few days before that I was sitting in our garage/classroom taking notes on leadership and servanthood...

A few days before that I was pouring over Revelation and trying to decipher God's meaning....

A few days before that I was in Barcelona helping to renovate an apartment for a church/community center...

A few days before that I was praying over a fellow intern who was going through a hard time...

A few days before that I was challenged to dream big and seek out God's will for my life...

Each day is different, each moment is special, and through it all God is here. He's in our teachings, our prayer sessions, our worship times, and even our nightly dinners as a community. God is big and each day I get to see a bigger, more complete picture of Him through my time here in Spain and the people that surround me.

Each day I wake up and know that I am right where God wants me and I couldn't be happier about it!

Enjoying the gifts God gives

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

March 2009 September 2009

Six months ago I fell in love with Budapest. Dre and I were there for a mere two weeks but the impact of my time in Budapest is still lingering on. Between my two missions trips to Latvia and Germany God gave me a wonderful gift... the chance to go back to the city that has captured my heart.

BUDAPEST

I was only there for four days but it was filled with new friends and old friends, laughter, encouragement, and so much more! It was truly a blessing to be able to return so soon after my initial visit. I'll allow the pictures below to speak for themselves.

THE ACCOMODATIONS

THE FRIENDS

THE FUN

God truly is a God of gifts. He loves to love us and He knows just how we need to be loved. For me, nothing could of said I love you like a trip back to Budapest. One of my afternoons there I was at a coffee shop and my coaster said the following... "Leben und Geniessen" or "Live and Enjoy". That pretty much sums it up... God has given us a life to enjoy!

What's God given you lately? Are you enjoying life?

If you can't think of anything yet... just enjoy this hat... it's sure to bring you a little bit of enjoyment!

God goes before us

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

When I first decided to lead dad's trip to Latvia I was sad that I would have to change my plans and miss out on some of my travels, but looking back I know God's plans were much better than my own. Even though I was surprised to find myself leading 27 high school students to Latvia, God wasn't surprised at all. Our time there was a complete "God week". It wasn't one that I planned, wasn't one that I was anticipating, wasn't one that I was overly prepared for... but none of that mattered because God had gone before me, gone before the whole team, and prepared a way for us to minister to the locals, encourage the missionaries, and be challenged ourselves.

From the first moment we arrived in Liepaja I could tell that this trip was going to be different. As we exited the bus at our hostel we were greeted by 15 Latvian students laden with candy and maps for everyone. A connection was immediately made and friendships were formed. In general, it takes a little while to crack the outer shell of most Europeans, but the Latvian students were open from the very beginning. After the first night of introductions they spent every moment they could with the American students, whether it was eating dinner, walking around town, or singing Karaoke, it didn't matter to the Latvian teens. Within three short days I saw genuine friendships built between the American and Latvian students, friendships that would have usually taken weeks, months, or even years. God had truly gone before us and opened the hearts of the Latvians.

After spending three days teaching in their English classes and furthering our friendships, we invited the students to our Wednesday night program. They gladly accepted our invitation and showed up eager to see what we had prepared. It was during that evening that I realized God hadn't just prepared the Latvian students, but also the American seniors. For two hours they sang worship songs that clearly presented God's love and grace and shared testimonies with heartfelt honesty and vulnerability. The music was enjoyed and the stories touched the hearts of many. At the end of the evening every female in the church was in tears and a handful of the men as well. It was unmistakably God's presence. I haven't felt His presence in such a tangible way in quite some time.

One of the Latvian students approached me in tears explaining that she felt such a sense of peace and that she couldn't stop crying. I tried, between my own tears, to explain that it was all God. As we ended out the night I heard one of the American boys telling a Latvian student that it was okay for her to forget him, to forget the whole group, but please, please don't forget God and don't forget that He sent his only son and that He loved her greatly. It was such an encouragement to see the high schoolers walking out their faith unashamed and full of passion. That night there was no denying that God is very much alive and real. His presence, His peace, and His love was clearly felt by the students. Two Latvian girls decided to give their life to God and accept Christ as their saviour and many others were touched by the testimonies and challenged to think about the message that was shared.

But God wasn't done yet. To top off the evening God provided the chance for me to pour into a few of the American seniors by sharing stories and lessons learned from my World Race adventure. I was able to encourage them in their walk with Christ and challenge them to live out the life and purpose that God has planned for them. It was a beautiful moment, sharing about God's greatness, His great plans for us, and the joy of walking those plans out.

When our week winded down to the end I was actually sad to say goodbye to everyone. What started out as a diversion from my original plans turned out to be an amazing week of seeing God at work. I don't know why it still surprises me, but God truly does know best and the best possible use of my mid September was seeing 27 students come alive and share God's love to those around them.

Latvia top 10: Picture Blog

Sun, 18 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The next few blogs will be about my two missions trips to Liepaja, Latvia and Berlin, Germany, as well as an intro into my time here in Spain. But first, in typical Shanda style... the Latvia top 10.

LATVIA TOP 10

10 Things I learned in Latvia...

1 - In Latvia kids grow up drinking Kefir, a fermented milk drink. While we were in Liepaja, we had the chance to taste a variety of traditional Latvian foods. Some of the braver souls attempted the Kefir. Judging by the responses, I'm pretty sure it's an acquired taste.

2 - It's often said that it takes Northern Europeans awhile to open up, however, in Latvia that wasn't the case at all. From day one we were greeted with smiles and openess. I've never met such friendly people with such giving hearts.

3 - In almost every country I visited this past year dogs lined the streets and sidewalks, but in Liepaja it was cats. On every street corner, under every park bench, and even in the middle of the market, cats were sure to be lying around enjoying the afternoon sun.

4 - Scarves are a staple in Latvian fashion. If you want to transform from an obvious American tourist to a local, simply wrap a scarf around your neck and you're sure to blend in a bit more.

