Grace my feet and Faith my eyes Jenny Brown - The World Race 2007

A New Chapter Begins...

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

I am now working from home, which I really love. We have been blessed to make amazing relationships with families and singles in the DC metro area. Our family began inviting those relationships into our own family rhythms and festivals when we moved here and we are now bearing the fruit of this practice. We have created a ministry called Planting Sequoias, you can find us on the web at www.plantingsequoias.com. I am now working from home for Planting Sequoias, managing the everyday communication, project development & implementation, and I am pursuing our incorporation and 501(c)(3) status. I have really enjoyed this work so far. It is challenging and fun, and getting me back into full time ministry.

I have also applied to substitute teach in Loudoun County, VA. This is the next county over but there are enough schools close to us that I could work often if I wanted to. I have been to orientation and am now awaiting the results from my background check, from 3 states over the last 6 years, that's what I get for moving around a lot. Em and I sat down with my budget and determined that 2 days teaching equals what I was paid for a full 40 hour week at Starbucks. I hope the checks come through soon. I am eager to get back in the classroom, even if it only for a few days each week.

The best part about pursuing this type of work means that I am free to pursue missions opportunities that arise. I will be headed down to GA this next week for training to become part of a team of alumni/staff who will run future training camps for racers preparing for the field. I have also been asked to consider team leading a group of prospective racers for the month of June. We would be heading down to Haiti to continue work on relief efforts. In order to help in this effort I would need to raise $1000 to cover costs. AIM has been one of the first to respond to needs in Haiti and they will continue until the work is finished there. Another opportunity has also arisen within AIM. The Ambassador department has short term trips each summer that are 3-5 weeks. Ambassadors creates trips for teens 14-18 years old. This ministry is close to my heart because I was in my teens when I was drawn to the importance of missions and it's call on my life. I understand what it is like to be in these kids shoes and have a huge desire to serve but not know exactly how to put it into action. I am excited about the possibility to be a mentor in the lives of these teens, to encourage them to seek God's direction and not worry about anything else besides obedience.

I am still praying through the opportunities that have been presented but I know right now that support is my biggest hurdle. The Lord has shown me that I have not been the best at making my supporters feel as though they have a stake in the work that we do. I have been a terrible communicator and for that I am truly sorry. I am working to turn over a new leaf and to pursue my supporters as much as I want to pursue these ministry opportunities. The truth is, I couldn't do any of the things God has called me to do without those He has called to be a part of my community of supporters. I am blessed to have you and I pray that I will truly honor you as God desires me to for the future. I still have support to raise in order to cover the last of my commitment from H squad. I want to honor my commitment to AIM and turn in my full support amount. I feel this is important for me to accomplish before I take on any other trips. My total still to raise for H- squad is $2000. This is not an impossible goal. If 20 people give $100 the goal would be reached in no time.

Please pray with me as we trust God to bring in the support and as He draws me to the trips He has planned for me this year. I am blessed to have a relationship with each of you and with the folks at AIM, who I know seek God's direction and are good stewards of the resources God brings them. Thanks for your prayers and consideration of joining in what God is doing.

Emancipation

Mon, 10 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

I LOVE So You Think You Can Dance. I love watching the creativity of each piece and the skill with which each dancer attacks their work. I believe that God is the author of all of that creativity and He desires to see us use His gifts to show Him to a seeking world. One of the pieces on this seasons SYTYCD was a piece on addiction. This particular number is incredibly moving for me because I have known so many people who have struggled, and struggle even now, with all types of addictions. I spent this last week with 42 upcoming racers who fought for freedom, from their own addictions and struggles, through vulnerability and surrender to a Heavenly Father who fights on our behalf. I got the joy of watching as they allowed those old entanglements to fall to the ground. As each sought to dive into the Holy Spirit's move in their lives, they found freedom from the oppression that had held them back from God's plan.

So many people in today's world are wounded, broken, and limping through life under the weight of their struggles. So many have tried all they can to find a way out from under; a way to breathe in life again. With enough work, they find success for a time, but if honest, would have to admit that eventually they fall back into those same chains. So how can we help? What can I do for someone struggling with alcohol, drugs, pornography, or eating disorders? There really is nothing that I can do...except show them the ONE who brings me freedom on a daily basis. He has called me to love, which sometimes calls for discipline; He has called me to sacrifice, everything I have is to be given away for others betterment; He has called me to die, a spiritual death that says I have no rights and I count others before myself. He has been the ultimate example; He does not ask any of us to do anything that He has not already done for us. He is our Victorious Warrior; He is our Emancipation! I am blessed to know this freedom giver. I am blessed to live in His grace everyday. I am blessed that He chose me to share His freedom with others.

So let's take our stories to the world! Let's not hide our past, our struggle, in the shadows. Victory kept in the shadows in no victory at all. The world around us is dying everyday because of addiction and spirits who lead them away from our Father. He calls them gently back to Himself and He uses us as His storyboard. He uses our lives so that we can comfort others who don't know He is there in the midst of their sorrows. We are living examples of lives purchased back from damnation and slavery. We are His living stones! If we do not cry out about what our Heavenly Father has done for us; then those we know and love, and those we don't know yet, will die under the crushing weight that addiction, guilt, and despair bring. It is for freedom that we have been set free. Thank you Abba! I choose to walk in Your freedom today!

Life on the trapeze

Thu, 6 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

I am in Gainesville this week helping with L squad training camp. This group leaves for the race in October and they have been an amazing and inspiring group to work with. I have seen a quiet, slightly tentative group of guys and girls slowly, through the week, turn into Anointed, bold, fearless men and women of God. They have let go of all the junk that was their life and they have jumped in to the water that is the Fully alive call to this Generation.

I see a generation, rising up to take their place

A selfless faith, a selfless faith.

I see a new revival, coming as we pray and sing

We're on our knees, we're on our knees.

Hosanna, Hosanna, Hosanna in the Highest!

My heart jumps inside my chest every time I see a new group of 20 somethings wake up and realize that there is more to this life of faith than we have been shown or that we have been living. It is time to count the cost of true discipleship. The stage is set, He is gathering His army for something big and He wants us to be a part. I am overwhelmed by the honor that carries. I have been asked by the King of the Universe to fight for Him! YES LORD. Our hearts cry in unison to our Father. Yes, we are willing to lay down our lives, the ones we thought we would have! We are ready to walk out under your banner and declare that we are taking back territory that the devil has claimed as His own. We claim our families, we claim our towns, we claim our country, we claim our generation, we claim Asia, we claim South America, we claim Africa, Europe, and Central America. God has sealed it for Himself. It is His, we just get to go take it!

SO, where do I fall in all of this? Since returning home I have found myself in a bit of a lost place. Not really sure of where my place was and what it looked like. I pray for these racers and my H squad and ask God to move in them. I get to be part of an amazing community praying and seeking God's Kingdom to come in DC. And yet, with all these things I love; that I get to participate in, I feel caught between what is and what is to come.

Ashley and I got to go out with Mike and Patti last night and it was such a sweet time. I got to just be with them. As I shared my heart I heard myself say; "I feel like I know part of my purpose but I don't know how to fit that into my reality." Mike, in all his wisdom as a father in my life, said that it was like being on a trapeze. I see myself holding so tightly to where I have been and God is on the other side calling me to jump to Him. His hand is outstretched beckoning me to release and my response is "Come get me. Take my hand and then I'll let go." He shakes His head and says "Trust me, let go and I will catch you."

So, I am here today still on the trapeze having no idea what is next and saying Okay God, I'm letting go! I am jumping in TRUST and believing that YOU are going to catch me. I believe that in the right time You will bring my hearts desires together. You will bring order and vision where I see chaos and desert. I declare today that I will wait for You. I will Jump first and find out where it leads later. I love you, I trust you, and I say you are good...even when I'm not so sure about the fall.

YOUR KINGDOM COME , YOUR WILL BE DONE ON EARTH!

YOUR KINGDOM GOD, AND NOTHING MORE!

I am home but still have work to do with H squad. However, in order to get back to them 2 more times this year I need your help. I still need to raise 4,500 dollars to cover airfare and needs on the ground so I can see them at a debrief in Romania and again at their final debrief. Please pray about how you can help reach this goal. I, along with several others, are trusting that God will provide. I need to buy my ticket for Romania soon, as ticket prices rise daily. Please pray and act when God gives you the call. Thank you all for your support in God' calling in this season of my life. I have felt your amazing support and prayers.

