The World Race - Val Youmans

How We Roll...

Mon, 7 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Back in January - in Jinja, Uganda - we found out that there would be, yet again, team changes. That was the moment that the Red Thread was formed. But, I would be lying if I said that things were happy and smooth sailing right from the start. There were definitely a few tenuous days in the beginning. However, once we left Jinja and headed to Bunumwaya, where we would be serving for the month, the ice began to break and things began to settle in.

One of those very first nights together, we decided to watch a movie. To relax and to begin putting the first few stressful days behind us. We randomly chose Fast Five - the fifth installment in the Fast and Furious series - and our team would never the be same.

After the movie that night, we all found ourselves singing the theme song of the movie late into the night. At some point Bec-A D (as we all like to call her), pointed out that we should make it our theme song! We all laughed and joked, but it stuck! We spent the next few trips to the internet cafe trying to get it downloaded and it quickly became the soundtrack of our days.

(I will go ahead and apologize for the lyrics. Like most rap songs out there today, they aren't clean. But, given the often tense and dark situations that we found ourselves in, this upbeat song always provided laughter and another view of the day. I hope you'll be able to see past those few dirty words. )

Below is a video that I compiled from footage over the last four months. These are some of the best memories that I have with my teammates, friends and sisters of Red Tread. If you have ever wondered what days are REALLY like on the World Race, this is your best glimpse. I hope you enjoy!

Hunter Hat Goes Global

Thu, 3 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Before I left on the World Race, I was working at NASCAR. And, during the time I was preparing to leave, one of our executives - a legend in the sport - passed away. Jim Hunter was not only known for his PR skills, but his big heart, his infectious smile and laughter, and, of course, his famous yellow hat that he wore every day. (Read more about Jim Hunter here.)

Just before I left, I told his son of my intentions to take a "Hunter Hat" with me on my trip and I promised to take a picture with it in every country. Hunter loved the Lord and I know that he was smiling down as his legacy traveled the globe.

Here are some of the photos from the year...

1. Moldova

At the Cornesti, Moldova Train Station

2. Romania

In Sistarovat, Romania

3. India

Two boys at Asha Missions Children's Home in New Delhi, India

4. Nepal

A new friend in Sarlahi, Nepal

5. Kenya

Our church home for the month in Bungoma, Kenya

6. Rwanda

Outside of Kigali, Rwanda

7. Uganda

Enjoying the sun at Lake Victoria

8. Thailand

"Teaching English" in the slums of Bangkok, Thailand

9. Mayalsia

Our home in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

10. Cambodia

Going for a tuk tuk ride in Phnom Penh, Cambodia

40 Days = One

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

For the last month or so, my team has jokingly referenced the countdown ahead of us. Not every day, but when it would hit one of us – 67 days, 53 days, 49 days… Today is 40.

40 days remaining. But, for me there is only one. Uno.

Until I return to the U.S. Until I get to see my family. Until I leave behind the new family that I’ve created this year. Until I have to face the “real world” again. Until everything that has become normal changes, turns upside-down, inside-out, is uprooted and most likely will never look the same again.

This inevitable turning point is one that I am both looking forward to, but also a little scared of. One that I didn’t expect to come upon me so soon, but now that it’s here, that I’m at peace with. And excited about.

After being sick off and on for the past couple of months, I reached a new level of sickness and was taken to the doctor last week by my team leader. After a few hours of being poked, prodded, examined, X-Rayed and reviewed, I received the news. I had a diagnosis a list long, but most importantly, I wasn’t leaving the hospital that day. The doctor had already started the paperwork to admit me into a room upstairs, while I still sat there staring at him. Pneumonia, among other things. And, I couldn’t leave.

Honestly, my hospital experience was much more like a Holiday Inn that I ever expected – for any country much less Cambodia! The 3 days spent at Sen Sok University Hospital went by quite pleasantly. Air conditioning, American foods (delivered by my amazing teammates!), current seasons of American TV shows (American Idol, Glee, Top Model, Bones, NCIS), a bed! Also, great nurses and doctors. But, I had to face the reality of the beast.

Pneumonia isn’t something to be messed with. Especially not when combined with a sinus infection and the less than ideal living conditions that am faced with every day. Realistically, I need a minimum of 3-4 weeks to heal and with just over 5 left in the WR, that just doesn’t make sense. I can’t call in sick for a month in this sort of environment. On this sort of trip.

I never thought I would leave the World Race early. Especially not with only 40 days left. But, as I write this, I do so completely at peace with my decision. Knowing that the Lord has a great big plan all worked out for me – I just don’t know all of the details yet. :)

As with a lot of things in life, the Lord has taken His time in revealing His next steps for me. But, I know they are there. He has given me such incredible peace about what’s ahead, that I’m not anxious or worried or stressed or planning at all! (You know that isn’t me!) Instead, I am resting in faith and His knowledge for me. Along the way I’m picking up the breadcrumbs of clues that He’s leaving me – knowing that one day they’ll perfectly fit together into a puzzle that is beautiful and obviously constructed by the hand of our Father.

And, while I wait, I’ll rest in His healing hands. Getting healthy and living happy.

Teen Challenge Cambodia

Sat, 21 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

As I mentioned in my post last week, we're in Cambodia working at Teen Challenge Women's Home. Our living conditions are a little different this month, but we're making it work.