5 - Latvians have heard of baseball, but don't really know how to play the game. However, after some instructions, the students were ready to give it a go. They had a blast playing "America's favorite past time".

6 - The Baltic Sea is breathtaking, both in beauty and in temperature. Some of the more adventurous ones in our group decided we couldn't pass up the opportunity to take a swim. The experience was well worth the chattering teeth that greeted us as we left the water.

7 - Latvians are beautiful people. In one class that we visited, we were able to discuss varies opinions we had made about the Latvian people during our time there (Latvians are generous, open, intelligent, attractive, etc.). Everyone had their own opinion about which ones were true and which ones weren't, except every single person in the room agreed that Latvians were attractive. Just take a look at the 5 Latvian girls below and I think you'll agree.

8 - Like many other European cities the streets in Latvia are made of cobblestone and the architecture is old and unique, but there was something extra special about Latvia. Both Liepaja and Riga had a unique charm and quaintness about them.

9 - Latvia, hands down, has the best birthday candles ever! During our time there we celebrated two birthdays. As we were on the hunt for candles we stumbled across these, I'll let the pictures speak for themselves.

10 - Latvia is addictive, once you've been once you'll definitely want to go again. Each of the 27 American high school students was able to experience God in a new way, broaden their cultural horizons, and have the time of their lives and each of them can't wait to return!

Latvia, Germany... and then Spain!

Wed, 9 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

I'm getting more and more excited each day about my upcoming time in Spain at the G42 Academy. However, my starting date has been postponed by one week due to my father's motorcycle accident and current condition. I will be taking over the leadership of his next two missions trips to Latvia and Berlin. Please keep me in your prayers as I head out on the 16th of September for Latvia, followed by Germany, and then Spain! It's going to be a crazy next few weeks, but I know God is going to be there every step of the way.

And for your viewing pleasure, here's a little sneak peak into what Spain is all about.

The road to Spain

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

AROUND THE WORLD IN 326 DAYS...

Last June I embarked on a journey of a lifetime, a journey that I thought would allow me to see God at work, to have my world view expanded, to share God's truth with the lost around the world. Did all that really happen? Yes, yes, and yes.

The 11 months have flown by in such a dizzying mix of emotions, experiences, and lessons. I traveled through 25 different countries, set foot on 4 continents, spent numerous days traveling on buses, trains, and planes, lived out of a backpack for a year, and even ate bugs. Sounds exciting, eh? But none of that even compares to the excitement of growing closer to God, of seeing how big He truly is, of watching the broken hearted find peace, and the lost find the way.

I've witnessed poverty across the globe... mothers struggling to find food for their families, children walking miles with no shoes, families with 8+ people living in a single little shack. I've seen the broken hearted in every country... women and girls sold into sex slavey with little hope of escape, men trying to find purpose in drugs and alcohol, people searching for love and acceptance in all the wrong places. I've seen the sick in every nation... children with infections that aren't treated, mothers and fathers with AIDs, heads covered in a constant nest of lice. I've seen a lot of heart ache, a lot of pain, and a lot of suffering. Yet, in the midst of it all, there was not a single place I went where I didn't see God. He is at work everywhere and He can bring hope to even the darkest situations.

This year has shown me that we live in a dark world, yet, there is light and hope that comes from Jesus Christ. I can say with 100% confidence that we have nothing without Christ. It is in him that we truly find life. It was a privilege and honor to see people across the world grasp that concept and surrender their lives to our Lord and Saviour.

Thank you, each and everyone of you, for helping make this trip a reality and for lifting me up in prayer throughout the year. This truly has been a life changing experience. I know now more than ever that I am called to the nations and that missions lies in my future. I'm am getting more excited each day in anticipation for what the Lord has planned. Please continue to keep me in your prayers as God reveals his plans to me and I begin to embark on an even greater journey.

"Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails."

Proverbs 19:21

THE ROAD AHEAD
After lots of prayer, some waiting, and some more prayer, I'm finally ready to announce where I'm heading next... drum roll... SPAIN! Starting October 5th, I will be attending the G42 Leadership Academy in Mijas, Spain (for more information check out www.g42leadershipacademy.org). This six month intensive program is designed to not only teach and strengthen its students, but to empower them and send them out into the nations according to God's calling on their lives. I am excited about this opportunity to prepare myself for more long term missions and to continue to grow in my relationship with Christ. Please keep me in your prayers as this new and exciting chapter begins.

JOIN THE EXPERIENCE

Please pray about partnering with me in this next step through prayer and donations. To be a part of my prayer team please email me at shandadodd@gmail.com The cost of the next 6 months will be $8000 which includes tuition, room and board, books, airfare and insurance. The first $1000 is due by October 5th. If you would like to make a one time, weekly, or monthly donation you can do so online at http://www.g42leadershipacademy.org/donate by clicking on the 'Intern Support' button or you can mail a check to:

G42, Inc.
P.O. Box 17419

Fountain Hills, AZ 85269

Please make sure to include Shanda Dodd on any donations.

A year in review

Thu, 20 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In the next few days I will be announcing where God is leading me next, but before I do that, I want to recap the past 11 months in an attempt to convey how truly amazing the year really was. Each link will take you back to a previous blog that expands on the stories I've summarized here. Also, If you would like to pray for some of the people mentioned you can email me for a more detailed prayer request.

