The End is Near…The Journey So Far

As this year comes to a close it is very much bittersweet. We are currently in Jordan our last country before we begin our journey back home. I really don’t want to accept this reality but everything must come to an end at some point. It has been a wonderful experience with tons of unforgettable memories that are too vast to post so instead I will share a quick overview of the adventure so far. I thank God for opening this opportunity up as well as each one of you who has supported me along the way. So, here is the journey thus far…

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Guatemala:

Guatemala is one of my top three countries so far for many reasons. It started off with being with my first team, Team M.O.M., who still holds a special place in my heart. They are a powerhouse that helps pioneer and lead the way for others. It was here that God began introducing mourning and lamentations to me by breaking me to the point of complete surrender, obedience, and vulnerability. He also began unveiling a lot of lies that I believed about myself and spoke the truth of who I truly am. Guatemala also had the hidden gem within our host who openly invited us into their daily lives and what it truly looks like to be the body of Christ by faithfully serving their local community which in itself is their family. We helped with the local kids in many ways from teaching them during the week to simply giving them the attention they needed. These kids will always have a special place in my heart. We also helped put together a Beauty for Ashes event for three weeks once a week which empowered the local women by showing them how much their heavenly Father loved them and how valuable they truly are. We even partnered with a local worship ministry called “Worship Room” that held weekly worship events where locals and different church backgrounds of all sorts gathered. It was inspiring to see a local community come together and worship God as one with no issues. As a squad, we also had a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to hike an active volcano that erupted three days prior and then again the very next day after our hike right where we were. It was truly marvelous gazing into a fierce wonder of one of God’s mighty and destructive creations. This was Guatemala in a nutshell and of course, there were so many other things but the thing I enjoyed the most was living life with our hosts every day. Guatemala I hope to see you again one day I love and miss you dearly.

This is Team M.O.M.!

Our team had candlelight dinners every night which shows the tender intimate care we had for one another and how intentional we were to place value on our time spent together.

The kids were truly a delight even with the little sass they gave me it was always heart-whelming seeing them run to us every time we would pull up.

The sheer joy these kids had regardless of their circumstances was both humbling and very moving. I miss them dearly.

They were so quick to help with our work projects event to the point of taking the tools out of our hands and willing to start working in our place. They had true servant hearts and just wanted to be involved in everything they were able to.

This picture was actually taken by one of the little girls. She truly has a good eye for capturing photos. This is my teammate Aaron teaching one of the locals how to play the guitar. Also, this photo captures the personality of the kid in the back exceptionally. Truly both a pain and a joy to be around.

This was one of the ‘Beauty for Ashes’ events where my teammate Alli was sharing how loved and valuable God sees His daughters. Truly a powerful time.

We started and ended our time here during the weekly Worship Room events. They are probably one of my favorite moments during my time in Guatemala. My teammate Aaron had a great opportunity to sing and be a part of the Worship Room events during our stay here.

This was my first time being at a black sand beach!

Sometimes you just need to stop, abide and appreciate God’s creation. It’s easy to let beauty like this pass you by. It’s defiantly worth lingering for a bit.

This was the hike to Pacaya the active Volcano that was close by.

Pictures can not do this experience justice. I remember standing there in the silence being able to hear the lava flowing like a rushing river and boulders crashing down the side. Truly a speechless marvel.

Again pictures don’t do this any justice. Such beauty yet terrifying power.

Sunsets are one of my favorite things to experience in life. Especially when the moment is shared with others. This is downtown Antigua.

We had a privileged opportunity to be invited to a dear friend’s birthday while spending our time here in Guatemala. It’s always nice to be able to celebrate the people we meet while traveling it’s truly special and an honor.

Saved the best picture for last. These are our wonderful hosts! We had a spectacular time with them and I miss them dearly. Nolo and Rachel you guys are amazing may God continue to bless you.