Check out my teammate Becca's blog for a more detailed look at what all we're doing at the home.

To learn more about Teen Challenge Cambodia, check out their webiste here and watch these two videos from a previous World Race team...

Swimming Traditions Around the World

Sun, 15 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Here on the World Race it’s very normal to have ministry “work” days and to have days off where teams can tour cities, visit historic sites, or just rest and relax. However, there are also a handful of days where ministry hosts will bless us with, or allow us to tag along on, a fun day out that isn’t technically “work” nor does it count as a “day off.”

On such days, I’ve had the good fortune this year to go to the pool in Romania – which turned out to be more like a country club/resort type place, the pool in Rwanda for Christmas, the “beach” at Lake Victoria in Uganda, the beach in Thailand and yesterday we went to the beach here in Cambodia to celebrate Khmer New Year.

As I’ve gone into each of these situations, I’ve tried to be as prepared as possible and to have as little expectations as possible. Something you get fairly good at on the World Race. :) I’ve also learned this year that different isn’t wrong, it’s just different and that can be seen so clearly in just the way people go swimming.

In Africa, people show up, strip down to whatever they have on underneath. In Cambodia and Thailand, everyone went fully clothed – jeans, button up shirt, sundress, whatever. In each situation we came dressed in our swimsuits and kept clothes on over – trying to be modest and respectful of our hosts, but also because we were unsure of what was going to be “normal” in each country.

In Thailand, we were practically chased down the beach by one woman who is Thai, but now lives in the States asking if we were missionaries because we were Western and still fully clothed. Yes, yes we are :)

We’ve seen so many different things this year and learned so many different cultural norms, it’s fun to sometimes sit back and watch. And, to realize that something as simple as going swimming can be so, so different around the world.

World Race Cribs #11 - Cambodia

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Check out where we're living this month...

In the Midst of Month 10

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

I really can’t believe that we’re in the midst of month 10. It seems like just yesterday I was writing about Christmas in Rwanda or even going to the Taj Mahal in India. But, on the other hand the year has been very long. Tiring and exhausting. We’ve learned a lot and the growing pains keep going.

This month we’re in the “suburbs” of Phnom Penh, Cambodia working at the Teen Challenge Women’s Home. After being in two other capital cities – Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur – I use the term “suburbs” very loosely. We’re a 30-45 minute tuk tuk ride from the city, down a long dirt road, surrounded by farms, with no running water, murky pond water for bathing and dishing, and sporadic electricity. The sounds of our day have changed from busy city streets to cows, ducks and these weird Asia birds, and the never-ending laughter of the 3 children here at the home.

We arrived in Cambodia just in time for Khmer New Year so our days have been pretty slow so far: daily devotions and getting to know the women and children. Next week everyone will return to their normal routine and we’ll figure out our bigger role within their pre-school and Bible studies.

Lent on the World Race

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

This is one of those random posts that I’ve been meaning to write for a while now, but procrastination has gotten the best of me :)

For the last 3 or 4 years, I’ve given up all sweets for Lent. Even last year leading up to the WR – while living with a professional cake maker! This year I just assumed that I would do the same, but as Lent approached and we began discussing it as a Team, we decided to go another route. No packaged goods, unless a ministry gift.

(Our thought was that we could still try things that were local to the countries and have the occasional special treat, but we couldn’t go to the store every day and get a small snack.)

Then we were placed in Bangkok, Thailand and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia for the two months of Lent. Two very western cities. Two cities that have lots of cultural foods and treats, but also lots of little tastes of home. We stuck to our guidelines and didn’t have to even try really hard with Dairy Queen and Krispy Kreme and my teammate Erin able to bake to her heart’s content.

It wasn’t until we got to Cambodia and had one night in a hotel that we realized we hadn’t had beds in two months. We also gave up beds for Lent! Now, we’re at our ministry in Cambodia and we’re back on the floor… I guess Lent is still going in some ways :)

Youth Force Friends

Mon, 9 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

As with most months, Malaysia has had its highs and lows. Its frustrations and memories. The highlight, has, hands-down, been making a group of friends that I’ll never forget.

The youth’s of Revivals Church – known as Youth Force – are amazing! I really can’t say enough great things about them. It has been such a nice change of pace to be surrounded by a close-nit group of Christian friends – striving to live for the Lord each and every day. And, to be welcomed into that group, without hesitation, has been a blessing and an honor.

We served together. Worshiped together. Laughed and cried together.

Love you guys! <3

Musical Transformation

Sun, 8 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

This month we have been asked to sing a song or two in each church service since we arrived. The church meets 3 times per week! I wasn’t always our favorite thing to do, but we did it…

What made it so hard, was that this church has an INCREDIBLE! praise and worship team that would lead worship first and then we would get up sing. It was like going from a rock concert to a nursing home performance. (Okay, maybe not quite that extreme, but pretty much.)

In all seriousness though, they are incredible though. They have a full band. Every musician can play multiple instruments. They really are rock stars. Why don’t you see for yourselves…

(sorry about the off-key audience members...)