Savor...

Sun, 7 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Savor - To give oneself to the enjoyment of...

"This is my life; this is my reality". I remember coming to that realization for the first time back in 2007, my first time on the race. I couldn't believe how incredibly blessed I was...and I am at that same place again. I feel everyday the "perks" of being His daughter. I get to travel around the world, seeing places that I didn't even know to dream of, while growing up on a farm in small town North Carolina. I get to serve the voiceless and forgotten; a job that I feel completely fulfilled by. I get to feed the hungry, teach job skills and English to those who wish to open doors to a better future, and I get to tell those, who have no idea, that there is a Loving God who knows their name. And all the while, I get to see God's amazing creation. I have seen some amazing man-made beauty, but none compares to the craftsmanship of my Father. I see so much care put in to every piece of beauty He has scattered throughout the world. From the volcanoes of Central America, to the clear water and white sand of the Indian Ocean; His beauty is breathtaking. I have seen creatures that show off His creativity. I have held children of many different skin tones who were ALL made in His image. I have held the hand of the sick and wiped the tears of the weary. I am honored to have done and seen what I have. I don't feel worthy to be in the service of my King; and the truth is I am not. BUT, He is and He makes me so; and SO I savor...

This time around I have the added blessing of knowing the 52 amazing individuals of H squad. They are all in my heart; the truth is they found their way in a lot faster than I thought they would. I am so proud of each of them. I see them with our Father's eyes; I am filled with overwhelming pride when I see them allow healing into their lives or when they take a stand against the enemy. I love watching them comfort each other, and for His gifts to emerge in them. I am brought to tears as I watch them walk through their personal pain and their hearts cry out for His kingdom and their place in it. I am different because of them; because of each of their stories, and all they have to offer. I have come to expect waking up to these guys. I have gotten used to talking junk with some and knowing a hug was awaiting me in others arms. I have loved every minute of the last 5 months with this group. I have been honored to listen, to comfort, to guide, and to sometimes rebuke, but always to love...and so I savor the moments we have left together...

I am excited about the future for this squad. I look forward to hearing to stories of the next 6 months, when they step out on their own. I am expectant of what will come because I know the identity of this group. They are a generation of warriors. They are Intercessors, encouragers, comforters, they are light in the darkness, they are children of promise, they are David, Peter, Paul, Jacob, Moses, Rahab, Mary Magdalene...Teacher, Pastor, Apostle, Prophet, and Evangelist. These 52 are the disciples Jesus loves; they are pregnant with the promise of God's Kingdom come. They will lose their lives to find it, they will bring freedom to the captive, and they will be the voice to the voiceless. Their shadows will bring healing and their words life. They are His beloved, His favorite! And so, I savor the blessing it has been to be with them on this journey.

H squad,

Run hard, spend yourselves in such a way that you collapse into His rest every night. Rely on the Father first, then on each other. Prefer one another, pursue community. Walk in the healing He has already given and remember who He says you are. Have tunnel vision, allow nothing to distract you. Be rather than do...and remember, like a tree that moves when the wind blows, you functioning how He created you will bring Glory to Him. Finish well my friends...Savor this...

That which doesn't kill us...

Sat, 9 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

One of my favorite movies of all time is Steel Magnolias. I think I love this movie because it is a story of 4 strong southern women and their triumph over adversity...together. Being from the south I feel a special kinship to the scenery, the big hair, the accents, and the sassy old ladies!! The movie is FULL of quotes worth using over and over again but one that I especially love is this; "That which doesn't kill us makes us stronger."

We have all had times in life where we thought we could just die; in those times we feel like it would just be easier if we did. Even Paul talks about his feeling of death in 2 Corinthians 1:8

We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about the hardships we suffered in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life.

I think I can speak for the majority of the squad when I say that we have faced our share of hardships in the province of Asia. We, as a squad, have seen sickness, hospital stays, spiritual battles, personal demons, opposition at borders, and served in ministries where we see death of innocence on a daily basis. The desire to give up could easily overtake anyone of us; we could get angry and cry out for death to just get it over with. We could ask the age old question of why bad things happen to good people? We could choose to work for a change in our own strength; we could choose to give up on a God who doesn't seem to be doing anything...Why do we have to deal with the issues that Asia has presented? Why do we have to deal with the skeletons in our own closets? Why do we have to experience any of it in the first place?

Paul answered those questions with this answer in 2 Corinthians 1:3-7

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort.

Verse 9 has been written on my heart since the first time I saw it; sitting on the steps in front of my college dorm too many years ago and with a storm sneaking up on the horizon. Indeed, in our hearts we felt the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead.

So how do we not despair even of life? We know that our God is our VICTORIOUS WARRIOR. There are times when we still have to battle against depression, secrecy, bitterness, anger, resentment, and feelings of inadequacy. But, through every trial God has shown Himself faithful. We have seen Him fight the battles that we have seemingly lost; we have seen Him bring redemption in places that were long forgotten and hidden in darkness. We have watched Him make right that which was bent on being wrong. He comforts us so that we can comfort the lost and hurting world. He works everything to the good; He offers healing to each of us so that we can show others that it's possible, and maybe, be blessed enough to help them take steps in their own healing.

Another important principle of the movie that I don't want to overlook is the fact that the ladies have each other. God does not mean for man (or woman) to be alone. I don't think He meant purely in the "marital" sense of alone. I believe He also knew the importance of having tangible help through the trials of life. He knows what it is like to live this life. He understands that a lot of what comes our way is too much to carry alone. He tells us to Carry Each Others Burdens... in Galatians and through His own example. He uses His people to do His will; giving a hug, encouraging someone, being a shoulder to cry, and even putting into practice church discipline.

Having had the experiences I have in my own life, seeing the pain around the world, and knowing the names and faces of a few amazing hurt people I now understand my role in this whole thing. To comfort others as I have been comforted by my Father in Heaven. And, believe me, nobody does it better than my Daddy!

Thailand in a nut shell

Sat, 9 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

For those of you wondering where I was for the month of April I thought, since it's May, I should probably answer that question. I got the joy of spending my time with 20 of the squad ladies in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Chiang Mai is located in the North and I had not been there before. I really enjoyed the new town and getting to be with ALL the ladies there.

We stayed in an amazing place called "The Lighthouse" guesthouse...I will write more about them in another blog. We were in town during SongKran; a water festival that was originally a day of cleansing by the Buddhist monks. As the years passed the original meaning of the day began to fall to the wayside. The festival is now, in Chiang Mai at least, a 5 day experience of people walking around completely soaked carrying buckets with which they fish water from the moat to throw at passers by OR a Super Soaker water gun. It is 5 days of water, alcohol, and parties in the streets. I have never experienced anything as crazy as those days in Chiang Mai.

Due to a change in Thai law, when we passed overland from Cambodia we only got a 15 day visa when it used to be a 30 day. SO, we had to make a border run. This allowed us to take a day and head north, through the city of Chiang Rai and cross the border into Myanmar. Although we didn't spend a lot of time over the border it was fun to see what part of the country looked like and see some of the fun sights along the way.

My ministry for the month was the racers. I was hoping to get the opportunity to go out with them when they did bar ministry but it never worked out for me to go. SO, I took a day to have a "date" with each of the girls and really enjoyed it all. These ladies are amazing. I got to help them process every night as they came home from the bars having seen some vulgar thing or met someone new with a hard story. I got to give hugs, encourage, and challenge each of them. I love being able to do that kind of ministry. I think if I just got to hang out in a coffee house everyday with people; sharing my life and hearing about theirs; life would be hard pressed to be any better!

So, in a nutshell, that was my April. We had some ups and downs; some bumps in the road...but we came out the other end responsible for more, because we know more AND better equipped to serve the world around us. God is good in ALL things!