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Costa Rica:

Costa Rica was a unique yet challenging experience. This month the whole squad was together which in itself was challenging to operate in along with certain restrictions on what we could and could not do. Our time there consisted of a variety of projects from painting light posts and murals to surf clubs and business ministries with “Oceans Edge”. We were also working between two cities. Our main place was Jaco with “Oceans Edge” then each team would spend a week in San Jose, the capital, with “The Hope Project”. Regardless of the challenges I defiantly enjoyed my time here. I enjoyed our morning devotions with Richard by learning a lot of wisdom and practical applications of how to be a better follower and person. I really enjoyed surf club which is funny because beaches and oceans are not my forte but as soon as I got on that board and eventually caught the first wave I was hooked! I also liked helping out our host with the business portion of their ministry. My favorite moment in Jaco was the time we did night ministry and I and a couple of others had a powerful conversation with one guy who was on the verge of making a deal with the devil only moments before we showed up and at that moment God revealed Himself to him to where this guy had no doubt that God was looking out for him and was in utter amazement how He used us to speak to him and from that interaction he didn’t go through with the deal but instead came to church with us the next day. Truly a win for the kingdom! San Jose was an eye-opener where my insecurities were magnified by the local ministry there. These people truly knew how to operate in the Spirit and when it comes to living like the original church they were close for sure. Our time with the Hope Project was both sweet and humbling. It was here that God was moving mightily in one of the guys there where I was prompted to give my ‘Keys to the Journey’ key which had the word “rooted” on it to him. This brother was so moved by this kind gesture I haven’t seen a man cry this much with sincerity in a while. It was great being a part of both of these ministries and I’m sure I’m skipping over some great things but I can only speak about so much. I still have about six more countries to recap. I do miss Costa Rica and the people we did life with. Hope to see you soon as well. Love you all.

This was our H.Q., Oceans Edge, for the two months we spent here in Costa Rica.

Jaco is a beautiful city where the light of hope steadily shines brighter day by day.

We spent a good chunk of our time painting light posts and murals like this one. These were truly some hot and sweaty days.

It was on this rooftop that we prayed and worshiped over the city for a few days while hitting the streets doing night ministry. It was on this day that we ran into that guy hindering his plan to make a deal with the devil.

This building we are worshiping and praying under is known to be the major hub of prostitution where a lot of said things would take place. So, we warred against whatever ground the enemy had there and proclaimed victory in Jesus’ name!

This place and the family who owns it hold a powerful and special story. This family through loving, willing and compassionate obedience took in and adopted hundreds of children raising and calling them their own. A beautiful testament of God’s love for us as He also adopted us into His kingdom calling us His own.

This picture captures the heart and everyday life of the people we did ministry with within San Jose. The Hope Project truly brings hope to everyone in the city especially those that are overlooked and cast out. This ministry truly began to open my eyes to what God is doing thru those who are willing to do whatever for the sake of those who are lost and in need while providing a medium like dancing to reach people by disciplining them to be like Christ.

This is where we said our final farewells to our wonderful hosts at Oceans Edge. They are taking Jaco back for the Lord at an exponential rate.

The sheer beauty that Costa Rica had to offer was truly amazing. My breath is still taken by sights like this. Utter amazement.

 

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Dominican Republic:

The D.R. as a whole wasn’t my most favorite country but it still had its sweet moments. At this point, we changed teams and I was a part of the all guys team (Papa Smurf) plus this was our first A.T.L(Ask The Lord) month where we practiced praying into and asking God where and what He wanted us to do. He brought us to a city called Sosua. Sosua is a dark and oppressive city where people only come to feed their physical desires since prostitution is pretty big and openly accepted there. That within itself was pretty hard to be around. Honestly, the main highlight here was a couple of our guys getting in contact with a local guy who owned a bar and was able to bar ministry by worshiping at this guy’s bar. It was pretty amazing. We also had an opportunity to worship with a local church there in the middle of the center square. I almost forgot there was this local fisherman we got to meet up with and were able to spend time with him. We basically just played a couple of games of pool with him but the best part was the sheer amount of joy this man had from a simple game. It was in this moment that I realized that even if we don’t get the chance to share about Jesus with our words it’s our actions and how we live that represent Him most, as well.