So after singing pretty boring, acoustic versions of songs all month, we were determined to prove ourselves before we left for the month. And with Easter as our last Sunday here, what better opportunity as there going to be? We picked a song in English and Malay (one of the local languages) and performed WITH THE BAND! It’s not perfect, but I’ll take it!

World Race Cribs #10 - Malaysia

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Check out where we're living this month.

Things are never boring on the World Race!

Meet Patricia

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT

This month we are working with Revivals Church in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. We’re preaching, holding revival & prayer services, and visiting church members at home. Last night we had the incredible opportunity to visit Patricia, hear her story and pray for her. A story she’s never even told the pastor that took us…

Our new friend Patricia (seated) and her Mother

In the mid-nineties, just after finishing high school, Patricia began working in a small office and in a restaurant as a server and bartender. Before long, though, she began to change.

She began sporadically suffering demon manifestations and was unable to control herself, her anger, her rage when this would happen. However, her friends could tell something very unnatural was happening because her voice was different during the manifestations. They sought lots of help, but nothing seemed to work. Indian priests, Chinese priests. Nothing…

During this same time her health began to fail. She suffered hypertension, diabetes, her vision and hearing began failing. Her life was falling apart and she didn’t know what to do or how she would survive.

One day, during another manifestation, she was taken to a Christian church and they began to pray healing over her. Slowly the spirits began leaving her and she no longer suffered from them. Ever. Also, her medical treatments began improving. She gave her life to the Lord in 1995 and her life since has been spent basking in His peace, joy and love.

Hearing her tell the story it is impossible to doubt its validity. I know, before I came on the World Race, I wondered about stories like this when I would hear them, read about them. But, I’m no longer so cynical, because I know the real extent of Spiritual Warfare that is happening around us.

Now in her late 30’s, now blind and partially deaf for roughly 15 years, Patricia has had over 20 operations and goes to dialysis 3 times per week. Every week. As we talked to her, she sat in a wheel chair because she can only walk short distances, and it’s just easier. One shoe has a 3-inch lift. She had a computer and cell phone that talk to her so that she can communicate and keep up with her friends and colleagues.

To help pay for her treatments, but to also help her friends (as she put it) “who are worse off” than she, and to “educate people about the deaf and blind community,” Patricia travels around telling her story, encouraging others, and sells AMWAY products! At the name I had to smile. Amway. Seriously? That’s perfect!

I quickly told her I once met the founder of Amway, Rich DeVos, and used to technically work for him at another one of his companies (the Orlando Magic). She was instantly beaming, telling me how humble he is and how great a man his is. “So inspirational.” She’s right by the way. He is. And, so is she. I don’t know much about how Amway works internationally, but I can’t think of a better person for her to be‘working’ for. I was instantly really happy for her. Proud of her.

Her body is marred with scars and marks of her past. But, her face radiates. Radiates the love of her Savior. The grace and mercy of her Savior. The love and peace that she’s found in Jesus. She even made the comment as we were beginning to leave that when she feels down or in pain, when she begins to feel sorry for herself, she simply thinks about Jesus and the Crucifixion and how much He suffered. That’s how she keeps her perspective. That’s how she knows she’s really gone through nothing. Wow!

As incredible as her story was last night, I can’t help but feeling like we’ve just heard the beginning of it. That the Lord is going to use her to do something really special… I hope I’m lucky enough to know what it is someday.

A Church Home... In Thailand

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT

One of our first days in Thailand, we were treated to a “tourist day” by the daughter of Step Ahead’s founders. Having grown up in Thailand, but going to university in the States, she was the perfect tour guide and we instantly hit it off. She fully understood where we were coming from in this year of travel and searching, and she seemed to just know what we needed in that day of tourism and rest and fun.

One of the things that came up during our endless conversations that day was church. Since we were in Bangkok working with their non-profit, we didn’t have a specific church function for the first time in months. But, we were curious about where their family went and were genuinely interested in going. She gave us the information and our first Sunday – after getting up at 4:30 to run Thailand’s First International 10k and 4k (Don’t worry, I only did the 4k) – we rushed “home” to change and made it to the 2^nd service.

Evangelical Church of Bangkok. John, the founder of Step Ahead likes to call it “Heaven Practice.” The congregation is made-up of people from over 40 countries from around the world. We prayed and were poured into. We sang in English. There was an amazing sermon. I could go on and on and on… It was incredible.

We went back the second Sunday and weren’t quite ready to say goodbye for the month. Our last day in Bangkok, our travel day, was a Sunday. And, we couldn’t stay away. We packed up all of our bags. Along with our groceries for our 48 hours of trains and travel. And, convinced 7 other X-Squad members to join us in our excursion to the early service. Just like the previous two Sunday’s we weren’t disappointed. There’s just something about that church. Something that pulls you in and makes you want to call it home. There’s no doubt in my mind, if I were to ever come back to Thailand and Bangkok, ECB is hands-down the church I would want to attended.

I have loved (almost) everything that we have had to and gotten to do so far during these 8 months on the road. And, I’m excitedly looking forward to the next 3. However, there are times when it’s exhausting. Always being the face. Always pouring out. Always being put on the spot. For 2 hours each week at ECB we could shut down. We could blend in. We could listen and receive. Receive the Word, prayers and refreshment. I don’t think I realized how much I needed it until I was in the place of getting it. Such a blessing.