The Lighthouse

Sat, 9 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The Lighthouse is the ministry that many of us had the opportunity to work with while in Thailand. The ministry is connected to YWAM and run by a Thai national named Emmi. Emmi's story is an amazing one of redemption and restoration. She has put right with her Father God and He has called her to reach out to the forgotten in Chiang Mai. Emmi's goal is to reach the young, because they are mobile and they will win their own generation. She also has a desire to see those caught in the web that is the Thai "bar" scene set free to fall into God's loving arms. This desire is for those caught up in the "lady boy" "Thom" society or those that are transgendered (the transgenered culture is actually viewed as a third gender in Thailand).

Although I didn't get the chance to meet Emmi in person I did get to chat with her via skype and spend the month with her amazing staff. Everyone at Lighthouse has a desire for their home to be a place for those who have nowhere else to go. They desire for their guesthouse to be a place of peace and rest; a welcome and open door to those who would normally meet with doors closed.

They have many different ministries beginning in Chiang Mai, beginning with the guesthouse where we all stayed for the month. They also offer tourist packages and work with another organization in the area called Won Gen. The Won Gen ministry reaches out, primarily, to college students at the local university. The future plan is to combine the two ministries giving ladies who leave the "bar" culture training and eventual work in the coffee shop that Won Gen runs. The group desires to see women, men, and the transgendered come to know the loving Father.

In order to continue reaching Chiang Mai with the "Light" they need help. Please check out their website at www.lighthousethai.com They would love prayer, they need funds and volunteers. Thanks for checking them out...I know they appreciate anything you can do to help see this vision through.

It's SO hard to say goodbye...

Fri, 10 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

As you all know, I have shared squad leader responsibilities over these last three months. Ashley, my co-leader, is a race alumni from WR 2006 and an AIM staff person working with the World Race. Ashley is an amazing woman of God. She is in her mid-20's but has wisdom and maturity that far outshines her "physical" age. She has been a confidant and a friend over these last three months. She is a constant encouragement and someone whose heart is only for her Father's business.

Ashley's tour of duty with us was a three month stint. At the beginning we all thought that we had plenty of time together. We enjoyed getting to know one another and the racers, coming together at debriefs to counsel & lead, having fun with one another, and share MANY fits of laughter!! Ashley is a beautiful example of God's grace; she is slow to anger and always speaks from a heart of patience...she played the "good cop" to my "bad". Ashley has a way of entering a room and making you smile; usually it's because you have no idea what hilarious thing she is going to say next. She is dramatic...in a good way, she's very creative. She created the drama that our teams do when on the race. She shows humility in every step she takes; from making a decision for the squad to bringing a message that God has given her to share. Ashley and I were "training camp" friends before we departed in January but now, I can say that she is a friend that I love and would work with anytime. At our last debrief in Siem Reap, Cambodia we got to celebrate Ashley. We got a nice hotel to stay in, we enjoyed good food, we had a dinner to celebrate her and then went out dancing with her. (this is an experience I highly recommend; she is an AMAZING dancer. Just ask Chris Scott!)

Although we hated to see her go, I know that just because she isn't here physically does not mean that her spirit is not here with us. I know that she is praying for us as she settles back into her AIM life and we settle in to a new cultural experience in a new country.

Ashley thanks for your willingness to leave the Band and follow God's calling for this season; I understand how hard that was. Thanks for everything you taught me, even if you are a kid...you've got some good stuff to say (says the squad "elder"). Thanks for leaving us with the reminder that life isn't about what we can DO for God but about BEING in Him and who He created us to be...You are an amazing woman of God, a tremendous teacher, a good friend, and a born leader. Keep it up sister; I can't wait to see you when my tour is done and who knows...maybe we will do this crazy thing for a third time! With you as my partner it would always be an option!

Redemption

Thu, 26 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

My first experience with Cambodia was not one that left me wanting more. In fact, I found myself counting down until the days expired for our month of ministry in Cambodia. It was too hard, I carried too much, I couldn't understand the value of teaching English to children when I had just had to leave girls who were being victimized daily. I remember distinctly the spiritual heaviness of this place; I remember feeling like I was wearing one of the cloaks they cover you with when doing x-rays at the hospital. The heat was overwhelming, the past of this country was overwhelming, my emotions were overwhelming, being present was too much. So, I hid. Most of the time I went to class, ate meals with the team, and spent the rest of the time checked out in my room. I remember distinctly, as night after night we were spiritually attacked, that I said I would NEVER come back to Cambodia. My mind had been made up and I would hear nothing else about it.

Fast forward a few months; God, in His sovereignty, called me back to the race. When I checked out the race route I saw Cambodia and hoped that wouldn't be one of the countries I would be around for...then as we began to prepare the team leaders for ministry and talked about ministry in Cambodia. I found myself talking excitedly about Fhunkie & Hya, Steve, Soklie, and Roselette, the staff we encountered while we were in Siem Reap. I found myself excited about the possibility of getting to come back. As I prayed about this curious change in attitude God spoke; "You are not where you were two years ago. I have changed so much in your mind and heart and you are ready to see with new eyes. Go, enjoy the beauty of this people that I created, the people that I love. They are so devout, so caring, and most are so forgotten. "

Fast forward to the present where I find myself in Siem Reap and loving everyday here. I am with Team Spectacle and they have been amazing. I love watching them work together and care for one another. I will go as far as saying they remind me of Awaken (my team on June 07 race), and that is a BIG compliment! I have observed and participated with them in worship times, sat in on a few classes, and watched them lead small groups for the Sunday services held at the base for students.

My favorite part of this month has been the opportunity to take each of the Spectacle ladies out on a "date". I pick a day to invite one girl out to breakfast or for ice cream. We sit and just share life. As a woman who is just slightly older, and an alumni of the race I get to answer questions and share how amazing God has been in my life. I get to share stories of the people I met as a racer, the faces and stories that touched me, the highs and lows of being on the "front lines", and about family back home. We talk about how to walk through entrusting God with our families, friends, and finances. We talk about how being wrecked hurts but is SO worth it when He is finished doing whatever it is He is doing. We laugh, we cry, and sometimes we sit in silence. Everyday God reminds me, this is part of what He has called me to. He has called me to pour out, to love, to listen. I love the opportunity to bear the burdens of my sisters, I love hearing about their "babies" at home and watching video or looking at pictures over and over again. I love being able to speak truth into their lives. I love being able to see their faces light up when they see God do something miraculous or they get what they have been struggling to understand. I love these racers. I am blessed to be with them. I am blessed to call them friends, and I am blessed to serve beside them.

I still have a ways to go until I reach my support goal. I still have just over $6,000 US dollars to raise. Please pray about giving to this ministry on my behalf. God's funds are out there; pray that they will be released for myself and for other racers in need!

Travel Days through Squad Leader Eyes

Thu, 19 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Border crossings are always an adventurous process. But, when trying to move 49 people across the Thai border into Cambodia this adventure becomes like attempting to summit the Himalayas. I thought you might enjoy a window into travel days from the squad leader perspective. So, here is my attempt to share a little of what life looked like for Ashley and I as we maneuvered our group from Santo Domingo to Phnom Penh.

Our travel began at 4:00 a.m. on March 3^rd from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Our group split into two separate flights, mine leaving first with 16 of the racers. Our flight took us to Miami International Airport where we had a scheduled hour and to go through customs/immigration before boarding our cross-country flight to Los Angeles. We managed to land early and get everyone through in time to grab some food and eat before re-boarding. We were thrilled; Pizza Hut & Starbucks...next door to each other. Bienvenido A Miami! We arrived in Los Angeles about 2:30 p.m. and then began the process of collecting bags, getting something to eat, and waiting on the second flight to arrive. Standing at baggage I turned on my US cell phone and found I had a message. The message was from Casey, one of our staff at the office in Gainesville. She had called to tell me that we had an issue and I needed to call when I landed. When I called, she informed me that one of our racers had become sick in the airport and passed out in the security line. She, and the two racers with her, had then been taken to the hospital. Without any way of knowing what was going on Ashley, and the other racers, had boarded the plane and until just before take off thought all was well. When news made it to Ashley from the ticket counter the girls had already been sent to the hospital and the flight crew was ready to go. At that point the only option was to re-board the plane and escort the rest of the racers to LA and attempt to handle things from there as best we could.