MEXICO

Ministry - Working with Pastor Nestor and his wife, Selena, at their church El Olivo, leading church services on Sundays and Wednesdays and going door to door throughout the week visiting church members and seekers
Lesson - The importance of a strong and supportive community
Memory - Getting to know my teammates... laughing over dinner, cramming 6 people plus a guitar into a tiny taxi, not being able to walk up the driveway because of the snarling dogs, sharing testimonies on a rooftop overlooking the beautiful Mexican sunset

People to pray for - Juan Carlos, Eleazar, and the youth at El Olivo

NICARAGUA

Ministry - Working with three different churches, doing daily house visits to pray with church members and seekers, and leading kids programs.
Lesson - Sometime I get to sow the seed and sometimes I get to reap the harvest
Memory - Playing numerous games of go fish with the pastors daughter Dubexi despite the language barrier

People to pray for - The handful of men and women that gave their life to Christ during our house visits

GUATEMALA

Ministry - Traveling with Steph, our squad leader, to visit the other teams
Lesson - The importance of allowing God to change the ones I love
Memory - Eating homemade Argentinean empanadas at Marco's house (a local street artist that we befriended) while his roommate played guitar and sang in French, Italian, and Spanish. Also, getting stuck with hundreds of dollars in Nicaraguan Cordobas and not being able to exchange them anywhere.
People to pray for - Marco, Gustavo, and Gabo

VIETNAM

Ministry - Working with a variety of ministries including university students, helping the elderly make jewelry, and visiting an orphanage
Lesson - The importance of putting on the full armor of God
Memory - Finding an amazing little Indian restaurant and inviting some of the students out to eat and sharing Christ's love
People to pray for - The students that gave their lives to Christ

CAMBODIA

Ministry - Visiting two different orphanages and joining Campus Crusade for Christ to evangelize on various university campuses
Lesson - Realizing that everyday is a ministry opportunity waiting to happen
Memory - Playing badminton with the orphans for hours and hours and going home with broken shoes and drenched in sweat
People to pray for - Issac and his university ministry

THAILAND

Ministry - Helping out at the Eden house, working on the Bang family farm, and teaching English
Lesson - God is the ultimate provider
Memory - Seeing the joyful look on the girls face when they saw the finished mural we painted in their bedroom and cornering, capturing, and feeding a herd of goats worm medicine
People to pray for - Vern and Audrey and girls at the Eden house, The Bang family and their ministry in Kanchanaburi

ENGLAND

Ministry - Working with Operation Mobilization doing street evangelism
Lesson - Learning from the challenges instead of complaining
Memory - Eating a delightful meal of soup, a baguette, and brie followed by 5 hours of talking with Kira, Tara, and Gareth in the kitchen at Harpenden
People to pray for - Patrick and Neal

MOZAMBIQUE

Ministry - Moving an orphanage from one location to another
Lesson - True happiness and peace comes from God
Memory - Walking three miles to get water and then having to carry it back
People to pray for - Jaco and his family

SWAZILAND

Ministry - Joining up with an AIM vision trip and visiting the carepoints in Nsoko
Lesson - God is good all the time even if I don't understand it
Memory - Getting to wash the feet of hundreds of kids, pray for them and give them new shoes
People to pray for - Pastor Gift and the children at the carepoints

MALAWI

Ministry - Working with HIM ministries planting churches, giving pastor seminars and preaching in the local prison
Lesson - Leadership is much easier when you look to God to lead you before you start to lead others
Memory - Walking 45 minutes to and from each meal and actually enjoying it
People to pray for - The local rastas and all the pastors in the area

PIONEER EASTERN EUROPE

Ministry - Networking and scouting out new ministries for future World Race teams
Lesson - God has plans even when I don't and His knowledge of exactly what I need at any given time never ceases to surprise me
Memory - Making crepes at 3am with our new friends, having great conversation and feeling like I'd known them for years
People to pray for - Our new friends... Mate, Andreas, Andras, Austin, Catherine, and Jordan

ROMANIA

Ministry - Joining YWAM and a local Hungarian pastor to preach, teach, lead worship, and put on kids programs
Lesson - God doesn't fit into any box that I try to create and that's a very good thing
Memory - Enjoying my new family whether we were laughing together, praying together, crying together or worshipping together
People to pray for - The YWAM staff, especially when it comes to finances and support raising

MOLDOVA

Ministry - Working with pastor Vitali and the transition homes that he has started
Lesson - Prayer is a powerful thing
Memory - Cleaning up and painting a small house, taking it from disgusting to quaint and cosy
People to pray for - The kids in the transition home

OVERALL

Ministry - Sharing truth, love, hope, joy, and freedom

Lesson - God is BIG!! and He is at work everywhere

Memory - Sleeping in airports, traveling every few weeks, making friends that will last a lifetime, laughing til I cried, eating bugs, camping out for two months straight, squatty potties, giant spiders, bucket showers, mango sticky rice, Christmas in London, 40+ hour bus rides, Qatar Airways, but most of all... discovering God in a new and lasting way

People to pray for - All of the July 2008 racers as we embark on the next journey that God has in store for us

A year of AWAKENING: Video

Thu, 20 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

This past year has been a time of awakening... awakening to who God really is and what that means for me and my life. This video (filmed by Amy at out final debrief in Kiev and made by the talented Katie) is a glimpse into the awakening that took place in the July 2008 squad over the past 11 months.

Some God revelations

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

At some point throughout the year each one of these revelations was on my "to blog about" list. But for some reason or another they never made it into a full fledged blog, so I've decided instead of deleting my list of "to blog about" I'm just going to compile them and write a little tidbit about each.

GOD IS BIG - In London, during our Sunday afternoons at Speaker's Corner I heard Jay Smith (a regular attendee) tell the Muslims to "get a bigger God". When asked if he really believed his God came down to earth as a man, ate food, slept, went to the bathroom, etc. Jay would answer "I certainly do, can your god not do that? My God can, if yours can't, maybe you need to get a bigger God!" It is true, our God is BIG!!! There's nothing He cannot do. Isn't it great to serve a God that can do anything, a God that is bigger than we can even begin to comprehend!