Thanks so, so much ECB. We love you and miss you already.

On another, very fun, note - For our last day in Klong Toey, the sweet ladies of Step Ahead cooked an incredible feast for us and presented us with this video of our month with them. I thought you would enjoy it too...

English Lessons

Sun, 11 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Tomorrow is our last day of English lessons with both the staff of Step Ahead and the kids of Klong Toey. Both have been a fun challenge this month and we’ll be sad to say goodbye and leave them behind.

As we split up tasks this month, I was divinely assigned to work with Sai, the Chief Operating Officer here at Step Ahead. She already knows a LOT of English and in the beginning I wondered what in the world we would work on during class. However, that was quickly solved when the Facebook pro, saw one of our blogs in her newsfeed. She immediately wanted one for herself and we haven’t looked back.

In the past week and a half, we’ve spent “English” class building Sai a blog, a website for her church, creating a YouTube channel, and much more on the World Wide Web. And, boy is she a fast learner! She’s really kept me on my game as she picks up everything the very first time I show her! I guess that’s why she’s the COO!

Here’s the website she built, really all by herself, for her church –

Pornsila Church - www.pornsilachurch.weebly.com

Most days, when I finish “class” with Sai, there is still time remaining in the kids’ English classes going on upstairs, so I’ll venture up and see if I can help out or watch on for the last little bit. Most days there is complete order and lots of learning going on. BUT, as to be expected with any afterschool program, some days the kids just don’t want to learn anything else and the time turns into a daycare center… well, especially with the younger of the two classes. This picture was taken on the wildest of such days…

Really captures the fun and chaos, no?

As with all months on the World Race, saying goodbye is impossibly hard. But, this month it seems crazy that tomorrow is really our last day. Time has flown and I can’t believe it’s really over. Month 8 is really over.

We are on to month 9 in Malaysia and yet another ministry awaits. Only 3 months left… Wowzers!

Oh... Some Things Never Change

Sun, 11 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT

During our "Launch" week in Romania, before we ever began ministry, 8 LONG months ago, we learned a very special song and dance... Oh Lei Lei.

We were told that it would quickly become our "go to" and we would resort to it in all sorts of scenarios. Leaving the meeting that night, I'm pretty sure I thought they were crazy, but there's no doubt they were right.

From overgrown soccer fields in Moldova to a children's camp in Romania. An orphanage in India to lots and lots of kids throughout Africa. And now Thailand...

One thing is for sure, whenever there is a group of kiddos and you're not sure what to do next, and add in a language barrier to make things more difficult, this is sure to keep them happy, entertained and kill a least a few minutes of your time!

You might remember this video from Romania, but check out the latest version from today. The dances moves might have changed (don't miss Becca's big, grand finale), but the success rate is still the same!

Pattaya's Walking Street

Sun, 4 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT

From the beginning, since I knew I was going on the World Race and coming to Thailand, I’ve been waiting for the day to work within the sex trafficking and sex tourism industries. It’s something that the Lord has put on my heart very heavily and I’ve longed to meet the women and see the places where these atrocities happen each and every day.

This month we’re working with Step Ahead and, while they work with women throughout the country, we are not working directly with them in this capacity. So, this weekend they took us to Pattaya to visit another Step Ahead office and to see some of the outreach they do in one of the nation’s most famous areas for prostitution – Walking Street.

As soon as we returned I journaled about our visit. This is what I wrote –

“Throughout the day I had been in a bad mood, just grumpy. Then we finally got to Walking Street and I could feel my mood lift and change, but only for the darkness of the place to set in.

At first glance we could have been on any major tourist “street” in the States – Bourbon Street, Orlando’s Wall Street, The Las Vegas Strip. Bright lights, loud music, the occasional laughter and revelry. Even a few random families.

But upon closer inspection you see it. Hundreds of young Thai women. Hundreds. Thousands? of middle-aged Western men. The dichotomy was great and instantly disgusting. The women are so desperate for love and money they’ll do anything. And the men? I guess, they just want to have a good time.

I felt sick to my stomach as we continued to walk around. So raw and vivid. Images I’ll never forget. Stories I’ve heard were now becoming real pain I could see, smell, taste…”

To help Step Ahead’s outreach support to these women and to continue changing their lives, please click on this link to browse some of the nicest purses I’ve seen in a LONG time! (They are all handmade by Thai women who came from this life.) Personally, I want one of each! :)

Below is video footage I captured during our time on Walking Street…

World Race Cribs #9 - Thailand

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Check out this video to get a little taste of where and how we're living this month...

Vegetarian

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

So this is a blog that I’ve been debating about writing for a while. Partially because I’ve still been “figuring things out” for myself, but mostly because I’ve been worried about how people were going to react. Worried about what people might think and what they might say. And, I realized that whether it’s about a blog or my testimony or the work I’m doing on this trip, I can’t hide any part of who I am. I have to step out and stand firm in the person that I am and who the Lord has made me.

I grew up in South Georgia and was fortunate enough to live in a family that ate predominately venison (that my father hunted and killed himself). If/when beef was purchased, it was always bought in bulk from a family friend who owned a cattle farm (i.e. a whole or half a cow) and taken to a nearby butcher. As a result, I never really had store bought meat until I moved away to college and I quickly learned about the difference in quality and vowed to “never buy it again.” (True story!)

