The World Race - Jenny Hill

God is doing something NEW!

Mon, 2 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Merry Christmas and HAPPY NEW YEAR everyone! I hope you all have had a blessed, joyful time with your families and loved ones and youre experiencing the wonderful presence of God. Im so grateful for the perfect gift of JESUS in our lives GOD IS SO GOOD!

So, I have some big news that Id like to share. The past few months have been a whirlwind filled with some of my greatest moments of joy, life, and abundance. I am continually in awe of Gods goodness, faithfulness, and provision. It just blows me away. To make a long story short, God has brought the man of my dreams into my life and has united our hearts, passions, dreams, and visions for the future. We are head over heels in love and we want to spend the rest of our lives together, bringing glory to God and spreading His kingdom around the world. PRAISE the LORD!! So on Christmas day, Jesse Newton (yup, thats him!) got down on one knee and told me how much he loved me, that the Lord has made us for one another, that Im his best friend and the love of his life, and that he wants to spend the rest of his life with me. He asked me to be his wife and through a waterfall of tears I responded, OF COURSE! It was one of the most beautiful moments of my life. Its clear that the Lord has led us together and that we truly are made for each other. Weve both gotten profound words and confirmation from God about our relationship and theres a deep sense of peace that this is exactly where were supposed to be. So yup IM ENGAGED!!! And I couldnt be happier! GOD IS SO SO GOOD!!! :)

I realize that this may come as quite a shock to some of you and potentially leaves a lot of questions up in the air. Im going to try my best to clarify some of that now, but please know that if youd like to hear more or if you have any other questions, please dont hesitate to contact me and Id LOVE to talk to you more!

Let me first give you a little background on this whole situation. As you all know, I have a heart for missions, serving the Lord, bringing His kingdom to the nations, ushering in His divine freedom, redemption, and love, and more specifically serving in Thailand for this next season of my life. Jesse feels the same. SO SWEET!! We met at a World Race training camp about a week after I finished the race (this past May 2011). We only talked a few times but each time it felt like we had gone to a totally different realm because we connected on such a deep level so quickly. Ive never talked to someone who mirrored my heart and passions to such an insane degree; at times I thought I was talking as the words were coming out of his mouth. It was wild. Jesse has led Real Life trips with AIM (for college-aged youth) for the past three years and one of his most recent trips was to Thailand. God literally broke his heart for the people there (especially the young girls caught in or at risk for entering the sex industry) and the Lord called him to return long-term to work for change. As we talked at training camp, I realized how similar our hearts and passions were and it blew me away. We kept in touch a bit over the summer and once I moved down to Georgia, we began hanging out a lot. Soon after that we were dating, completely in love, and we knew we were meant to be together forever. It all happened pretty quickly, but I am more sure than ever that this is the man that is made to be by my side.

Jesse was originally on the Thailand Initiative as well, but wasnt able to start working with the team at the end of October because his fundraising wasnt where it needed to be. So I began with the team and have been working with them for the past few months on planning, fundraising ideas, strategic development, and focused prayer and worship for what the Lord has. The Thailand Initiative team has been undergoing some changes itself as new members are joining in January and the Initiatives have recently been moved under a different department and different leadership. All across the board its clear that we are in the process of change, movement and transition. But its good. GOD IS DOING SOMETHING NEW.

Early on in our relationship, Jesse and I began seeking mentorship and counsel from the leadership in this community. We knew this wasnt just another relationship - the Lord had made it clear to both of us that this is it, but we werent sure what other changes that entailed. After speaking to some of our spiritual father figures (Michael Hindes and Mike Paschall), it was recommended that we focus on our relationship and that neither of us launch on this Initiative. It made total sense and was something that we had both been considering as well, seeing as how sometimes who were called to be with is more important than what were actually called to do. (Jesus first called the disciples to Himself, and from there they worked together to spread the gospel around the world.) I believe I am first called to Jesse, and from there we will spread His kingdom together to the nations. I AM SO EXCITED!!