GOD CAN USE ME IN WHATEVER HE SEES FIT - All throughout Central America there were giant ants that amazed me. Often I would stop, crouch down, and just stare at the little creatures carrying leaves over 3 times their size. It reminded me that through Christ we can do things that are beyond our own strength, that with His help we can accomplish all sorts of impossible tasks. I am a tool, a vessel, a messenger and God can use me in any way He wants. Yes, there are certain areas that I am gifted in, certain talents that I have, but my usefulness is not limited to those. There may be times when God chooses to use me in a way that I don't think I'm able, in a way that's uncomfortable and unfamiliar, but through Christ all things are possible.

GOD LOVES ME - Romania is filled with beautiful old houses that have crumbling walls and peeling paint. Looking at those houses reminded me of God's love for me. There's nothing I can do to make God love me less or love me more. I'm like the buildings with crumbling walls and chipping paint... I am flawed, I make mistakes, I sin everyday, but despite all that God loves me. He looks past all that and sees me as his beautiful and wonderful creation.

GOD IS SAME SAME, BUT DIFFERENT - All over Asia they use the saying "Same, Same, but different". I think the saying works well for describing God and his followers. Without a doubt God is at work all over the world and everywhere we went I saw people madly in love with Him. Yet, in each place I saw God reveal himself in different ways... for the Muslims God often shows up in dreams and visions, for the Africans God truly is the great physician, for women stuck in the life of prostitution God becomes their provider as they leave that world in search of income somewhere else. Likewise, in each place I saw believers expressing their love for God in a variety of ways... some worship with hands raised as they dance through the aisles, some sit quietly or kneel before the Lord with tears streaming down their face, some speak in tongues and some sing songs of praise, some preach on street corners and some hold orphaned babies. God is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow, but there is no limit to how He can work and there is no set formula for how we are to worship Him.

GOD HAS BLESSED ME WITH AMAZING PARENTS - I've always thought I had a great mom and dad but after seeing so much heart ache and hearing so many stories of troubled childhoods, I think it has finally clicked how blessed I am. My parents supports me 100%, they've cared for me and provided for me, they've laughed with me and cried with me, they've encouraged me and challenged me. I thank God everyday for the blessing they've been. I wouldn't be who I am today without them.

Just the beginning: Mini Update

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

I spent the first three and half weeks after the race visiting friends in Ireland and Germany. It was a wonderful time of relaxing, reading, journaling, praying, listening to God, sleeping, playing games, processing, laughing, and exploring some new cities and some old favorites. God knew exactly what I needed and I can't begin to imagine a better post race first few weeks. A special thanks to the Xantho's and Robertson's for your generosity and hospitality, it meant more than you know.

On the 16th of June I flew back to Georgia via Dusseldorf and New York. Each time the plane landed it brought on an outpouring of tears. This past year has been an amazing experience. If someone told me it wasn't over, but instead I had another 6 months to go I would be more than excited. However, amidst my tears, God reassured me once again that this is only the beginning not the end and although Georgia is not my favorite place to be, it's not for forever.

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Jeremiah 29:11

For the next few weeks I'm visiting family and friends here in Georgia, in Montreal, Canada, and in Phoenix, Arizona. On the 24th of August I land back at the Atlanta International Airport. I'm not sure how long I'll be in Georgia or where I'm going next, but God does :) Please continue to keep me in your prayers as I travel and visit friends and wait on the Lord to guide me.

And stay tuned... I've got a few race wrap-up blogs on the way.

In case anyone is still curious, here are the answers to the Guessing Game in my previous blog:

1. Swaziland
2. Mexico
3. Romania
4. Vietnam
5. Nicaragua
6. Malawi
7. Cambodia
8. Guatemala
9. Thailand
10. South Africa
11. Mozambique
12. Moldova

A Guessing Game

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

I've been going through my pictures from the past year and realized the motto "Same same, but different" relates quite well to some of the photos I've taken this year. So while you await a more meaningful blog I challenge you to play a little guessing game. Below are twelve pictures I took this year, each was taken in a different country.

The Game - to guess which country the photo was taken in. Your options are...

Mexico - Guatemala - Nicaragua - Vietnam - Cambodia - Thailand

South Africa - Mozambique - Malawi - Swaziland - Romania - Moldova

The Prize - knowing that you can match various green sceneries and mountain-scapes to their homeland :)

* I'll post an answer key when people are finished guessing.

GOOD LUCK!!

1 -

2 -

3 -

4 -

5 -

6 -

7 -

8 -

9 -

10 -

11 -

12 -

Moldova top 10: Picture Blog

Tue, 2 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

MOLDOVA TOP 10

10 Things I learned in Moldova...

1 - Moldovan's eat cookies for breakfast. Instead of eating them as a snack or a dessert after lunch or dinner, they eat cookies at the start of their day. It took a little while to become accustomed to this, but towards the end I rather liked it. The best part was the selection, each morning we had a different type of cookie... oatmeal, chocolate cream, vanilla wafers, sesame, and the list goes on.

2 - There is no such language as Moldovan. So what do they speak in the Republic of Moldova? Romanian and Russian. It was interesting to see things in both languages. There seemed to be no rhyme or reason to it, some signs in Russian, some in Romanian, some labels in Russian, some in Romania, but I guess that works just fine when the entire country is bilingual.

3 - It's planting season in Moldova. Everyday people are outside weeding, plowing, and planting. We joined in and did some gardening work of our own. It was hard work, but rewarding to see the results. Plus, it helped work off all the cookies we consumed for breakfast.

4 - Painting in Moldova is like painting with milk. Powder is mixed with water until it turns into a milky consistency. It's used for the inside and outside of houses as well as trees. When we first started painting, it looked like we'd smeared water all over the wall, however, by the end, we'd mastered the art of painting with milk and were quite happy with the outcome.