As a result, I’ve become increasingly pickier about the meats I would eat over the years and my meat intake has dropped significantly since living on my own. Fat, bones, tendons, anything that gives credence to the fact that it used to be an actual body part, really steered me away from certain foods. Not that I wouldn’t eat it, I just tried to avoid them if possible. As a result, that basically left me with ground venison and boneless chicken and steaks…

Enter the World Race.

Month 1 in Moldova, I worked with a church that also had a “farm” where they raised chickens and beavers. 6 of the girls in our group spent one day of ministry killing and preparing 15 chickens for our dinners. I avoided being in that group, but I couldn’t stand the thought of eating the chickens that we had been feeding the day before. Also that month, we were told that one of their prized beavers got sick and died… we then had beaver that night for dinner.

Month 2 in Romania, I worked at a children’s camp (there were no slaughtering stories), and the only meat available was bologna, salami, hot dogs and sausage. None of which were one my “approved list.”

Month 3, India. By this point in the trip, I was beginning to realize that international meat wasn’t really for me and luckily I didn’t have to see very much of it. A very large population of India is vegetarian, and the only meat we were served was chicken and the occasional beef (smuggled through the Muslim market). But, with that limited meat, everything is cooked together: meat, bones, neck, liver, and Lord only knows what else. I avoided it all!

Month 4, Nepal. Very much like India. I just avoided it.

Months 5, 6 and 7 were spent in Africa – Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda. This is where the tides really changed; this wasn’t a phase.

Here are just a few of my stories from Africa that confirmed that my stomach is just not capable of handling meat any longer… I endured one lunch with a platter of whole, cooked fish staring straight at me. As I thought everyone was wrapping up their meals, our host began to eat one of the fish heads – eyes and all. Another day, while we were out evangelizing door-to-door, we stopped to talk to a family that was sitting outside preparing their lunch. They were butchering a chicken. Luckily, it was already dead when we arrived, but as we were sharing the Gospel, they continued to de-feather it, cut out the guts and then cut it to pieces. In our village in Uganda, “meat stands” were on nearly every street. Whole carcasses would hang from the front of each stand, like bananas or clothes on display, while clouds of red dust filled the air with each passing vehicle, coating the customers and the meat alike.

You may be reading the stories I’ve shared and think they’re funny. Or, you may see my concern, but feel that my reaction is extreme. I’m okay with that. I know that throughout each of the past 7 months, I’ve tried to partake in the foods that we’ve been so graciously provided by our host contacts and I’ve been so grateful for their hospitality. But, meat is just not for me and I’m not going to keep forcing it. Sure, there will be some meat dishes that I’ll miss when I get back to America, but I can honestly say that none of the foods that I miss right now are meat. None. It’s not something that was a major part of my diet before and not something that I miss. For me it’s something that I’ve been really picky about and no longer feel the need to be.

As for calling myself a “Vegetarian,” that still feels really weird. To date, I’ve only done it a few times. I have quite a few friends that are vegetarians – and have been for years – and each one has different boundaries for things they will and will not each. What will mine be? I don’t know yet. And, I may not for while. That’s okay. I’ll figure it out, one country at a time, one food at a time.

Welcome to Thailand

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Month 8 is finally here! We are officially in Thailand! I’ve been waiting for this since I signed up for the WR in the fall of 2010! (Wow, that seems like a LONG time ago!)

We arrived in Bangkok, Thailand Sunday afternoon and spent a day together as a squad at the YWAM base to have a little cultural debriefing. After 3 months in Africa, they had to give us some do’s and don’t’s for this wonderful new culture before setting us loose with our ministries’.

We then traveled to our ministry (Step Ahead) Monday afternoon and we’ll be living just above the offices for the month. We’re in the Klong Toey neighborhood of Bangkok, which is also home to one of the city’s largest slums. We’ll be spending our days teaching English to the office staff and neighborhood children, while also soaking up the many amenities that we’ve been provided this month: shower, air conditioning, washing machine, full kitchen, wifi, and everything else that Bangkok offers just outside of our door!

Our first day of ministry included a brief devotion and tour through the neighboring slums with the 3 sweet staff women (Sai, Phon and Ying) and then a trip to the salon to embrace one of those new cultural norms we learned in our briefing… Thai’s believe in being clean and well groomed. After 5 manicures, 5 pedicures and 3 haircuts we think we’ve finally gotten rid of most of the African perma-dirt and are clean enough to be around the many mirrors that are also present in this fun new country. (We haven’t really seen ourselves in months and now we’re surrounded by mirrors… fun!) After our time at the salon, we made a trip to the nearby mall for Dairy Queen, shopping and McDonald’s – all in that order! It was a fantastic Fat Tuesday day.

Oh, one more fun update… After many months of having people not understand our “difficult American names,” we decided to go with our middle names for the month. Well, most of us are. So, I’m officially Lawson for the month!

Hail Jesus...

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Since I bought my guitar in Nepal, there has been a consistent response from every Pastor that we’ve worked with, once they see it: “Great, you play the guitar. You will sing in church.”

Honestly, I haven’t been surprised, but I also haven’t been thrilled by the never ending requests. My desire to have the guitar isn’t about performing, but about worship. And, I never want to forget that. I don’t want to get to a place where I enjoy the “performances” and forget my personal gain in private worship.