So basically, this is where the change comes in. I am no longer a part of the Thailand Initiative team; I am still supporting and encouraging them in the work theyre doing, but beginning January 3^rd I will be working in a new department in the AIM office. Im taking on a new position as the Project Coordinator for the Marketing Team, managing the projects and work flow that come from the brand managers and go to the creativity team. Its a completely new position and something I dont have much experience in doing, but Im excited about this new opportunity to grow and serve a team of people passionate about the Lord who seek to share testimonies of His goodness with the world. So prayer for favor in that new role would be awesome. :)

Jesse and I are still called to Thailand. We are still called to work with Ray and Candace Ward and Outpour Movement in Chiang Mai. We are still called to work with Burmese refugees, victims of trafficking, set up sustainable developments, and bring Christs love, hope, freedom, and redemption to that nation. This passion still burns in both of our hearts and we cant wait to get back there and serve with these beautiful people. However, its just going to be a little postponed. It was recommended that once were married, we remain in this community for at least nine months to continue seeking discipleship, counsel, and support from others before we launch out into long-term missions. Too many life changes right after each other (marriage, launching to the mission field) doesnt set us up for success and we want to make sure were not rushing into anything the Lord has. So our tentative plan as of now is to get married at the end of April or beginning of May 2012, and then launch out to Thailand in February or March of 2013. We both could potentially see ourselves working in Thailand for life (with visits back home to see family of course), but our initial stint will probably be around five years. Were SO EXCITED to be working in a ministry the Lord has so clearly called us both to and to be doing it together. It feels like the greatest gift in the world. GOD IS SO GOOD!

The cool thing is that well still be doing what we were originally planning on doing with the Thailand Initiative, but now well just be doing it together and with the community there. The Thailand Initiative team will still be there once we launch out in 2013, so well be able to work alongside them and partner with the groundwork theyve already begun to lay, along with serving Ray and Candaces vision for the people there. Im SO EXCITED!!

I am still considered an apprentice with AIM and will continue working with them until the end of April (when my commitment is done). I may stay on longer than that depending on their need and my fundraising situation (my position working at the AIM office is completely support-raised as well), so we shall see where the Lord leads. Jesse is currently working as a boat mechanic at a local marina and will most likely continue doing that until we launch out to Thailand.

I want to now take this opportunity to apologize for any confusion or misunderstanding any of this may have caused. I am completely aware that this is not what you originally signed up for in terms of support. The Lord is constantly on the move and is definitely doing a new thing in my life and the lives of those around me. But Im so grateful that I have said YES to the Lords plans for my life instead of trying to take control and make my own come to fruition. I seriously feel like Jesus is fulfilling the deepest desires of my heart and that Im smack dab in the center of His will. It has always been my dream to do long-term missions with my husband, but that was always something that I had to surrender to the Lord and I never knew if it would actually happen. Well, its happening and its beautiful. God has me in a season of ridiculous abundance, provision, and blessing, and all I can do is worship Him. HE IS SO SO GOOD!!

Therefore, I just want to say Im sorry this looks different than I originally thought it would. Trust me, it looks different for me too! Im no longer doing the Thailand Initiative, but I will still be working with the same ministry in Thailand just a little delayed. The end goal is the same, but the journey to get there and who I will be doing it with looks different. THANK YOU for partnering with me on this journey through all the twists and turns in the road. I am so grateful for you!

Jesse and I are continuing to fundraise for our time in Thailand and we still do need your support if youre interested in standing with us in this adventure. God is definitely doing something and were so blessed by the community of people who have decided to join us on the journey. THANK YOU so much!!

Id love to have more conversations with those of you who have committed to giving to me monthly. Your support is still pivotal in this time, but I understand if youre no longer able to give because this looks different. Please know that I am so grateful for your support, encouragement, and love. God is using you in powerful ways and Im blessed to know you all!

THANK YOU again for your hearts, for understanding, for your continued encouragement, love, support and grace. I am so uplifted by each one of you. THANK YOU!

Please let me know if youd like to talk more I would love to chat! I love you all and Ill talk to you soon! ABUNDANT BLESSINGS to you!!

Our first Christmas picture/ card :)

At our first O-Squad wedding together in Nashville, TN! (YAY for Heather and Alex's marriage!!)

All together at home in MA for Christmas with the family! I LOVE THEM all!

We just got ENGAGED! On a hike! On a rock ledge! And it got dark! And we used our headlamps! Haha... such an adventure. We LOVED IT! :)

Yea we love each other... a lot :)

Project Searchlight video

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Project Searchlight is a week-long conference for World Race alumni with the goal to connect Racers to their next steps in life through teaching, coaching and networking. The next one takes place here in Gainesville from Jan. 6-12th 2012 and gives people the opportunity to explore the next steps in their calling. Good stuff.