To add a little "stress" (fun, but still stressful) to the situation, we had an overnight layover in LA so we had to find places for 49 racers to sleep. Many either had family in the area or family that paid for rooms. We even had some who braved the friendly skies (& the 12 short hours we had on the ground) to fly out to see their racer in the flesh. As you can imagine, once Ashley and I had all the racers accounted for, and aware of their return time for the next morning, we went to our hotel for the night. We immediately began making phone calls to find out about our racers stranded in Miami and calls to Casey to find out how we were going to get those three caught back up with the rest of us. We ended the night by ordering Domino's pizza and watching American Idol then collapsing into our beds. The next morning we got hot showers (GLORIOUS!! especially since it was cold in LA). At the airport everyone got through check in and security without a hitch and we began leg 2 of our journey to Cambodia.

The flight to Bangkok was 21 hours. We had a layover in Tokyo, where I had flashbacks of a trip with C Squad, my race, going from Asia to Central America. (I miss you guys!) We arrived in Bangkok about 11:30 p.m. went through customs/immigration and found our YWAM contacts. We arrived at the YWAM base about 1:30 a.m., split up into different rooms and crashed, but not for long, since our bus to the Cambodian border was going to arrive at 7:30 that morning. Because of our racers stranded in the States, we left two of our guys in Bangkok that morning so the girls wouldn't have to travel alone. After a quick breakfast from 7-11 the rest of the group traveled the three hours from Bangkok to the border on a Thai version of a double-decker bus including a flat screen T.V. and a bottle of water for every seat. Cameron was on our bus and he is the movie king of this race. He gave Indiana Jones to the driver and we watched the Holy Grail. It was a little slice of heaven. At the border, we got everyone unloaded with their bags on donkey carts, pulled by small Cambodian men, and we walked the 1/2 mile to the border. After crossing out of Thailand into No Man's Land we were supposed to have met our YWAM contact. Just as everyone crosses through border patrol our bus driver walks up with a gentleman who appears to know what he is doing. We follow him to the Cambodian side of the border where he takes us to a restaurant for an amazing lunch buffet and he goes, with our passports, to get their visas. Now, I know a logical person is saying to themselves right now; you never give anyone your passport. Well, that is, in most cases a true statement. However at border crossings in foreign countries this is how it is done for large groups a lot of times. He returns shortly with everyone's passports and their new visas for Cambodia affixed to the inside. We cross over into Cambodia, getting our stamps, and begin the wait for our bus. At this point, I ask our contact where our buses are and he asks me if we have one arranged. I borrowed his phone to call Chris, our YWAM contact, who informs me that they thought we were coming in the day before and they couldn't find a bus to come back today so we would just need to find a bus there. It was already after lunch and Phnom Penh, our destination, was 10 hours away. Most bus drivers did not want to help us at all. Our little guy, who had been amazing so far, kicked into gear finding us some busses. We found out, after talking to his boss, that he worked for the Tourist Information Center. He got us two busses that took us to Phnom Penh, for a hefty price. We arrived at 1:30 that morning bringing our total travel time to 81 hours and 30 minutes. After a couple of days of orientation Team Spectacle and myself loaded another bus and drove 6 hours back toward Thailand where we stopped off at our ministry site in Siem Reap. It is always smart to sign up for Air Miles, but after this trip I wish that we got points for ground travel too. At least we have a story to tell about that one time when we traveled around the world...

From the Desert to the Promised Land!

Mon, 9 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Hello all. I just wanted to send out a quick blog update so you know that I am doing well. I have been sick the last few days so I am just getting out of bed. But, I am on the mend. As you can tell, by reading squad member blogs, we had an adventurous time getting into the country of Haiti but it was a tremendous blessing to watch a bus full of young "Americans" tell the devil to get out of the way and worship their way into the country of Haiti.

I have been blessed every step of the way by our ministry contacts; last month I got to spend a month in the desert of Azua, Dominican Republic where the Lord's streams of living water flow throughout the barrio and this month I have found myself at the Promised Land of Canaan. This orphanage is run by some of the most amazing people and I love listening as Sister Gladys talks of her heart for this generation and how they will change the face of Haiti forever. No more voodoo, no more witchcraft, no more putting God on the back burner or doubting what He is doing...this "alternative society" is a city on a hill. I can't wait to share more, and I am working on several blogs...hopefully to be posted soon. Pray that the internet holds up for all of us down here; it's not really what one would call reliable. Also pray for protection for our teams as we are fairly spread out this month and communication does not come easy here; we have found not much else comes easy here either. Thanks for your prayers!

Back in the swing of things

Sat, 31 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Life on the race is back in full swing. I have been surprised about how quickly I have fallen back into race routines; sharing bathrooms with multiple people; taking turns using the computer and praying that the internet holds out the entire time you need to be online; dirty feet; trying new food; trying to understand the language that everyone, except your team, speaks with record breaking speed; race life is good.

I have found that even though life on the race is the same, the race for me this time is completely different. I have found that this time around I am constantly thinking of 54 other people rather than just my team or the people at my ministry location. I see the big picture and spend my time empowering and encouraging the first time racers to step up and fill the need. I have spent my "free time" in meetings and fielding questions about how team money can be used and what to do when stomachs do not adjust well to the new, adventurous style of eating. I have gotten to care for sick racers, and pray for breakthrough for others. I am blessed to be here with these racers. I have seen them dive in head first to the flow of the Holy Spirit. I have watched them worship with abandon and let go of all the ties that pulled them back into lives they didn't want. These racers are a group who will not go away quietly. They have answered the call to see their generation come to life and bring God's Kingdom to earth.

Each of the racers has been chosen and I too feel that I have been chosen for them. I already love them; I already find myself passionately protective of them and their families. I feel like a mother bear who fiercely watches after her young making sure that no outside threat is allowed to get past her line of defense. I know that no matter how much I want to I will not be able to protect them all the time. I know that they will have to fight too. I know that if it were up to our own will we would fail every time. But, we aren't in control, our Father God is and I trust Him. I trust that in 5 months when it is my time to leave, these racers who own some of my heart, will be ready to step out on their own. They will have enough experience under their belts to know that they too can trust the Father and follow His steps. They too will have seen Him work miraculously bringing light to the dark places and breathing redemption into each of their own lives as well. I could not do what I do without many of you supporting me. You have been faithful with the money God has given and I am thankful for that. I am still short of my support goal, but I am positive that God will provide. I have $7,500 in support left to raise. Please be prayerful about how you can be a part of seeing that support goal met. Thank you for your part in bringing a generation to life.

For One Lost Sheep

Wed, 14 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

We arrived in Azua, Dominican Republic on Saturday, January 10^th. We immediately started ministry which began with a youth service on Saturday night. On Sunday we took part in two services. On Monday the real work began. This week our schedule begins every morning at 10 with an English class lasting until 12. You must take into account that the start and end times are not really accurate since we are on Dominican time, which means everything is at least 30 minutes late. After our morning classes we come home and have lunch and a rest time; the heat here drains us all every day. The next appointment begins at 3 with a sports camp. We are teaching the children how to play basketball, volleyball, and soccer. Pastor Raul, our contact, says that the children have no positive ways to spend their energy so they end up getting into trouble. He desires to teach them discipline and focus, while allowing them an outlet for their energy. At 5 we begin a second English class, this one for the older and more advanced students/adults. This class lasts for 2 hours as well. Once classes are finished we go to church members homes and invite their neighbors over for a mini Bible study. Pastor Raul desires for these "cell groups" to be an outreach time, not only to the community but to the relatives of the church members who live in the same house. This Saturday we will host a leadership conference for the church leadership. We hope it will be a time of challenge but also a time to encourage them and to just have a good time.

Pastor Raul has a heart for the people in Azua. He wants to see them better themselves. He wants to see them educated, so he has opened a school. He wants to see them understand the value of working for what you get, so he charges a minimal fee to attend. He understands the importance of children being provided for and setting a generation up for success rather than repeating the failures of the past, so he feeds the students everyday and gives them a safe place to learn, play, and be cared for. Every student in his school learns English and they stress the importance of knowing multiple languages. Pastor Raul has a heart for his people. He knows that with a little help and determination Azua and Buenos Aires, a barrio located up the mountain, will no longer be known as forgotten people but they will be a group of people who take pride in themselves and in what God has called them to do. He is a shepherd who has gone out to look for the one lost sheep and has found a town of 17,000.