Also, we’ve been in Africa for the last 3 months. Don’t get me wrong, I love to sing and dance and have a great time in African churches, but my favorite songs to play and sing to the Lord don’t really match with typical African churches. Actually they are about 180 degrees the exact opposite. But, I just can never bring myself to tell a pastor no when they ask. Luckily, on my new team – Red Thread – I’m not the only person who knows how to play!

Thanks to this song, that my teammate Erin knows, we were asked to sing again and again. (We even had someone ask us to record it in his studio! But, we haven’t taken him up on the offer.)

Enjoy the song. And, our awesome African dresses…

Michael " One of the Least of These

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Saturday morning we had the rare treat of eating breakfast at a café that could have been plucked out of the streets of any major American or European city. It was that rare taste of home. While we were waiting for our food, my teammate Sarah was looking around, typical people watching, when a little boy, about 8 years old, sitting on the street under a tree, filthy, caught her eye. Being the loving and caring person that she is, she immediately asked the server for a menu and walked over to the boy to order him some food. She gave him a bottle of water and we all began to watch as the little, shy child, slowly came to life.

Once his food came, we invited him to eat at the table with us and he was a bundle of smiles and laughter. He told us his name was Michael and about his life; most importantly that he does know Jesus. After eating, we all sang songs about Jesus and he captured our hearts.

It was heart breaking to leave him there that day. Knowing that we will most likely never see him again, but he will go on living that life day after day. We may have made an impression, but that was his life. All he knows are the streets of Jinja, Uganda. All he knows is a Lord that will provide in the unlikeliest of ways. All is knows is a life of true abandonment, true resourcefulness, true faith.

In the days since meeting Michael, I’ve thought about him many times. In addition, I’ve continually gone back to the passage in Matthew 25:31-46, where Jesus talks about feeding “the least of these” and how when we do, we are actually feeding Jesus himself. Saturday morning Sarah fed Jesus. Michael surely is one of the least of these. I was so blessed by my time with Michael and learned so much by my teammate’s boldness and unselfishness. Today, as I think back to my time with Michael, I only wonder how many opportunities to feed Jesus have I let slip by? Will I miss another opportunity? When I face the Son of Man will he consider me a sheep or a goat?

A Day at Amazima Ministries

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Saturday afternoon, after our incredible morning with Michael, the day’s adventures and the lessons of the Lord just kept coming.

Have you ever heard of Katie Davis? Kisses from Katie? Amazima Ministires? Well if you haven’t, you may walk away from this post (if I’m able to do it any justice) with a new blog and book to read!

I first heard of Katie and began reading her blog (kissesfromkatie.blogspot.com) sometime before leaving on the WR. I wasn’t a regular reader, but I stopped by frequently enough that I knew about her crazy life and incredible ministry. After joining my second team – Kingdom Katalysts – I had two sisters on that team that followed her blog, more regularly that I, and alerted me to her new book coming out just in time for Christmas. And, with our approaching visit to Uganda, we all became excited about the possibility of being able to see her ministry, being able to help her for a day.

As you know, I’m now on a new team, but 4 of us, did go to Jinja to see the incredible things that the Lord is doing through a faithful servant. As Katie says repeatedly in her book, she isn’t special, she isn’t doing anything incredible, she’s just following the Lord’s calling in her life and doing the only thing she knows how to do – say yes.

In just a few short years, Katie (now only 23) has adopted 13 daughters, started a non-profit organization that sponsors over 600 children to go to school and feeds them each week, along with feeding and providing medical care for thousands more. Saturday we had the opportunity to see her ministry at work and it was truly amazing to see all that the Lord has done in and through one person in such a short time. Here’s how a typical Amazima Saturday works –

10:00 am      The children arrive to play
10:45 am      Each child receives a hardboiled egg
11:00 am      Bible Study!
12:30 pm      More play time
1:30 pm        Lunch (and a BIG one!)
3:00 pm        Each child receives a bag of food and soap for the upcoming week

There were roughly 4-500 children in attendance and they were all very well fed for the day and the upcoming week. They prayed and worshiped in a such a passionate, heartfelt way. God is doing great things in those sweet kids and I can’t wait to continue reading Katie’s blogs and hearing more stories out of Amazima about the great things to come.

I really encourage you to read Katie’s book, Kisses from Katie, it’s truly inspiring and has taught me a lot. I’m already thinking about reading it again. God can do great things in and through each of us, if we only let him.

A Day to Bless the Mizungus

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The associate pastor at the church that we’ve been working with told us last Sunday that he wanted to take us “out” for an afternoon to bless us and then have us over for dinner at his home, one day before left. We told him we would be honored and had him make arrangements with the head pastor, who we’re living with.

Friday was “A Day to Bless the Mizungus.” He picked us up around 2 pm and all we knew was that we were going swimming and then having dinner. We all assumed we’d be going to a hotel or something similar, and dressed in our “swimming costumes” (that’s what they call bathing/swim suits here) and appropriate cover ups, flip-flops. After Pastor Pias picked us up, about 10 minutes into the drive, he begins to brief us on the days program and we all begin to realize, we may have been very mistaken with our assumptions.