Check out more information here: http://www.kingdom-dreams.org/index.php/kingdom-dreams-searchlight/

Kingdom Dreams (a branch of AIM) was working on a promo video for Searchlight and asked me to be a part of it. Of course I said yes! I only show up in a short clip here, but I'll post the extended/ deleted scenes and outtakes video next and you'll see a little more of my face. This was a lot of fun... so I thought I would share it with you. Most of the video(s) probably won't make a ton of sense to those who haven't done the Race, but just imagine being overseas for a year and what we would have experienced. It cracked me up. So... ENJOY!! :)

Project Searchlight video: deleted scenes and outtakes... the good stuff :)

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

As I said in my last blog, this was a promo video made for Project Searchlight (a week-long conference for World Race alumni with the goal to connect Racers to their next steps in life through teaching, coaching and networking). The official video was the one I just posted, but this one shows some pretty hilarious extended/ deleted scenes and outtakes. I got to be one of the actresses and had a blast doing it... so ENJOY!! :)

Embracing the mystery... and divine HEALING

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

God is so good. I stand in awe and wonder as He continues to blow me away with His faithfulness and love. Gosh, we truly have an amazing Dad.

There are some things about Jesus that I dont understand and I probably never will. If you know me, youve probably realized that I have some big questions about faith that in the past have thrown me into a whirlwind of questioning and at times doubt. But God has been carefully redeeming those questions and using them for good as He guides me to speak into the lives of others and meet them where theyre at. I have lots of stories about all of this and could go on for a while about how sweet Gods redemption is, but Im gonna keep it simple for now.

Basically, the Lord is bringing me to places of peace - places where I can simply rest in Him and not have all the answers figured out. After all, Im His precious daughter and He wants nothing but good things for me. All I have to do is rest in that knowledge, trust in Him, and realize how much He loves me. I dont have to know everything (and my finite mind wouldnt even be able to fully comprehend it); I just have to know that He loves me and everything else will flow from that place of intimacy. So in essence, Im learning to embrace the beautiful mystery of God and simply trust in Him.

Its not always easy for those of us who like to have a plan, have it figured out, and at times would rather take control of the situation in order to somewhat predict the end. But knowing the end is boring. Seeing all the steps before they happen is anti-climactic. I like adventure. I want to be on a wild ride with Jesus - fully dependent on Him and trusting that His plans are better and His ways are higher (Isaiah 55:8-9). Its hard but its good. Resting in the Lord, releasing control, taking God out of the box weve placed Him in - its good. I always say without challenges thered be no growth so I might regret this later on, but bring on the challenges, Jesus. J

One of the questions Ive had for a while is the whole issue of healing. I could go on for a long time about this and quote lots of scripture and tell lots of stories. However, Im going to again attempt to keep this simple. I fully, 100% believe in divine healing. Ive seen it happen time and time again. Jesus heals people. Jesus uses us to heal people, for the same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead is alive and active within us. The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you (Romans 8:11). Thats pretty legit. Jesus also said we will do greater things than Him on this earth. "I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father (John 14:12). Wow. Our bodies are healed and restored in heaven, so all were doing is calling that down. Bringing heaven to earth. Bringing kingdom. The kingdom of heaven is at hand (Matthew 3:2).

So what did Jesus do? He healed people. Lots of them. Everywhere He went, healings broke out. If we are called to be Jesus in this world, if we have the Spirit of God living inside of us, if we are sons and daughters of the Most High and have power and authority on earth then we should be doing the same things He did. And greater. Thats crazy. Thats something I dont fully understand but again, Im learning to embrace the mystery.

So if were called to heal people - lets do the darn thing. Lets step out in faith and trust and start praying for healing. Thats what Jesus did. Lets follow suit.

Heres where my human mind comes in. What happens when we pray and we dont see anything happen. What happens when we pray and someone is not healed. Lets be honest - that happens. Well, thats something that I am continually taking to the Lord. Maybe the healing will come later. Maybe there are strongholds or barriers in that persons life. Maybe my physical eyes cant see whats actually happening in the spiritual. Maybe I just have to suck it up, humble myself, and say, Jesus - I dont understand. Seriously - I dont get it. But I am going to choose to say yes. Im going to continue stepping out in faith and trust and praying for healing. Whether I understand it or not, whether I see a change or not, I will not be deterred. You are faithful. You are good. You are full of love. Heck, you ARE love. You dont want to see your children in pain. You are the ultimate Healer, the great Physician. I trust in you. So regardless of my flesh, I will continue praying with the same faith and fervency each and every time. Because I trust in you, and I love you. And I know you love me and the people Im praying for way more than I could ever comprehend. So yea - its been a battle. Its hard to continue stepping out each time when my human eyes cant see the effects. But its been growing me in faith. Growing me in trust. Allowing me to release control, release understanding, and lay it all before my Father. Have your way, Jesus. I am yours. Use me.