Please pray that God will bless the ministry of Pastor Raul and his wife Zanza. They live in the community and have two small children, Samuel and Rebecca. They opened up their home, along with three other church members, to a group of 15 crazy Americanos and they have blessed us abundantly. They believe that God will provide for their needs in their home and in their community. They both work hard to see that the next generation makes a difference in the world.

Luke 15:4-7

"What man among you if he has a hundred sheep and has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open pasture and go after the one which is lost until he finds it? When he has found it he lays it on his shoulders rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, rejoice with me for I have found my sheep which was lost! I tell you that in the same way, there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance."

Their first World Race lessons

Mon, 5 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

We have arrived in the Dominican, but let me start at the beginning. The majority of the team arrived January 3rd in Miami. Some found hotels, most stayed at the airport since we had to be there at 7 the next morning. Once we all arrived, as squad leader, I led us over to the ticket counter where we proceeded to spend the next hour checking in to our flights. As we walked from our designated meeting spot to the ticket counter most others in the airport would stop and stare. As we approached the counter the ticket agents looked at me in fear. I walked up and explained to the ladies that we were checking in as a group on two different flights. They took a deep breath and dug in. Once we all had checked our bags and dropped them off at the TSA luggage point we headed out to our appropriate gates. We discovered we were in two different terminals so I watched with a slight bit of anxiety as the largest part of our team walked to the E terminal. The remaining 15 of us walked to our gate in the D terminal and waited for the 2 hours we had until our flight. 1st WR lesson....hurry up and wait. As time came and passed for us to board our flight I realized that we had a potential issue. I approached the counter where a random ticket agent just happened to be using the computer and she informed me that our flight had been moved to the E terminal. So, we quickly gathered our stuff and headed out to the new gate. We had no idea the time it would take to get over there...we walked up to the gate as they should have been going through the last call. Thankfully, we werent the only ones that were late, as we walked up the flight crew was just walking onto the plane. 2nd WR lesson...plans change in constantly. Once we all arrived, we went through immigration and customs and found the big group from the first flight all there WITH ASHLEY, YEAH!!!! Mission accomplished, the squad had arrived. We quickly hopped on buses and learned lesson number 3. 3rd WR lesson....you can never have too many people on a bus. We all piled onto two buses and drove the 4 hours to San Juan de la Manguana. We arrived to a delicious meal and then set up and hit the sack. Oh, sweet sleep!! Today we have had worship and a meeting, a trip to the ATM with all the leaders, and an amazing lunch. The racers are headed out this afternoon for a scavenger hunt around town so they can learn about the layout and begin to understand what steps they should go through when they enter a new town. Ashley and I have decided, after quick blogging, to go home for a siesta. What can we say, its the squad leaders perrogotive! Life sure is hard on the race!

Here's Jenny!

Mon, 3 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

So, it's been a while since I've posted on this site but I thought I should inform you that I will be heading back on the road with the WR in January. I am going to be co-leading the team with Ashley Musick, another former WRer from '06. I got the opportunity to spend time with the racers at their training camp in October and I cannot say enough about them. I am blessed by each of them as they love on one another and pour out their love for the Father. They are an amazing group of men and women and I am so excited and humbled to have the opportunity to work with them. Ashley is a dream co-leader. She is incredibly gifted and has a special heart for the world. She also pours her love out on others. Ashley is one of the funniest women I know and I look forward to learning a lot from her and laughing a lot at (or with) her.

Please pray for the squad as we are apart over these last few weeks. Pray that the Lord will continue to grow and challenge each of us as we say goodbye to our families and enjoy the last bit of holiday fun before the New Year. Please continue to pray for support as each of the members get closer to launch! If you are interested in supporting me please click the link on the left hand side of the page.

Thanks for following us around the world and I can't wait to get back in this thing. God bless you all!

Same Face, Different Station

Wed, 9 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

I have decided to continue blogging. I have learned that blogging is good for me, it is a way to really be able to express myself and process through my thoughts and experiences. I will probably not post as often to this site, since I have created a blogspot site. You can find me at www.travelerstestimony.blogspot.com

I hope that you will continue to check out what comes from me in the future. Keep an eye out for me, who knows what I will end up doing next.

God bless and signing off for now,

Jenny

Thanks for the Audible

Sat, 24 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

    I'm sitting in Panera on a day of solitude, working through how to express how I am feeling, trying to find peace and my Father's voice speaking to me. As I write I am listening to Jason Upton who has been a wonderful place for me to worship and focus on God this year. As I found myself pouring out a broken heart before God, explaining how inadequate I feel and how I wish I could overcome these "ghosts" that I feel creeping up on me again a song began to play. It is a song entitled He Had to Have You. Jason, a prophetic musician, begins to call out a breaking off of bondage like "you aren't going to do anything," and "you aren't good enough." Then he reminds me that Jesus came to the world to suffer and die, even though He didn't have to because He had to have me. Then the next line called me out, in the middle of the restaurant, not caring who saw my reaction. He spoke audibly to me through Jason and said this: "I'm not giving up, I'll give everything I've got because I've got to have them. I've got to have Jennifer." No lie, I had just finished typing a cry for the Lord to speak, to make Himself known to me, to remind me that He sees me in Great Falls too. To remind me that His timing is perfect and all the questions will be answered in the right time.

   God you are too good to Your children. Thank you for the love and peace in spite of a lack of answers. Thanks for the audible, do You know Your kids or what?! Thanks for the family you have brought me back to and the new one You formed this past year. Thank you for the heart You have placed in me. And, then thank you for the patience to wait and trust that You have it all under control, so much so that you would give Jason Upton a song, who knows how long ago, so that You could remind me of Your love for me today when I needed to be reminded.

Playing Catch Up

Mon, 19 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

I am a writerand a perfectionist so, when my sister shoved the computer in my face tonight and said she was making me blog I cringed. My cringe was not because of the act of writing or because I have nothing to say but because I have been trying to figure out exactly what to write and how to write since I got back to the States. SO, I suppose I will start by playing catch up since my last blog was so long ago.

We spent our last few weeks of ministry in San Pedro, Guatemala with Pastor Antonio and his family. They were absolutely fantastic, a real joy. If you haven't watched Sean's video about the ministry there you should really check it out. I was actually looking forward to our last ministry being manual labor, not anything I had to think about, just stuff that I could bang out while zoning with my ipod. Well, a couple of days into our manual labor fest, after leveling the front yard of the church and moving rocks to help in the building process I found myself sick with the flu and bed ridden for about 7 days. I was so sick the first day it didn't bother me to stay in the bed, but by day 3 I was going stir crazy. Thanks to the pesky flu I missed all the final fun team things like the horse back riding and the afternoon at the beach. Needless to say, I didn't exactly enjoy that time, but God chose to use it to slow me down a little. The flu finally went away and we attended our final debrief as a squad. It was so nice to have all of us together for one more week of fun, focus, intercession, encouragementyou name it, we did it. Seth & Andrew came down, along with their wives, and Jimmy McCarty from the January race, now AIM staff led our sessions. These guys were fantastic and I really enjoyed hearing their hearts for us as we prepared for reentry.

The whole team flew from Guatemala City to Ft. Lauderdale where some of us got hotel rooms for one more night together. It was wonderful to go out together in America; even though we drove the waitstaff crazy asking for our free refills constantly! Cristie Reiter and I ended up on the same flight from Ft. Lauderdale to Charlotte the next day. When we got off the plane I was greeted by my dad who had flown in from Augusta, GA that morning and waited in the secure area to be the first person to greet me when I got home. We walked to baggage claim where I assumed I would find my mom waiting. This assumption proved to be correct in that my mom was there but incorrect in that my brother and family, sister and family, both grandmothers, and my uncle and his wife were all there to greet me. It was so nice to see them all. My family is very close and I was dreading having to wait to see them all until later in the weekend so it was awesome to have them all there. They greeted me with a big sign, balloons, and flowers; a little of the bouquet was given to me by each of my nieces. Everybody then went out for a late lunch and then back to my grandmother's house to see even more family.

My family also decided to host a surprise party for me where we celebrated every holiday I missed while being gone on the race. For everyone who attended the ticket in was to bring an outfit for the Charlotte Rescue Mission. It was such a nice gesture by everyone. We sent over 70 articles to the Mission.