5 - The national snack food of Moldova is the sunflower seed, or so it would seem. They eat them all the time and everywhere. They use the "both seed and shell in the mouth, crunch off the shell, spit out the shell, eat the seed" method. I prefer the "crack shell open, take out the seed, eat the seed" method. Either way, we were won over by the sunflower seeds and enjoyed ourselves tremendously.

6 - Moldovans love to go to the forest. At first I though they meant a park or a field, but no, they really mean forest. Whether they're gathering to play games, bar-b-que, or picnic, the forest is always their choice location.

7 - Brinza is not just a cheese, it's a way of life. It's kind of like feta cheese or goat cheese, but better than both. Brinza was served with every meal and we ate it with everything... soup, crackers, eggs, cookies, sausage, rice, etc. There's nothing that can't be enhanced by a little bit of brinza.

8 - Dandelions have taken over the Moldova countryside. When we first arrived the ground was covered in a layer of yellow, but towards the end of our stay the yellow had been replaced with a blanket of white. I made sure to do my part in continuing the dandelion population by blowing the seeds of every dandelion I saw.

9 - Shepherding is alive and well in Moldova. Everywhere we drove I saw herds of sheep spread out across the countryside complete with a shepherd tending the flock.

10 - On each corner is a magazin. The best American equivalent would be a corner store, although the magazins are more extensive. Being that there are no actual stores in the small towns, these magazins have to have a little bit of everything... from cookies to cutlery to fresh fish to wallpaper. The best part is if the cashier doesn't have the correct change, she'll just make up for it by giving you cookies :)

Turning a house into a home: Picture blog

Tue, 26 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

I spent my last two weeks of ministry in Cornesti, Moldova, partnering with Vitalii and his family. He pastors at the only church in town and runs two transition homes for orphans and street kids (their stories are coming soon). Our time was spent attending Bible studies with the youth, doing outreach in the forest, putting on kids programs, giving testimonies at church, and lots and lots of manual labor.

Vitalii recently started to rent a plot of land for the transition home. The house has been sitting empty for over a month and the land hasn't been tended in quite some time. Vitalii's vision was to clean out and repaint the house as well as clear the grounds and begin planting all sorts of crops... grapes, cucumbers, watermelon, etc. I admit I was a little weary of the house ever being livable or the fields ever being usable, but after two weeks the land was cleared, the crops planted, and two of the older boys from the transition home had moved into the little house with the task of overseeing the crops.

Towards the end of our time I got the chance to help out in the field, but for the most part, I was paired with Amy and given the task of making the crumbling house into a livable home... here's the transformation...

The House

(It was small, but had potential.)

The Mess

(There was still food in the pots on the stove, YUCK!)

The Yuckiness

The Progress

(Notice the wall that is bulging out and about ready to collapse.)

The Work

(Yes, I'm painting the floor. It went against all my artistic and practical instincts to paint over a continually dirty floor, but I will admit it looked much better painted than not.)

The Finished Product

(We were asked to paint over the bulging/collapsing wall. It supposed to be fixed sometime soon, but for the time being, they wanted it to look not so crumbly and crack-filled.)

The Home

So long, farewell, auf wiedersehen, goodbye...

Thu, 21 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Yesterday I said goodbye to the 31 people that have been my family for the past 11 months. It all seems so surreal. We began this journey almost a year ago in Palenque, Mexico and now after months of memories, tears, and laughter we're going our separate ways. While most of the squad is arriving back in their home towns today, I'm still in Kiev. I will be spending the next three and a half weeks in Ireland and Germany, processing my experience and visiting friends. Although this chapter has come to an end, I know another one is about to begin. So don't stop reading yet :) There are more blogs to come over the next few weeks!

Cheers to the F squad for finishing whole and well! I love you all!

Romania top 10: Picture Blog

Thu, 14 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

ROMANIA TOP 10

10 Things I learned in Romania...

1 - The Romanians love to rollerblade. I thought zipping around on rollerblades was a thing of the past, but the Romanians haven't forgotten this fun past time. Whether it's a way to get from here to there, a form of exercise, or simply a leisure activity, rollerbladers can be seen everywhere.

2 - Security is taken seriously in Romania. Numerous buildings and garages are locked with giant key locks. To add an extra security measure there are metal rings found around each lock to stopped them from being cut or banged off.

3 - Romanian women love red hair. I don't think I saw a natural redhead my entire month in Targu Mures, however, there were plenty of woman with a bottled version of auburn, fire engine red, or ginger.

4 - The buildings in Romania are an interesting combination of the past and the present. They have a beautiful blend of color and life mixed with the troubled past of communism. The buildings are crumbling, the paint is peeling, but the beauty is still evident. Photographing these buildings was one of my favorite past times this month.

5 - Dacias are everywhere. During the time of communism these little cars were the most readily available. Now, intermingled with the older models are new and improved Dacias, but still the most common are the little square reminders of a different time, when choices were limited and you made do with what you had.

6 - Gypsy children are beautiful. I have never seen such gorgeous children as I did in the gypsy villages. Some are far skinned and blue eyed, others are olive toned with dark eyes, but either way their beauty is undeniable.

7 - Giant bird's nest line the roads of Romania. To stop the birds from building on the telephone poles, the Romanians have created man made structures just for the large nests. It's a bit of an odd sight seeing such massive nests precariously placed on top of large cement poles.

8 - Spring is upon Romania which means one thing... flowers. They are for sell in the streets and in the stores and in bloom in the parks and in backyards. It's truly a beautiful sight to behold.

9 - Smoking is the norm in Romania. Young and old, male and female, it doesn't matter, cigarettes can be found in the hands of almost everyone. I had forgotten how much I enjoyed a smoke free environment, it's never fun going home smelling like an ashtray.

10 - After the long and cold winter the Romanians rejoice in a chance to enjoy the spring sun. Cafes and restaurants set up tables outside and ice cream booths pop up across the town. We joined the natives and took advantage of the chance to sit outside and bask in the pleasant spring sun.