The funny thing about healing is that even though I dont get it, and Ive had many questions about it for years, God has been relentlessly prompting me to pray for healing for people almost daily. Seriously - if someone says theyre sick or in pain or struggling with something, the Spirit instantly convicts me to pray for them. Right there, in that moment, on the spot. I cant get away from it. And honestly, I wouldnt want to. Sometimes praying over people in the moment can be weird. Sometimes its awkward. Sometimes my flesh tells me I shouldnt do it. I would rather just tell them Ill pray for them later. What will they think? How will they react? What if nothing happens? They seem busy - I dont want to take up their time. Honestly, Im busy. All of these thoughts, all of these excuses, all of these lies flood into me. But the Spirit has continued prompting me to step out and to pray. Regardless of anything else that could happen - just pray. In all honestly, it doesnt matter what people think. Its worth the risk to step out and see God move rather than not stepping out at all. Its so worth it. And its so good.

Ill admit, I dont listen to God every time He prompts me to do this. Yup, Im a disobedient daughter at times. But Im learning. Im learning to fight the urge to run and instead trust in my Daddy. Trust that He has GOOD things in store - both for the person Im praying for and for me. It is such a blessing to be a tool for Jesus. I have found no other joy as pure or as complete as being smack dab in the middle of Gods will and being used for His purposes in this world. Seriously - its incredible. So why miss out on an opportunity to bless others, show them Gods love and power in a tangible way, and be blessed abundantly in the process? I dont know, I ask myself that often as well. Im learning.

So all of this thought, theory, and revelation, aside - I want to share a story. A testimony. A beautiful picture of the Fathers love poured out to one of His daughters. All were called to be are willing vessels for the Spirit to flow through and move from. Yes. This is the way it was meant to be. This is kingdom on earth.

Just the other day I was in my apartment and getting ready to head out. I was in a rush (as always) and trying to grab a bite to eat before I left. One of my roommates was sitting at the table looking pretty down. I asked her if she was ok and she told me that she was sick - shed been struggling with a headache, fatigue, and nausea most of the day. Shed left work early and had been trying to rest up in order to feel better. Instantly, my heart broke and yearned for her to be well. Pray for her, the Spirit said to me. Pray right now. Of course, my mind started its whirlwind of excuses of why I shouldnt pray. Ill pray for her later. Shell probably feel better soon. What if nothing happens. I dont have time. Lies, all lies! Thankfully, Jesus persisted and I relented. Thank you, Lord! I went over and asked if I could pray for her. She gratefully accepted and I laid hands on her and prayed. It was a simple prayer, but I felt the Spirits presence. I finished and she thanked me, we talked a little more about life, and then we both headed out. Nothing physically changed. Nothing looked any different. But I had prayed. And she had been blessed.

Fast-forward a few days. Its now Monday and I havent seen her all weekend (she was out of town for a wedding.) The first thing she told me this morning made me want to cry and leap for joy. Jenny, guess what happened. Remember when you prayed for me on Thursday? Well about an hour after you prayed, I was completely better.

What?! I thought to myself. Seriously? God, YOU ARE SO GOOD!! Wait, so you havent had any other symptoms since then? Youre not sick anymore? Youre totally better? I asked in amazement.

Yea, Im totally fine now! came her response.

Holy goodness, Jesus. YOU ROCK!! I was completely overwhelmed with joy and gratitude and just began praising God. HE IS SO GOOD!! He is the great Healer. He wants to see His children made well. And He wants to use us in the process. What if I had ignored that promoting? What if I had listened to the lies? I would have missed out on witnessing a beautiful miracle, and my roommate would have as well. When we step out in faith and trust, I believe God will abundantly bless us with faithfulness and provision. It doesnt look the same every time, and sometimes we may never see the fruit of what happens when we pour out. But this was just Gods little way of saying, Good job baby. Im proud of you. Look what I can do when you say yes to me. AH, I LOVE JESUS!!