I really enjoyed my weekend with my family but it flew by and by that Sunday I had to get back on the road so that I could be at my home in Great Falls when Beth, my fellow racer, and her family arrived. We enjoyed a week with a packed house, and I mean packed, there are 7 who live here and then Beth's crew totaled 9. It was an adventure, but a fun one. I also got to see Jane and Gabrielle this past weekend. Those two came to town from their opposite directions and we met up for brunch and good hang out time in DC.

As you can see it has been a whirlwind since I have gotten back to the States. I am working part time already so I can put some money back in the bank but it is a bit overwhelming to be honest, at least right now. Please pray that I will force myself and God will use others to force me into reflection and quiet time to process. There is a lot that has to be sorted from this year, I just have to sit down and do it. Thanks to all of you who supported me all year by financial means, reading my blogs, and prayer support. Each of you has made an impact that will not be soon forgotten. I am carving out a few days coming up soon to sit down and have some quiet time so look for more blogs to come. I will try to do better in the future!

And The Award Goes To...

Mon, 19 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Being two of the sassiest World Racers to date, Jenny Dawson and I were asked to create the awards given out at our Final debrief Banquet. The night was a lot of fun where we enjoyed good food, great conversation, and everybody looked fabulous. I got to Emcee the evening for our squad and it was a blast. When it came time for us to give out awards Jenny assisted me as we congratulated everyone on their achievements. We all enjoyed them so much that several folks asked me to post them on the blog site. Sorry if they don't make sense to the average reader, they are apparently an inside joke, but I am sure the racers in question would be more than happy to explain why they received the award they were given. We also had some of our teammates that, for a number of reasons, were not with us in the end but we want them to receive their awards also so they are listed at the end. ENJOY!

Awards for World Race June 2007:

Sean Smith- Most likely to write a book/video series entitled: The Art of Feedback.

Beth Schroeder- Most likely to power her home using only composte and vegetable oil.

Heather Tolbert- Most likely to become the first female manager of the Atlanta Braves.

Esther Schultz- Most likely to run a marathon on every continent.

Julie Lortz- Most likely to become a "Snoop" for the CIA.

Gabrielle Rodgers- Most likely to wear "flare" just because and to award extra credit to students based on their personal flare count.

Tamara Reif- Most likely to find the only Black Korean American in Kentucky and marry him.

Sarah Dager- Most likely to create a website for travelers called medicalclinicsinternational.com.

Allison Johnston- Most likely to star in the sequal to "SuperSize Me" entitled: "Please, Just A Little More JIF."

Jessie Pace- Most likely to fund her ministry in the 3rd World by becoming a personal shopper.

Brady Denger- Most likely to create a workout using only a guitar and case.

Katey Brenneman- Most likely to host her own syndicated TV show entitled: "Fashion In The Field."

Cristie Reiter- Most likely to intercede for you and fix your carborator at the same time.

Casey Barefield- Most likely to discover unknown islands using only Google Maps and his innate sense of direction.

Elizabeth Uhles- Most likely to risk injury to herself in order to save the life of her stuffed duck.

Mark Schrager- Most likely to talk Bill Gates into buying a Mac.

Jenny Dawson- Most likely to teach Senior Citizens to dance with their "hand on the floor."

Christy Linhart- Most likely to become wealthy by purchasing Coca-Cola stock.

Jenny Brown- Most likely to challenge Oprah to a debate. The winner keeps the show.

Courtney Pearsall- Most likely to host an International Women's Bible Study while holding a child on each hip and one strapped to her back.

Jane Kim- Most likely to figure out a way to plant trees in Iraq.

Awards whose recipients could not attend:

Silas Watkins- Most likely to adopt more children than Brad and Angelina

Brooke Witt- Most likely to host her own cooking show using all natural, fresh ingredients.

Lauren Morris- Most likely to become C.E.O. of her own Fortune 500 Company.

Gina Sceau- Most likely to always look at least 10 years younger than her actual age.

Elizabeth Scaife- Most likely to speak every language spoken along the World Race Route.

A Psalm for Jenny

Wed, 2 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

This past month has been one of ups and downs. It has been full of joy and sometimes even grief. The Lord has brought many people across our path who are daily spending themselves to further His kingdom and serve those who need help. The past couple of weeks we have seen many of those same people get beaten up by the devil and it made me angry. We have asked God to heal, we have asked for favor with political personnel, and we have asked for truth to be revealed in situations. Our prayers were not answered as I thought they should have been and I got angry.

I finally got to the point where I asked God what the point of all of it was. Why ask for healing if He isn't going to heal? Why ask for favor when it is not going to be granted? Why ask for His truth when situations remain shrouded by lies?

This month has been one where I have asked God a lot of questions, and as of yet, He has chosen to make me wait for the answers. He has been, for the most part, silent. Throughout I have tried to remain faithful in prayer, knowing that God will answer in His timing and when I am ready for the answers. When I asked the above questions He didn't hesitate to speak however. He said that healing comes on His terms, not mine. That He is working in those situations in ways I can't even begin to understand. He reminded me that He is in control and nothing happens without His permission. He will bring favor when it is needed and He will reveal truth to set the captive free when it is time. He then had one more thing to say to me: Psalm 73, read it. Remember WHO I AM!

Psalm 73

A psalm of Asaph.
Surely God is good to Israel,
to those who are pure in heart.
2 But as for me, my feet had almost slipped;
I had nearly lost my foothold
3 For I envied the arrogant
when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
4 They have no struggles;

       their bodies are healthy and strong.
5 They are free from the burdens common to man;
       they are not plagued by human ills.
6 Therefore pride is their necklace;
       they clothe themselves with violence.
7 From their callous hearts comes iniquity
       the evil conceits of their minds know no limits.
8 They scoff, and speak with malice;
       in their arrogance they threaten oppression.
9 Their mouths lay claim to heaven,
       and their tongues take possession of the earth.
10 Therefore their people turn to them
       and drink up waters in abundance.
11 They say, "How can God know?
       Does the Most High have knowledge?"
12 This is what the wicked are like
       always carefree, they increase in wealth.
13 Surely in vain have I kept my heart pure;
       in vain have I washed my hands in innocence.
14 All day long I have been plagued;
       I have been punished every morning.
15 If I had said, "I will speak thus,"
       I would have betrayed your children.
16 When I tried to understand all this,
       it was oppressive to me
17 till I entered the sanctuary of God;
       then I understood their final destiny.
18 Surely you place them on slippery ground;
       you cast them down to ruin.
19 How suddenly are they destroyed,
       completely swept away by terrors!
20 As a dream when one awakes,
       so when you arise, O Lord,
       you will despise them as fantasies.
21 When my heart was grieved
       and my spirit embittered,
22 I was senseless and ignorant;
       I was a brute beast before you.
23 Yet I am always with you;
       you hold me by my right hand.
24 You guide me with your counsel,
       and afterward you will take me into glory.
25 Whom have I in heaven but you?
       And earth has nothing I desire besides you.
26 My flesh and my heart may fail,
       but God is the strength of my heart
       and my portion forever.
27 Those who are far from you will perish;
       you destroy all who are unfaithful to you.
28 But as for me, it is good to be near God.
       I have made the Sovereign LORD my refuge;
       I will tell of all your deeds.

Okay Lord, I'm still listening. I know that your ways are higher than mine, Your plans are bigger than mine, and Your love and righteous anger is deeper than mine. So, I will wait until You see fit to move. I will continue to ask until You want to speak. I will continue to pursue Your kingdom on this earth in spite of anything the devil has to throw at me. Because I remember who You ARE and what the future holds. I remember that You are sovereign and I am impatient. I remember that You are loving and I am demanding. I remember that You are sacrificial and I am selfish. Thank you for your sometimes stern reminders, I feel Your love through Your discipline. Thank you for being the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Thank you for holding my hand and upholding me even when I push You away. Surely God is good to Israel!

Team Awaken Video

Mon, 17 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

They call me Hidden Dragon!