The end is here: Mini Update

Thu, 7 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

A few days ago I arrived at my last ministry sight of the year... Cornesti, Moldova. After an extensive stay in Romania I was not looking forward to leaving. The city of Targu Mures and the people there felt like home. It's been quite some time since I've lived anywhere for four weeks and I was feeling quite comfortable, yet, the race is not quite over, so here I am in Moldova.

I'll be spending a total of twelve days here in Cornesti with a small group of girls (Steph F., Katie, Jessie, and Amy). We're working with a local pastor, Vitalic, and the transition homes that he has started. Our ministry is a lot of manual labor... gardening, painting, etc. Despite the exhaustion we're feeling after almost eleven months of travel, it's been fun being able to see the immediate results of our hard work. In the next few days we'll be continuing our efforts to rejuvenate the plot of land and house that belong to Vitalic's transition home and also spending time ministering to the youth both in the homes and from the town.

Please continue to keep us in your prayers as we enter the last two weeks of the race. It's all coming to an end faster than I can comprehend. Pray for a strong finish and a debrief complete with time to process, time to say goodbye, and time to prepare for what's to come.

(not my photograph, but it looks something like this in the surrounding areas)

The last of three: Sidney and Imola

Thu, 7 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Before you read this blog, I recommend that you take a look at these two previous blogs.

Meikayla and Dubexi
Latvia and Madalitso

With time running out I was wondering if I would be able to find someone special enough for my last toy... then I met Imola. We'd just pulled up to a village and began greeting the children when I saw her. She was covered in dirt but had a huge smile spread across her face. Imola is 4 years old and lives in a little Gypsy village that we were able to visit on four different occasions. The Gypsy children are beautiful in every sense of the word, but Imola captured my heart from the beginning. She appeared shy at first, standing in the back of the crowd, but in no time she was joining in, singing, dancing and laughing along with the rest.

Imola is a little bundle of joy, full of life and love, just like my niece, Sidney. She has a tender heart and beauty that radiates from within. It was any easy decision to give her the toy dog Sidney had picked out. Yet despite the ease of the decision the actual process was the most challenging of the three.

It was our last visit to the village and I had exited the bus in hopes of finding Imola running towards me, but I had no such luck. I looked around, searching through the mass of children, trying to find my favorite smiling face. She was nowhere to be found. I finally stumbled across Imola's older sister and was able to ask about Imola. She was at home but her sister was willing to run and get her. I watched with an eager smile as the older Gypsy girl ran down the train tracks towards a house off in the distance. I was so excited to see my little girl that I almost forgot we were on a time schedule. Within minutes we were being ushered back to our bus, but there was still no sight of Imola.

I couldn't leave without seeing her so I told one of our translators to ask the bus to meet us on the other side of town and with another translator close behind, I darted off in the direction Imola's older sister had run. It wasn't long before I saw them climbing back onto the tracks. A little out of breath but happy to see Imola, I explained about my niece, Sidney, and the little toy dog. I told her that even though I was leaving her village and her country, I would still be praying for her and that Sidney would be praying for her hundreds of miles away. Imola understood and smiled a big cheesy grin. I hugged her goodbye and then we continued running down the railroad tracks to catch our bus.

The children all ran after us, Imola with her toy dog and the photograph of Sidney still in hand. We arrived to the rendevous point and realized the bus had already passed us by. Excited to have a little bit more time with Imola I grabbed her hand and continued towards the bus. Ten minutes late we rounded a corner and saw the bus and the rest of our group waiting for us. With one last hug I told Imola goodbye, our adventure had came to an end but what a success it had been.

Opening up the boxes

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

I've heard it said over and over again that people "have God in a box". I came on this race expecting to be surprised by God, but I honestly thought my God wasn't confined to a little box. I was wrong. My box may have been a bit bigger than other people's, but it was still a box. Even though I didn't realize it at the time, I had put limitations on God... limitations on His abilities, on His love for me, on His desire to be in my life.

This year God has broken out of those limitations with an unimaginable force. He has proven to be so much bigger than I ever imagined. His powers and might are unparalleled. His forgiveness is never ending. His word is mighty. His love is deeper than I can grasp. His compassion is never deserved, but always given. His desire to be in my life is greater than I can imagine. Nothing about God can be put into a box, He's simply not boxable.

So what do I do now that I've let God out of a box? What does it mean for me? I'm sure over the next few months I will continue to have revelations about my big and powerful God, but for now I'm learning that letting God out of a box means also letting myself out of a box (or giant duffel bag, in this case). I don't serve a small God with small plans. I serve a God who cares about me with unbridled passion and knows the desires of my heart. He knows what will happen tomorrow and what will happen ten years from now. He has plans for me, not small insignificant plans, but grand, extravagant plans. He has prepared me for the journey ahead by gifting me and equipping me with what I need to succeed. It's an exciting place to be at.

As I come to an end of this crazy adventure I have numerous plans running through my head. It seems like every few months God has presented me with a new door that I could walk through. Please join me in praying through these ideas that God has given me... for His will to be clear and for faith to walk through whichever door He opens up. Here are just of few options that you can be praying about... the G42 leadership academy in Spain, teaching in Hungary, some kind of missions work in Ireland, Romania, or Germany, leading a World Race squad, or possibly remaining in the States and joining my dad on a few of his mission trips this fall.

The excitement doesn't have to end with me. He has plans for us all. The best part about His plans is that they are formatted especially for us. He knows each of us inside and out, He knows what we need now and what we'll need in five years, He knows it all. Maybe God is leading you to be a missionary, a preacher, a doctor, or maybe He's planned for you to be a mother, a wife, a sunday school teacher. Whatever it is, whatever it looks like, it's a big plan that has been made especially for you, and the best thing you'll ever do is decide to follow it. What doors has He been opening for you lately?