So, be encouraged. Jesus is alive and at work. And He wants to use us to bless people. Ultimately, its gonna bless our socks off as well when He moves. Even if we dont see the practical fruit its there. God is always working. He is always moving. He is always restoring, renewing, and redeeming. Lets jump on this train and see where the Lord takes us. I may not know where its going but I can promise you, its gonna be good.

"Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. Freely you received, freely give (JESUS in Matthew 10:8).

I made it to Georgia!

Wed, 9 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Hey everyone! Sorry its been so long since Ive written but I just wanted to give you an update of where Im at. :) After a mini road trip down south (making stops in Maryland, New Jersey, and North Carolina), I made it to Gainesville, GA which has become my new home. Im living with six other people who are all associated with Adventures in Missions in an apartment complex overlooking Lake Lanier gorgeous! The community here is amazing. I feel so grateful to be in a place where we can continually speak life, encouragement, and the word of God into one anothers lives. God is good and Ive truly been loving my time here so far!

Last week the Thailand Initiative officially began. Woo! Were in the initial planning stages and have been working in the office with all the other crazy kingdom-minded AIM people (love it) trying to get some things nailed down. Were soaking this whole process in prayer and attempting to fully seek the Lord and His will for this whole endeavor. We need His wisdom, His insight, His divine strategies. We desire His freedom, His hope, His redemption, and His KINGDOM to come. We cannot do this without Him and we dont want to.

Im working with a team of three other guys at this point and theres another woman joining the team in January. Weve been getting to know one another and seeing how divinely the Lord has placed this team together, as we all have different passions and giftings that fit together beautifully. Thank you Jesus!

Along with prayer and team building, weve been diving into a variety of different things to make this Initiative a reality. Weve been looking at some strategic development ideas, brainstorming about fundraising for the ministry (which could be anywhere from $100,000 to $200,000 for the time were there crazy!), budgeting, marketing, donor relations, logistics, our online presence, researching the situation in Thailand and Burma more in depth, talking to a variety of different people to gain wisdom and insight, and basically trying to figure out what the Lord wants us to do and how were gonna partner with Him to do it. Its been a pretty intense process so far and to some degree I feel like weve been thrown into something way beyond ourselves. We have a limited idea about what were doing or how were gonna do it but I believe the Lord is going to lead us, guide us, and make a way (Isaiah 43:19). We are disciples living by faith, stepping out and saying YES to the Lord and His purposes in the world and trusting that He will bring about the skills, insight, favor, and provision that we need. Ive always loved the quote, God doesnt call the qualified He qualifies the called, and thats exactly how I feel right now. Were in a process of being shaped and molded into tools for the Lord and trusting that He will be the one to make it all happen. Yea God is good. :)

As a brief fundraising update I am fully funded for the first six months of the Initiative here in Georgia! YAY!! God has seriously BLOWN me away with His faithfulness and provision and I feel like He has placed me right in the center of His will in a season of abundance and blessing. Gosh, it amazes me. He is such a good Father! So THANK YOU SO MUCH for your support and for partnering with me in this! I am deeply touched and honored by you all. Thank you, thank you, thank you!! I am continuing to raise funds for my time in Thailand as well as ministry funds for the work well be doing there, so please let me know if youre interested in donating and Id love to talk to you further. :)

I hope youre all doing well and you know how loved and treasured you are. Thank you for your encouragement, support, and for being a part of my life. I am deeply blessed. :)

These are my fabulous roommates! From left to right in a clockwise circle we have: Melina, Heather, Bill, Paul, me, Tim, and Sami. Love them :)

This is where I live. Thank you, Jesus! :)

Thailand Initiative VIDEO!

Wed, 9 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

I had the privilege of visiting my good friend and old teammate Brittany Cox in Missouri a few weeks ago. What a joy! (I also got to see the fabulous Nathan Boaldin and Sydney Sample. So much fun!) Brittany helped me put together a video explaining a little more about the Thailand Initiative and what we'll be doing there (thank you, girl!)

SO... here it is. Feel free to pass this along to others to spread the word. Thanks so much everyone... you are a BLESSING!! :)

Holy goodness, GOD IS AMAZING!! Tag sale testimonies...

Sun, 4 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Ahhh, GOD IS SO GOOD!! I cannot get over His ridiculous LOVE and FAITHFULNESS!!

Your love, O Lord, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies (Psalm 36:5).