Fri, 7 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

So, dear family and friends...I am back in Granada with Gabe, Jane, & Brady. We are going to be a traveling music group this month. We are taking ideas for group names so, send in your ideas. We are traveling with our friend Erick who worked as a translator for us last month. He plays guitar and sings. We have many options but have no solid ministry set up yet. A lot is coming together quickly for us. There will be, hopefully, frequent video updates from us. So keep an eye out. I love you all and can't wait to tell you all the stories that will surely come from this amazing month. God is already doing some CRAZY stuff for us and it has only been a day!

By the way, we are silly girls and so we come up with silly ideas. We came up with nicknames the other day so in the videos and possibly through other communications you will see me listed as Hidden Dragon. I think it suits me, I'm actually considering changing my name legally. (Just kidding family, don't freak out yet!)

So, the jist of this email is: God is driving and we have no idea where He is taking us. We are just glad to be along for the ride!

You think you know, but you have no idea!

Fri, 7 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

As promised, and thanks to Gabe's fabulous hard work, here is day 1. Enjoy catching up with us by video.

Here is a picture of our lovely host family. I have a feeling I am going to love these people like they are some of my real family.

Check out the video and continue to check in for updates. We would love your support!

Come Home Running!

Fri, 29 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Luke 15 tells the story of a son who asks his father to give him the balance of his inheritance before his fathers death. This son, then promptly goes out of his father's home and squanders every last dime of the money. One day, while working feeding the pigs, one of the lowest jobs possible this same son begins to daydream about the joy that was living in his father's house. He then recalls that even the lowest servant was treated better than he was living so he decides to go home and ask to serve in his father's home.

Now, for the best part of the story...

The son goes home and on his arrival his father sees him coming from a long way off. This father, who had been so mistreated and shunned by his son, began running. Now, this was no jog or fast walk; this daddy was sprinting! He ran to his son, threw his arms around him and rejoiced at the son who was dead but had come back to life. He placed on his son the best robes, he hosted a party for his son to celebrate his homecoming, he wept tears of joy of what was lost but was now found. WOW!

This story has been the common theme of Granada. Many of the people here are drug dealers, addicts, single mothers, fathers with many children, and basically beat down living in the pig pen. They are hurting broken men and women and they are searching for the restoration of their souls. This month we have had the opportunity to live with and get to know three such men, who were at the bottom of the barrel and God ran to them and threw his arms open wide as they accepted their Father's embrace and love.

Mauricio, Enrique, and Danilo all have sordid pasts. They have a number of "black marks" on their records, they have not had easy lives. Yet, they stand with us as changed men, who are now hungering for their Father's wisdom and will in their lives. These three men are beautiful examples of how God restores the broken, He makes beauty from ashes, and he is father to the fatherless. A couple of weeks ago we had a wonderful opportunity to be part of a service where Enrique and Danilo were baptized. It was a wonderful day. We had a service at El Puente where testimonies of God's power were given, songs were sung as praises to our God, and then we all piled into the back of a truck to go down to Lake Nicaragua. We took boats out to an island where we had a picnic lunch, more singing, prayer, and the baptisms. I was so honored to be a part of the service to help our friends show physically what had occured with them spiritually. They have been buried with Jesus and raised to newness and His likeness through salvation. I will never forget the day and how much of a blessing it was.

These guys are such an example to me. So often I grieve my Father's heart. Even writing this I know I have broken his heart and for that my heart breaks. I know that my Father stands with open arms ready to receive me if I will just come home. Chris Tomlin writes a song called "Come Home Running". The chorus is this: Come home running, his arms are open wide. His name is Jesus and He understands. He is the answer you are looking for. So come home running, just as you are.

Thank you Father that you came running for me years ago and everytime I stray you do it again. Thank you for your never ending and completely undeserved grace and mercy. Thank you for being broken hearted when I am lost and overwhelmed with joy when I am found. Thank you for not allowing me to be comfortable in the pig pen and reminding me of what Your house looks like. Thank you for redemption, ressurection, restoration, and love. Thank you for knowing my name, every hair on my head, every freckle, every tear that falls, and every laugh. You are amazing daddy!

Feed My Sheep

Fri, 29 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

This month I have had the wonderful opportunity to work 3 days a week with a feeding program in the Santa Rosa Barrio. This program is one after my own heart and I completely fell in love with the women who make the program work and every child that came through the line.

Here is how it worked; Torre Fuerte, the church we have been working with, would host a meeting every Saturday afternoon for the children to be able to sing songs, watch dramas, and hear the gospel message. Every Saturday they teach the children different Bible stories and relate them to their everyday lives. Every Saturday a child must attend in order to receive a ticket for the upcoming weeks meals. This ticket has written on the back the days of the week they come to eat and how many children are in their family, since many of the older children come bearing multiple plates & cups for younger siblings.

We never actually found out how early the cooking began but, we would arrive at 8:30 every morning to help cook and they would already have a pot on to boil. When I say they would have a pot on I mean, the pot would be about the size of a small kiddie pool and be precariously stacked on bricks over an open flame. The ladies would promptly put us to work cleaning rice, cutting yuka root, or making juice (I have gotten really good at this by the way.) The joke about the juice actually became this; taste it, when it tastes good to you add another half bag of sugar and then it's done! I would always forget that they added ice to the juice and it would be too weak for the kids the way I wanted to make it. The sweet ladies would smile and respond with my favorite spanish word "mas."

Monday and Friday were meat, beans, rice, and juice days, while Wednesdays we would make a traditional Nicaraguan soup. The children were always so appreciative. In fact, we never had to ask what time it was because you could see the children peering around the house salivating in response to the odors filling the air in the barrio. Once the food was all prepared everyone took their posts. I was usually with the juice but on Wednesdays I got to serve the meat for the soup. One of the ladies was posted at the front gate to the yard where we served checking tickets and making sure everyone was accounted for. They would come to the table in groups of 5 to which I would respond, " Vaso aki, platos ahi." (Cups here, plates there) The kids would come in with all kinds of interesting cups, plates, and bowls. On numerous occasions I filled plastic bags for juice cups and buckets would hold their meal for the day. On some of the biggest containers we would have to ask "quantos?" to find out how many children would be fed from the one container. Many times the little ones would drink their juice and then pass the cup back to the older sibling for their turn on the juice. We would serve until the last child had a plate full or, unfortunately occuring the last two times we served, we would run out of food.

Over 120 suntanned, tattered, dirty, and absolutely beautiful children would end up with a tummy full. Every time they walked through the line we said a prayer for their protection and provision. We claimed their souls for Jesus Christ and we got to know their names. We would see them around the barrio when we weren't at the feeding programs and they would smile and wave or shout hola gringas! We fell head over heels in love with the boys and girls of Santa Rosa and Carilara barrios and their faces will forever be part of my heart.

Please continue to pray for these children. They face many dangers all because of where they were born. There are many in the barrios, and that come to this town, meaning only harm to these children and drugs run rampant through the streets here. Pray for the women who cook every day at the program and manage to juggle their own families at the same time. These women are SO gifted and God has a major annointing on them. Love goes into every ingredient of every meal. Pray also for their spouses. Men of God are unusual here. There are plenty of men who are not who they should be but these men are desiring to be men who hunger for God. They are all weighed down by the burden of providing for their families in an economy that is not booming with work. Pray for Torre Fuerte, that they will continue to be burdened for their community and the needs of the widow and orphan among them. Pray for the youth of Granada. 60% of the population of Granada is under 18 and they need an anchor to hold onto in the midst of the storm that is their life.

No habla espanol!

Fri, 8 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

We have finally made it to Nicaragua. After a 4 day trip around the back side of the world we are officially in Latin America and, I think I love it! Unfortunately, I should have paid closer attention when Mrs. Cochrane tried to teach me Spanish. If only everything to be learned could be put into a song...Oh well, I guess I will just have to write them! In order to refresh or, in my case, teach the 7 of us in Granada Spanish we have made lists. We have labeled, charted, and listed everything we can think to ask or talk about. It was fun making all the signs and we wrote them in English also for our Nica friends who are not so good at English. Please pray for our language barrier this month. We really like talking with our new friends and don't want our different languages to be a hinderance.

Granada is a beautiful town and I am so excited to be here for the month. We are working with the new AIM base located here while the rest of our group is on the other side of the country doing disaster relief. The seven of us that stayed behind get the privilege of being the first mission team to come. We get to help the team here get their feet under them for ministry.