A tribute to the Taras: Picture blog

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

I've spent the last few weeks with two of my favorite people - Tara and Tara. I don't really know where to begin describing how much they have meant to me this past year. God knew that I was going to need a double dose of Tara this year. Through thick and thin, the good and the bad, the challenging and the fun, they've been there for me with ears ready to listen and hearts filled with compassion.

Tara B. is absolutely amazing. She's beautiful in every sense of the word. Her presence lights up a room and her smile brings joy to those around her. She's one of the most kind-hearted and loving people I've ever met.

Tara B. and I are both free spirits, we've bonded easily over the beauty and simple joys of life. We can spend hours just walking and talking, asking each other endless questions, and laughing about the most random things.

Tara S. is truly one of a kind. She has more life and energy than anyone I know. She can entertain a crowd without a moments notice and is always good for laugh. Tara has a rare mix of humor, wisdom, and compassion that radiates in everything she does.

Tara S. and I share a love for life and the adventures it brings. We can find fun in any situation and always manage to have ourselves a little adventure. There is not a dull moment when I'm with Tara. We talk and laugh and then talk and laugh some more.

The three of us received the most votes for "racer with the most contagious joy" from our fellow squad mates. It's no wonder we're friends. I couldn't have asked for better company this year. Their wisdom and insights have been indispensable and I've loved each moment with them. Thank you God for the Taras!!!

Expanding my world wide family

Mon, 27 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

This past month I've been apart from <----- team Pi (Dre is in Northern Romanina and the other 4 members are in Ukraine), but God has blessed me with a new family... The Collective and the staff here at the YWAM base ----->

The Collective is made up of the Bruces, the Gracers, and myself. This was the first time we've been placed together on the race and it's a shame because it's been wonderful every step of the way. We clicked from the beginning and have had a great few weeks. We've laughed together, prayed together, worshiped together, talked together, and all around enjoyed each other's company. The staff here at YWAM have made numerous comments on our unity and the joy we have around one another and I couldn't agree more. It's been a blessing to connect so well, so late in the game.

The staff here at YWAM have made me feel at home from the very beginning, all the way back to my scouting trip in early March. They have been so open and generous with themselves and their time. They are always quick to help out, translate something, call a bus station, or go for a walk and sit and chat over tea. It's been close quarters, since we're literally living in the YWAM office, but it's been fun to have so many smiling faces around.

I thought I was done connecting and making deep relationships with only four weeks to go. But God has surprised me and surrounded me with a delightful family that I've thoroughly enjoyed. Thank you Lord for my family that keeps expanding!

Embracing my inner gypsy

Sun, 26 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

I'm like a bird, I'll only fly away

I don't know where my soul is, I don't know where my home is

Nelly Furtado

I've often been called a nomad, a wanderer, a modern day gypsy. And it's true. I move, settle in, and then leave again, travel somewhere new and then continue on the go. It's been the pattern of my life from the very beginning. My first airplane ride was at six weeks old and the longest I've lived in any one place has been four years. The constant travel and upheaval has been instilled into my very being. After two years in one place I usually get this restless and ready feeling, a feeling that my time is almost up and something new awaits me. It doesn't always mean that I want to or need to leave right then, but it's this strange mental and physical sensation of knowing I'm not meant to stay there for a long period of time.

I came on this race knowing how my wandering spirit works and knowing that it would enjoy this experience. I've spent the past 11 months traveling to somewhere new every three or four weeks. Some people predicted that it would help cure me of my insatiable wanderlust, but it's done the complete opposite. It's confirmed that I love this lifestyle, this nomadic existence that God has called me to. I love traveling to new places, finding new communities to bond with, new friends to connect with, new adventures to embark on, new people to share God's love with. Yes, sometimes it's tiring living out of a backpack or sleeping somewhere new every few nights, but I wouldn't change it for the world.

As this trip comes to an end and my fellow racers are discussing going home, I quietly sit to the side with nothing much to say. I honestly don't know where home is, where I belong, where I fit in best, or where I'll end up. But I do know that I'm not in this alone, God is with me, and that's enough for me. I'm a gypsy for life, or until God directs me otherwise. He created me with these passions and desires and I'm willing to follow Him wherever He leads me.

I often wonder if the 'gypsy' inside will ever grow tame and silent? But I'd rather be a vagabond than ignore God's call and live passively for all of my life.
Dre Lindquist

Borrowing Jen's lense: Picture blog

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

I don't think I've borrowed someone else's blog this year, but there's a first time for everything. While I continue to work through my current writers block, please enjoy some of the beautiful moments that Jen has captured during our time here in Romania...

Blog by Jen Crane...

This month I have been with my team in Targu Mures, Romania. We are living at a YWAM base and are doing a lot of prayer ministry, street evangelism, and a coffee house on Fridays. We have also been able to go to a gypsy village, and spend time praying for people, and hanging out with children. The Roma people are wonderfully hospitable, and lots of fun to be around. Here and here are some blogs from squad-mates living in a gypsy village just north of Targu Mures.

Here's a glimpse of a gypsy village...

The gypsy kids that stole our hearts....

We took a day trip to another town, Sibiu and Hunedora to visit a castle. Sibiu was a beautiful European city, full of old buildings and great resturants.

Our lunch, salami, cheese and bread!

The castle in Hunedora.

Romanian Easter eggs. The tradition is to hit each other's eggs and see whose lasts withouth breaking. I lost.... but they were fun to dye! We used grass, leaves and panty hose.

On the Eve of Easter, people gather around the orthodox church in the city center with candles and circle the church three times while the church bells ring.