When we had this worship night by the casino I had a conversation with a guy who was deep in New Age philosophy and basically out knowledge me about a lot of different things. I felt defeated. Even though I know the truth that Jesus brings and is I just couldn’t speak about Him. Thankfully my teammate came up and helped with the conversation to guide it back to where it needed to be but at that moment I felt inadequate. Little did I know that this was the beginning of something more profound that God was stirring within me. This month I mainly rode to the coattails of those around me and let everyone lead the way while I more or less played a passive role. Can’t say if I would return here but the time spent could have been better but overall it was still purposeful in its own way. Regardless of what I did and didn’t do God still moved and did what He wanted to do regardless if I joined Him that month or not. Still a growing experience.

 

This would be one of the last times I would get to see and be on a beach from this moment forward so defiantly had to cherish it. We also played beach volleyball with locals which was super fun as well.

This is the city square where we partnered with a local church and worshiped with them.

This is a couple of our teammates speaking life into a group of kids who grow up on the streets learning and living the ways that it offers.

This was the guy that a few of our teammates met as he beckoned them up to his penthouse hotel suite which then turned into a unique relationship that opened doors to other opportunities like being able to worship at his bar.

Here are our teammates having a great opportunity to worship at the guy’s bar.

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Turkey:

Turkey is one of the other countries within my top three. It’s such a beautiful and culturally rich place. This time us guys had a host and a pretty simple straightforward schedule. Our days consisted of morning devotions as a team, English classes where we would help students practice their English so they could grow in it, and whatever else we filled our time with. This month all of us were invested and intentionally engaged with everything and everyone. All of our conversations and interactions were genuine and sincere and I miss every single person we spent time with. We spent the majority of our time hanging out with the students and they were very hospitable and a true delight to be with. I felt truly loved and cared for here. It was here that God finally pushed me out of my comfort zone and began to abolish the insecurities within me. While in San Jose they had a dance ministry there and I was intimidated to express that gift that God gave me but it was here in Turkey that gift manifested tenfold for the sake of reaching and encouraging those around me. So, in essence, God used my weakness and self-doubt to reach those He loved and needed to have extra confidence to walk in their gifts as well. The team even had an opportunity to travel to Cappadocia on our way back to meet the squad before we left the country. This place was very beautiful. It’s known for its hot air balloon rides in which we defiantly took advantage of. Overall Turkey was phenomenal and I have so many stories so please ask me about it I would love to share.

This is the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul. What once was a church is now a famous mosque. This area and building were beautiful.

This is Aaron and our good friend Mustafa who we met during our time in Istanbul.

During our first day in Antakya (AKA ancient Antioch) we happened to come across a wedding where friends and family were full of joy for the new bride and groom.

We had an opportunity to visit and help out at a Syrian refugee camp right next to the Syrian border.

This was the view from our place. I enjoyed waking up and going to sleep to this view every day. I truly miss this place.

This is me doing my typical ‘into the distance’ pose.

Our host took us on this journey to check out the ‘Tomb of Kings’.

This is our teammate worshiping at the tomb which got the attention of all the people there. This was a great moment where everyone here got to hear sweet praises to our Lord and Savior Jesus. Truly a win this day.

This is the Mediterranean Sea. Yes, it was gorgeous.

Some of the students we got to know and become good friends with as they do a planking competition.

Before we left we were able to go bowling with some of the students. We had such a great time and miss them dearly.

A couple of our dear friends met us at the bus station and sent us off. Such a sweet and tender moment.

This is the class where all the great laughs, conversations, and dance parties were held. They all have a special place in my heart and I wish to see them again sometime. I love you Antakya.

This is what’s known as the castle in Cappadocia. This place was so gorgeous that I have to come back to for sure and highly recommend it.

This is me and Kev about to watch the sunset after our ATV tour. Everyone rolled up deep.

The night scene here in Cappadocia was something else. This place was just a visual masterpiece.

This is one of my favorite photos of this place. Catching the sunrise in a hot air balloon is an experience of its own.

God’s beauty is everywhere. Sometimes you just have to stop and appreciate what’s around you.