After an hour and half long drive through Kampala’s crazy traffic we finally arrive at our destination, K.K. Health Club. And, we met Ronnie our personal trainer for the day!

We all looked around at each other and could do nothing but laugh. We all had on our swimsuits under our clothes. Michelle and I had on a skirt and dress, respectively as our cover-ups. All of us were wearing flip-flops. Nevertheless, we decided to embrace it and have fun with it. When else would we be able to say that we had a personal trainer for the day in Uganda?!

We proceeded to have roughly half an hour of “circuit” training, followed by a negotiated, shorted 10 minutes of aerobics. (He initially wanted to do another half an hour.) After which, we were finally rewarded with time at the pool. Here’s a video to give you just a little taste…

However, I wish I could tell you that the craziness of the day stopped there. But it didn’t. Not even close.

After we left the health club, we expected to head straight to his home for dinner, but, of course, that wasn’t the case. He ended up taking us on a tour of Kampala to see “important government sights” and then to a large mall for us to see a dinosaur statue and to go to “a really nice” grocery store. He encouraged us to climb on the dinosaur structure, but security didn’t like that very much and we were quickly run off, BUT he insisted on getting a PERMISSION SLIP from the security guard to take pictures on the rest of the mall property while we were there. So we didn’t let that chance slip by! Here are some shots from the whole day… BUT I don't have some of the best, the ones with the permission slip. (Sorry!)

Friday, was truly one of the craziest, funniest days I’ve had on the race. One of those days that I’ll certainly never forget and I’m sure this blog doesn’t do it justice. While some days are stressful and tiring, heart wrenching and exhausting, it’s days like this that keep things light and remind me to just have fun. Believe it or not, this really is my life. Praise the Lord!

Cornerstone School, Ggaba

Wed, 8 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Over the two weeks, my team and I have had the opportunity to work in three different Cornerstone school around the Kampala metro area. If you know me at all, then you know I'm not a teacher. My mom and sister got all of those genes in the family. But, when these are your students, it's easy to enjoy the day in the classroom...

Seeing Silvia Come Back to Life

Mon, 6 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Over the last two weeks, my teammate Becca and I have made several visits to a local medical clinic to visit a patient that has become very dear to both of us, and our whole team.

Bec posted this amazing blog the other day. Here’s a snippet –

It all started last Saturday afternoon when Val, myself, and our translator Abigail visited a nearby walk-in medical center to encourage the sick. The nurse on duty led us to a side room housing a barely-conscious woman lying on a floor mat. I have seen a lot of disheartening things on this race, but for whatever reason this young woman named Silvia rocked my heart. At first glance I knew her condition was serious, and after some gentle probing Silvia confirmed my fears as she explained to us how she got there.

The violent beating of a cane caused the dramatic swelling in both arms, dislocation of her left wrist, and the significant bruising and areas of broken skin scattered along her forearms and shoulders. The sharp blade of a kitchen knife drew the large gash on the back of her skull, and left little hair remaining after what looked like a terrible hack-job to her scalp. She also expressed pain in her chest and legs from where a pipe had relentlessly come down on her helpless body.

Click here to read the whole story. Please join all of us, as we continue praying for Silvia.

Mizungu, Mizungu!

Sun, 5 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Everywhere we walk, everywhere we go this is how we're greeted....

T.I.A. This is Africa!

World Race Cribs #8 - Uganda

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Check out our home for this month!

Seeing the Lord in the Small Things

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Tuesday morning we left our house in Bunumwaya with the intention of visiting the nearby hospital. Visiting patients, loving on them, sharing the Gospel, praying for them. When we arrived, we were informed that the office administration was in a meeting and would not be available until late afternoon and could not grant us permission to visit patients. We were disappointed, but our translator for the day, Dennis (a member of Cornerstone Church), told us about another hospital that was even bigger, not too far away, and suggested we go try there before giving up. So, off we went.

As we waited on the street for a taxi – known in Africa as matatus – we quickly realized that it was a busy morning in Kampala and it might be a while before we found a matatu that we could all 6 fit in.

(In Africa the “taxi’s” are 15 passenger vans, but every country determines how many passengers the vans can actually carry. Some don’t restrict and pack as many as you can sandwich in. Rwanda requires that you sit 4 across on the bench seats, allowing the van to carry 20. Uganda however only allows you to sit 3 across, cutting the capacity to 16. This makes for a much more comfortable ride, but much longer wait and harder time finding a ride when traveling in groups)

So, we began to figure out another plan. Erin had been to our next stop before – the main Kampala taxi park – before, so she and I offered to split up from the group and meet them there. It wasn’t a long right and should be easy enough to meet them at the drop off point right inside the park.

However, as we approached the taxi park, we began to backup in traffic and our driver got impatient. Next thing we knew, he told us all to get out. He emptied the matatu. Erin and I were both stunned and didn’t know what to do but listen to the guy. This sure did destroy our plan. We know longer knew where to wait; he’d dropped us off 2 blocks from the park and that definitely wasn’t the place for the two mizungus (the common African word for “white person”) to stand around.