Counting down the days

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In Malawi we hit our 100 day mark... only 100 days left until the end of the race. My team began doing a Psalm countdown, reading from Psalm 100 all the way down to 1. Now the 4 week mark has come and gone. There are only 27 days left, 27 days until this crazy adventure ends and another begins. I encourage you to join with as we finish out the race by reading a Psalm each day. Take the time to not only read the passages, but also pray about and mediate on God's word. He continues to reveal something new to me... a word of encouragement, a challenge, a new promise to claim. I know He can do the same for you.

April 24th - Psalm 27

1 The LORD is my light and my salvation-
       whom shall I fear?
       The LORD is the stronghold of my life-
       of whom shall I be afraid?

2 When evil men advance against me
       to devour my flesh, [a]
       when my enemies and my foes attack me,
       they will stumble and fall.

3 Though an army besiege me,

       my heart will not fear;
       though war break out against me,
       even then will I be confident.

4 One thing I ask of the LORD,
       this is what I seek:
       that I may dwell in the house of the LORD
       all the days of my life,
       to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD
       and to seek him in his temple.

5 For in the day of trouble
       he will keep me safe in his dwelling;
       he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle
       and set me high upon a rock.

6 Then my head will be exalted
       above the enemies who surround me;
       at his tabernacle will I sacrifice with shouts of joy;
       I will sing and make music to the LORD.

7 Hear my voice when I call, O LORD;
       be merciful to me and answer me.

8 My heart says of you, "Seek his face!"
       Your face, LORD, I will seek.

9 Do not hide your face from me,
       do not turn your servant away in anger;
       you have been my helper.
       Do not reject me or forsake me,
       O God my Savior.

10 Though my father and mother forsake me,
       the LORD will receive me.

11 Teach me your way, O LORD;
       lead me in a straight path
       because of my oppressors.

12 Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes,
       for false witnesses rise up against me,
       breathing out violence.

13 I am still confident of this:
       I will see the goodness of the LORD
       in the land of the living.

14 Wait for the LORD;
       be strong and take heart
       and wait for the LORD.

Worshiping in the streets

Sun, 12 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Even after months of it, I'm still not fond of street evangelism. I'm generally under the opinion that it does more harm than good. People walk by, stare, and think what are these crazy Christians doing? Most people don't take the time to ask what's actually going on, they make a snap judgment and continue on their way. So, as we headed out for a night of street evangelism, I wasn't the most excited person. I know God can move whenever and wherever he wants, regardless of the setting or the people involved, yet I wasn't expecting much from our few hours on the street. But, as usual, because He's simple amazing, God surprised me.

It started out like I expected. We set up downtown in front of the theater and began singing worships songs. Our plan was to praise our Lord and Saviour and then see where He guided us. At first people just walked by, giving us strange looks but not curious enough to approach us. One man even threw a rock at us from across the plaza. I wasn't surprised. But as we continued on, a few people took seats, some right next to us, others as far away as possible within ear shot. And then things began to change...

Daniella spotted us from across the plaza and walked straight up to us asking "What are you doing?" We explained that we were worshiping God. She didn't ask many questions but simply joined in clapping, dancing, and even trying to sing along. We found that she's an eighteen year old Hungarian, Gypsy who's had a very hard life. But in that moment she seemed to let her worries go and relaxed in God's presence.

Gary sat down with some friends and listened to our music. When we finished his friends walked away, but he stayed back. Josh and Feri approached him and began talking. They were able to encourage him to reconnect with his family and challenge him to come back to God.

Moni and Andrada sat halfway across the plaza whispering to each other. When Feri noticed that they were singing along he beckoned them over. They excitedly sat down and continued to clap and sing with us. After we finished, I approached them and found out that they were Christians and both attended a church in town. I have never met young girls so on fire for Christ. They're passion and excitement bubbled over as they expressed their surprise at hearing Christian songs sung in their town square. It was such an encouragement to hear them talk about God transforming their lives and hoping that their fathers would also come to know Jesus.

Julia slowly approached us and sat down nearby. She didn't ask many questions, but just wanted to listen and enjoy the music. She has a religious background but isn't walking with the Lord right now. Kara and Tara were able to talk to, encourage, and pray for her.

While some of us were talking to those who'd chosen to sit nearby, the rest of our group walked around handing out tracks and inviting people to a Friday night coffee house. Some good conversations were had and people were challenged to reevaluate their thoughts on God.

I began that evening with very little joy or excitement and not really sure what to expect. I thought maybe we'd have one of two good conversations, but I was wrong. God showed up in a big way, moving in the hearts of the people both young and old. We were encouraged and in return were able to encourage those around us. Overall it was a wonderful experience and one I'm actually looking forward to repeating again in a few days. Please pray for our next night out on the streets of Targu Mures. Pray for open minds and hearts as well as willing spirits on out side. Pray that our preconceived ideas of street evangelism won't get in the way of God working in miraculous and surprising ways.

Approaching the end: Mini Update

Tue, 7 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

After an eventful and enlightening debrief we (Gracers, the Bruces, and myself) have arrived safe and sound in Targu Mures, Romania. We've spent the past few days settling in and finalizing our schedule and now the fun begins. Throughout the next few weeks, we'll be joining the YWAM base in their ministries as well as teaming up with a Hungarian pastor and his church. Our time will be spent praying... evangelizing... worshiping... cleaning... meeting with students... painting... playing with orphans... preaching... dancing (which we've already begun :)

Please keep us in your prayers as we begin the ministries in our second to last country. Pray that we will continue to give it our all and keep focused. The end is drawing near, only 44 days left! Also, please continue to pray for clarity about after the race. I have many, many ideas, each one exciting in its own right, but my desire is to go where God leads.

Thank you for your prayers and support!

Dancing the time away: Video blog

Tue, 7 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

And for a little fun... here's a sneak peak into one of the best travel days on the race... 25 racers on our very own bus, not a van, but a large, comfy bus!