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Georgia:

Georgia was a very beautiful place. It probably was the most breathtaking as far as scenery. Actually, Guatemala and Georgia would tie for first. We spent the mass majority of our time here trekking thru the wilderness and mountains. Along the way, we met people who lived in the middle of the mountains and even some volunteers whom we helped with a project in one of the villages. God provided our lunch every single day in some form or fashion without fail thru the people we met along the way. It truly was a very hard yet rewarding journey. It was here that, thru my brokenness, God finally revealed the next step of the overall purpose He has for my life. It was the redemption of the D.R. where I passively walked in the shadow of those around me. Here God said enough is enough from now on you are leading the way, pioneering and being the first. I was blown away because the events that led to that required a state of utter brokenness where I could have the proper poster to receive and do as He said no matter how intimidating it may be. So, overall Georgia was the journey of perseverance and confidence in the Lord as well as solidifying my identity and purpose in Him.

This is Tbilisi the Capital of Georgia.

During the first day of our trek thru Georgia, we came across this old fortress in the first town we stayed in.

It was in this town that we came across of group of volunteers who were helping mark the trail for fellow trekkers. We spent two days helping them with one of their projects in which they were super grateful.

This is all of us including the group we met sitting on top of our finished project of moving slate rock into different piles so they could begin reconstruction on the church behind us.

This is just one of the many spectacular views that Georgia had to offer.

We spent the majority of our time camping in the beautiful wilderness of God’s stunning creation.

Sometimes we would share space with the local livestock. It’s interesting waking up to a cow feeding right next to your tent or the baaing of sheep as your alarm clock.

One of the greatest moments while trekking in the mountains was meeting the local people and shepherd families. They all invited us over to chat and eat with them every time. Truly a wonderful experience especially when no one speaks English but yet we’re able to communicate thru a meal and love for one another.

The trek itself was no easy feat. It was quite the endeavor but even though it was challenging it was so worth it.

It was at this moment that we broke down with joy and tears because this summit was not easy. With it came to victory over lies and disbelief’s we may have still held onto. I will not forget this moment.

After our moment of surrender and silence, we celebrated this victory of overcoming and conquering the climb.

The wilderness of Georgia is truly breathtaking and I hope to visit again.

Sunset over Tbilisi.

We closed out our time in Georgia with the squad back together worshiping in a public amphitheater where locals gathered and joined us with the peaked interest in what we were doing.

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Armenia:

Armenia was interesting, to say the least. This started the final team change of the year (Pre-Ordinance) as well as another A.T.L. month. We were in Vanadzor and I’ll be honest it was tough. The biggest issue was being affected by the heavy oppression of apathy in the atmosphere. It was intense enough to where I succumbed to it without really realizing it. In doing so it affected the team to where a couple of people had to pick up the slack and carry the rest of us thru the month. There was a reason for all this though. Come find out Armenia as a whole is exhausted and simply done. To sum it up Armenia has been in some type of conflict and war for so many years mainly throughout both War Worlds where they were practically slaughtered with an attempted genocide led by the former Ottoman Empire.  I learned a lot after going to the Armenian Genocide Memorial. It was pretty heavy and sad. We also met a sweet family with who we spent the last couple of days with where they showed us their favorite things to do. Overall Armenia was a good place to strengthen the gift of discernment, grow as a team and as an individual.

This is a local park in the capital Yerevan, Armenia.

It’s moments like this that I know God loves and is still looking after me. My affection for cats and any cuddly animal is jarring but I enjoy the sweet snuggles!

This was the Orthodox Church right down the street from where we stayed here in Vanadzor the third-largest city in Armenia.

It was an interesting experience seeing how their worship and services went here.

This is a post-USSR children’s summer camp facility.

This whole campground was in complete ruin. I wonder how things were run here during the Soviet era?

One thing that I appreciated the most while being in Armenia is the intentional focus on family. There were many different parks and fountains as well as tons of places for kids to go and have fun.

Overlook from the children’s camp.

This is the memorial site of the Armenian Genocide.

Inside the area where they have the eternal flame.

This is the eternal flame the represents the memory of everyone who fell victim to the genocide.