We walked down to the taxi park and tried to figure out the best place to wait. Erin and Becca had been before. I was with Erin and Becca was with the other group, so we decided to wait in the only place they had been together. We thought it made sense and hoped that Becca would figure out the location in the massive span filled with hundreds of matatus, thousands of people and really no order. The minutes passed and there was no sign of them. Then it had been an hour. An hour.

We decided that had been long enough. We weren’t scared, weren’t frustrated. We just knew we couldn’t just stand there any longer. So we agreed to make one last loop of the park and with no luck, we would just return home. So we circled and looked everywhere we could. It had now been an hour and a half. We saw no one and were just about back to our starting point when I looked up and through the crowd I saw a familiar face. It wasn’t one of the team. And it wasn’t our translator Dennis. It was that of another member of Cornerstone, Abigail. I yelled for her. Erin joined in. We ran toward her. She was already in a matatu and we were so afraid that it was going to leave, but it didn’t. Once we reached her we quickly explained the situation and she called Dennis. She told him where we were and he said he would be right over. Within minutes, he was there to get us and we were reunited with our team. Where had Abigail come from? Only the Lord knows!

Once we met up with the other girls, we sped off, together, to the next hospital on our agenda for the day. But, once we arrived, the news wasn’t much different. We spoke with multiple people, we seemed to be getting the runaround, but in the end we were told we had to leave and couldn’t see patient. They said we had to submit a letter to the board first. Dennis said it was just because we were foreign – locals walk in and do ministry all the time. I guess that makes senses, but it was a little disappointing.

Leaving a little defeated, but also amused that the US isn’t the only bureaucratic country out there, we headed out to find a matatu home. We had to wait a few minutes to find one that could hold all 6 of us – Dennis determined not to let us split up again – but as soon as we did – the Lord showed up again in such unexpected ways.

As soon as we all settled into the taxi, a woman turned to Dennis and asked if Becca could pray for her. Then another turned to Erin. Then another turned to Kate. Then another. As we were driving through the streets of downtown Kampala we had turned our matatu into a mobile church. We were praying and sharing and inviting these women to Cornerstone.

I can’t imagine what we much have looked like through the windows laying hands on these precious women, but I really don’t care. In the end, we found our purpose for the day and it was incredible. But, as I got home I began to think back over the day and wonder what really made it special from any other day. Yes, the Lord had definitely shown up and given us clear diving appointments, but is that really any different than every other day? Or, was I just more aware of them today? Were my eyes just more open to them today?

I think so often we allow situations, frustrations, moods, affect us in more ways than we realize. I know that, generally speaking, I would have been very frustrated about having to stand around and wait for an hour and a half, unsuccessfully. I would have been scared and upset. But, on this day, I was still laughing and having a good time, knowing that it was just a matter of time before things worked out. I also know that, getting the runaround and not being able to do what we set out to do for ministry, would generally really frustrate me. I would typically have been very irritated with the two hospitals and been in a bad mood after the repeated rejections. But, again, on this day, I was still able to laugh and let the situations roll off my back. I was able to keep thing in perspective. The small things small.

And, because, not only I, but my whole team, was in that same place of letting the frustrations and irritations roll away, once we stepped into that taxi on the way home, the Lord was able to word. Those women were able to still see the presence of the Lord in our lives and were able to reach out to us for help. Otherwise, can you imagine what they would have seen or though, if we would have gotten in the matatu angry, frustrated, irritated from the day? I’m willing to bet they wouldn’t have asked us for prayer…

The more I think about the day, the more it helps me check my attitude. I’m sure I won’t always succeed, but how many times have I prevented situations for working in the Lord’s favor because my attitude wasn’t godly? As much as I can help that, I want to. I want more days like Tuesday. I want more encounters with women in matatus!

Life in Bunumwaya

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

This month we are in Bunumwaya, Uganda – in the rural, metro area of Kampala – working with Cornerstone Church.

So far the people have been great and we’re getting the opportunity to do a variety of things: preaching, community evangelism, Children’s Church, volunteering at the church, etc. (I’ve even been asked to teach a few guitar lessons!)

After having only one ministry “option” last month, it’s great to have our hands is a lot of different things this month. And, we generally don’t know until each morning what we’re doing that day. It’s been a nice change of pace.

Here are a few pictures from the month so far –

Forming the Red Thread

Sun, 22 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

As I mentioned in my last post, Rwanda saw a lot of change for our squad; a number of people returned to the States and put us in a position where team changes were inevitable.

After finishing our month of ministry in Rwanda, we met as a squad in Jinja, Uganda – right on the banks of the Nile River – for a few days of rest and change.

We spent four days together and had a wonderful time reconnecting and rebuilding. We were able to let out our frustrations on Mother Nature and were rejuvenation by the Holy Spirit.

My new team – Red Thread – is very different that either of my last two teams. It is a 5 member, all girls team. Typically I would be scared or worried about being in on all girls team, but I expected it and really believe that is where I need to be to learn what the Lord has for me during this season. So far we have a great dynamic, and we are still learning and growing as we get to know each other. Check out their blogs!

Me, Sarah Ruplinger, Kate Hughes (Team Leader), Erin Olson, Becca Diederich

As for our team name, we chose “Red Thread,” because of the unbreakable bond of the blood of Christ that ties us together. And, it is our hope to spread that bond and that thread to others on our journey. Continuing this unbreakable red thread of Jesus’ love around the world.