We are tenting inside an old barn on the newly acquired property of the ministry here. It is right on the line between the haves and the have nots. They are calling the ministry "el puente" the bridge. It is an exciting time to be in Granada. There is a lot going on among these people both Nica's and gringo's. Witchcraft is widespread and prostitution is common. There is a 49% unemployment rate and most of the locals do not speak any english.

On a selfish note pray that we will all sleep well. We are in tents, which is nice to have our own space, but it gets hot at night inside them. We are also in an old barn where lots of other "critters" lived before us, so we tend to hear little bumps in the night. So far no spiders from me, Yes Lord let that be; but Katey had a little incident the other night. Thank you Lord for 3 men who are willing to kill all our creepy crawly things.

Save Ferris!

Sat, 2 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Okay, so we didn't make any signs but we did stop by the house where, at least the exterior shots were done, for the movie Ferris Bueler's Day Off.

We actually arrived in the US at 8 am Friday morning, which coincidently is the exact same time we left the Philippines. Coming home never felt so good, and it will only get better from here. By the time we made it through customs & baggage claim it was 9:45 am. We had a couple of friends waiting on us when we walked through to the exit. Chad & Morgan from the January 07 Race were there waiting on us. They were such a welcome site. It was wonderful to see old friends in this new place. Our hosts for our 48 hour lay-over arrived and we all loaded and hopped into cars for the drive to Long Beach. I am staying with Ken and Bonnie Brown. This couple has been such an absolute blessing. They have fed us, driven us around town so we could run errands, and let us sleep anywhere and everywhere in their home. We are so blessed to be among this couple who love the Lord so much. They are beautiful examples of God's love for us through their servanthood and love for a bunch of exhausted ragamuffins!

As a side note, I have thoroughly enjoyed such blessings as; new music, Panera brocolli & cheese soup, Target, Fresh air, the smell of freshly cut grass, cuddling up under a blanket on a comfy couch to watch a movie, Vanilla flavored creamer for coffee, and real cheese! Oh how sweet it is, we as Americans are SO blessed.

P.S. When we land in Miami we will have officially flown around the world! Not many people can say that! God is Good ALL THE TIME!

Cuatro Block Party!

Tue, 29 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Sunday our squad hosted a block party for the Cuatro neighborhood at the Children's home. We opened the doors at 3:00 pm and found ourselves flooded with children from the area. We offered a variety of games, face painting, puppet shows, and skits. There were balloon animals, a clown, and we had plenty of good music. A big thanks must go out to Brooke and Silas who planned the entire event. We all had a great time as we helped to deepen relationships between the Cuatro neighborhood and Kids International Ministry, our partner here in Manila. I thought you would enjoy seeing some of the fun we had, so here are a few pictures from the day.

The Curtain falls on Asia Pt 2

Tue, 29 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

After a brief weekend back in Bangkok we hopped on a flight to Hong Kong where we prepared for our next month of ministry. When Squad C reached Hong Kong we were weary spiritually, physically, and emotionally. We needed teaching, we needed rest, and we needed a listening ear. Our debrief in Hong Kong proved to be one where those needs were met. We also got to say final farewells to our friends from Squads A & B as they prepared to head home. It was a wonderful time of rest and challenge before heading into a difficult month of ministry. While in China we made relationships with local university students and spent a couple of weeks in an Ask the Lord exercise as a team. We celebrated Thanksgiving as a family, we met and ministered to a homeless child, we saw a new convert and planted many more seeds among our new friends, and we even got to climb the Great Wall together. For me, China proved to be a place of increased intimacy with God. By the end of our time on the Mainland I was experiencing moments with God that made Him feel like He was tangible; right there in the room with me all the time, not just when I "needed" Him.

Christmas found us landing in Manila, Philippines then spending the holiday and debrief in Puerto Galera. My mom was able to join me during that very special time of year. My mother is such an extraordinary woman of God that I was excited to share this experience with her, my friend. I was proud to introduce her to my World Race family. I was glad to share a little of her mother's love with my brothers and sisters and I was thankful for the time, though short, that we had to spend together. My mother is a breath of fresh air for me; she is always quick to remind me of her love and pride in me. She encourages and challenges me in ways she may never know. I pray that one day I can be as much of a blessing to my own children as she has been to my siblings and me. She is an amazing woman of God who doubles as the best Christmas gift ever! After debrief and much needed rest we sent our Squad D friends off to Hong Kong and we began ministry in Manila. There were a multitude of ministry opportunities here; working with the children's home or community center, working at the school, prison ministry, prostitute ministry, homeless ministry, and so much more. The Lord led me to focus on helping get the Guesthouse, where we stayed all month, organized and ready to function as a ministry to mission groups that come to serve. Beth and I labeled cabinets & pantries, we had days of "spring cleaning" and room prep, and we focused on creating literature to make a stay here as easy as possible. I got to help take care of the infants who live here also. I would spend one night a week with Daniel, Jacob, & Andrew. I think those nights may have been my favorite part of this ministry. I loved being able to speak over them as I fulfilled the most mundane of tasks. As I changed diapers I would remind each of them what their names meant and the responsibility that came with such a strong name. As I would give them their bottles in the middle of the night I would speak to the men they will become. I was able to speak my prayers for their strength as men of God and as leaders in their homes, neighborhoods, and country. Those moments were the most special and spiritual moments of my time in Manila.

I have loved the time we have been able to spend in Asia. These past months have been some of the most challenging and difficult of my time on the race and possibly even my life. Through it all God showed up. He wooed me, He spoke truth and love over me, He held my hand, He read with me, He touched my life in ways I never knew possible. He became the lover of my soul in Asia and, praise God, I will never be the same!

The Curtain falls on Asia Pt 1

Mon, 28 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

As our time in Asia comes to a close I find myself in a position of reflection once again. With each new country I learn more about myself and more about my God. Before arriving in Thailand, at the end of August, I had only been through-out the US and Africa. The Lord used those experiences to mature the spirit of justice within me and also to place within me restlessness until I step willingly into His will for me. I wasn't sure that I would even like Asia; but I found myself falling in love with its people and cultures. Asia has continued the growth process within me and it has brought healing as well.

Thailand brought to me the most heart wrenching yet rewarding ministry experience thus far. I was blessed by the opportunity to spend 6 weeks among the bar women in the red-light district of Bangkok. I spent most of my night making friends with women and a few lady boys who were actively involved in prostitution. I got to spend my days with women who had taken the offer, provided by The Well, to leave the nightlife behind. I was amazed to find within the women at The Well an amazing spirit that could not be quenched. I found them trusting in the Father to provide for their families and to provide healing and wholeness for themselves. These women are truly women of strength. God used them to reveal in me a need to be self reliant, a lack of trust in my God to be all that I needed Him to be, and an arrogance and pride in own resilience and competence. These women are still on my mind often, I love checking my email and finding they have taken the time to write me. One of the ladies is even in her first month of Discipleship Training with YWAM. God is good! I still don't understand His redemptive grace but I am so thankful for it. I look forward to maintaining the lines of communication and hopefully, one day, to have another opportunity to be with my friends there. As a side note, it was a really special experience to have my birthday while there. Our friends were so sweet to do what they could to make me feel special while I was away from home.

The next month we found ourselves in the "Mecca of Buddhism" in Siem Reap, Cambodia. Siem Reap is the home to the Angkor Wat Temples where many devout Buddhists make a pilgrimage. I found that Cambodia was a challenge for me; I had to get up everyday and choose to be engaged. After our month in Thailand, where so much of myself was poured out, I think I struggled with the idea that I had more to give to Cambodia. While there we taught English and Computer classes at the University of the Nations but the Lord used that month to show me that He is sufficient and how He wants to use me to care for the "lowest" of society. God began speaking into my heart the vision of how my life should look after this race is finished. It was a difficult but exciting time to be able to see His plan unfolding. God proved His sufficiency when, every morning I would wake up and think I had nothing left to give, and He would give me the strength and encouragement I needed for that day. We got to work with a great team of missionaries from YWAM. Founkie and Haya, Steve and Roselette who were all Filipino; & Sokly a local Cambodian woman were the full-time staff in Siem Reap.