Despite the gloomy oppression that hovers over Armenia they still find a way to make the most of and enjoy their lives.

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 Kyrgyzstan:

Ahh…Kyrgyzstan where do I begin. We just left here so everything is still pretty fresh. This is the other place that made it to the top three list. I absolutely loved Kyrgyzstan. It’s a place where my expectations, which weren’t many at all, were blown away. Regardless, our time here was exceptional. Our team spent our time in Jalalabat. We had a local host where we basically taught English in Universities and met with students afterward for most of the week. We also had a volleyball club where we would play with students we’ve invited to prior. All in all, it’s hard to describe everything we did. It was beautiful and the people are very nice and hospitable. I had a really fun time with our host and we even had the opportunity to celebrate one of their birthdays! It’s always exciting to be able to celebrate someone’s birthday while traveling especially a local because it makes you feel like family. In which that’s exactly what our hosts became another family that was hard to leave. It was here that God amplified my gifting by relying more on Him by operating fully in my talents without being afraid or intimidated but having fun in what He has given me for the sake of His kingdom and for the exhorting encouragement for those around me. I love this place and defiantly miss it. I look forward to maybe coming back one day. Overall Kyrgyzstan has another piece of my heart. God defiantly showed up and revealed how ready the harvest is here. I saw more people come to know Jesus here than throughout the whole trip.

 

This is the yurt camp our squad stayed at for a week to create space for us to be more intentional seeking and being with God.

It’s nice to just sit next to a rushing river and contemplate things.

This is a school we go to visit that is currently being built. We were invited by the owner of the project to check it out and also had an opportunity to share the love of God with the workers.

My teammate Kev had the opportunity to play for the Jalalabat city basketball team during their regional tournament!

These are all the students we met and taught English at from the three different universities we were split between.

We had a talent show with the students this night. It was truly remarkable seeing many people come out of their comfort zone to perform the very talent God has given them. Such a fun night.

This is Jenna and Raquel teaching an English lesson on the importance of community and why you need it.

This is brother Kev teaching about our relationship with God during our going away party in Bishkek.

It’s always an honor to be able to celebrate people’s birthdays while on the race especially with the people we’ve partnered doing life with!

This is the wonderful Jalalabat team that we got to spend our time with while in Kyrgyzstan. It was truly a joy being here.

God blessed us with snow while we were traveling back to Bishkek.

This was truly a marvelous spectacle seeing just a pure blanket of snow across these mountains.

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Jordan:

Here we are at our final destination Jordan. So far it’s been mesmerizing. We haven’t done much yet except a group checking out Petra and the Dead sea. These past few days have been our rest and adventure days as we figure what this month is going to look like. For now, we will be together as a squad for the final time. There isn’t much to say yet about Jordan except that it’s pretty extraordinary that while at the Dead Sea I witnessed the sun setting behind the mountains of Israel on the other side of the sea. Truly a spectacle. The promised land is right there within eyesight yet so far. God, you’re truly spectacular.

It was pretty surreal standing in the Dead sea and gazing across at Israel on the other side. The promised land was so close yet so far.

There’s something special and mesmerizing about sunsets. Especially when the sun sets over Israel.

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This is just barely scratching the surface of the whole adventure and everything that God has done and is still doing in all these places even within each one of us. I’m not ready to go back home and I have no idea what it looks like for me afterward but I do know that God is good and He will steadily guide me where ever He needs me to be.

With that,

I am still fundraising!

A.I.M. and leadership have been truly graceful to allow me to stay out here for this long. I should have been sent home already but they have faith that those of us who are still fundraising will be fully funded by the time we leave.

So, I ask that you consider helping me finish strong as you come along and continue to partner with me these last few weeks.

I want to honor leadership well in allowing me to be here this long by being completely funded before I head back home. I need your help to do that.

As you can see this journey has been well worth it with many more stories about how God Is moving and how people are coming to know Him.

God has been super faithful and is good so I’m not worried that this won’t be taken care of.

All I have left is about $4,200. That’s it!

So, let’s close this chapter out with a miracle!

Thanks for reading and thank you for your support!

Be Blessed!