So I had my second fundraising TAG SALE today and it went SOOO ridiculously WELL!!! Ahh! Thats the understatement of the century! I HAVE to tell you about some of the amazing things that happened and testify to the pure GOODNESS of the Lord! Oh man, I am in awe. :) THANK YOU, JESUS!!

First, I just have to take a second and give a shout-out to my sister (Mary) and my dad. These guys are out of control amazing and helped me in more ways than I could have ever imagined. I seriously would not have been able to pull this day off without them (or the last tag sale for that matter) and I just want to THANK THEM SO SO SO MUCH for all their time, support, and purely sacrificial love! Gosh I am SO GRATEFUL!! Thank you, JESUS for my phenomenal family!! :)

THANK YOU also to Jim D. for allowing us to use the parking lot of ALPHA OIL, CO. for the tag sale!! It was an AMAZING location and I bet over 300 people stopped by throughout the day (starting at 8am and going until 6:30pm... WOW!) So legit! Thanks again!

Now for some amazing stories... :)

1. Jim (the owner of Alpha Oil) has a son named Jim as well. This guy is awesome. He welcomed us in yesterday and let us into their garage to begin transporting items from our house to the location of the sale. Not only did he help unload all the items and organize them with us, but he stayed there until well after dark helping out two girls he had just met. Wow! Amazing! The next day he was there bright and early to help Mary and I set up, move tables and items, and organize for the day. WHAT A BLESSING!! Thank you, Jesus for Jim!!

2. We also met a new friend named Bob. Wow. This man has one of the most sacrificial, loving, compassionate hearts I know. He is absolutely amazing and Ive decided to adopt him as my new grandfather. :) We met Bob last night as well and he stayed around chatting and helping us move things prior to the sale. He showed up bright and early today too with boxes of items to donate - NEW items! Like... great stuff! He just kept going to his house and bringing more to us throughout the day, and each time with a smile on his face and warmth in his presence. Not only that, but he simply enjoyed being around and seeing if he could do anything to help. He loved to chat and just spend time with us. So precious! In the morning he asked Mary and I if we wanted coffee and went right out and got us two big cups, along with some donuts. When he arrived he promptly told us that hed forgotten the sugar but would be back in a flash with it. Wow. So precious! He continued asking if we needed anything and just took amazing care of us throughout the day. We had some incredible conversations and I just feel deeply honored to have met this man. Theres something special about him. He really knows how to bless people and Mary and I agreed that we were truly touched by his presence and love. We prayed for him on the ride home and I trust that hes experiencing the Lords love in a new and real way tonight. Thank you, Jesus for Bob!!

3. Early in the morning another car showed up and we were warmly greeted by Margaret, the owner of a sewing shop in the same row of businesses. She welcomed us with a smile and told us if we had to use the bathroom at all throughout the day that shed be more than happy to offer hers. Score! (This was actually something I was wondering about so I felt super grateful!) There was a Jesus fish printed on the sign of her shop so Mary decided to ask if she was a Christian. She was! I went into her store at one point and heard Christian music playing as she worked away. It just made me smile. :) She was talking to Mary a bit more and she said she was interested in hearing more about my trip, wanted my support letter and contact information, and would pass it along to her pastor! Wow! I love these amazing, random connections all over the place! I talked to her later and she was so sweet and encouraging! Man, thank you Jesus for Margaret!

4. A few of the guys from the Knights of Columbus at St. Cecilias donated items to the tag sale after hearing me speak about my trip at one of their meetings. SO sweet! One of them had donated a NICE futon bunk-bed earlier in the week and showed up this morning to help bring it out and put it together for people to view! It was awesome! The futon was pretty much brand new and people loved it (it sold almost right away!) We were talking later and he was SO encouraging of what Im doing and wanted to stay updated with my trip... so now hes subscribed to my blog! THANK YOU, Jesus for this mans amazing support! :)

5. The tag sale was advertised as a fundraiser so numerous people throughout the day asked what it was for and were SO incredibly encouraging when they heard about the Thailand Initiative! One couple started talking to me more about it and it turns out theyre members of a local church and were excited to hear about what I was doing. They said their daughter wants to do missionary work in Africa and theyd love to connect us so we could chat. Sweet! How old is their daughter you ask? Only 13!! WOW! I was so encouraged that a 13-year old would have that much passion and zeal for the Lord already and have such a clear calling on her life. Praise God! So they got my contact information and said they would be in touch. About an hour later the man showed up again with his daughter and introduced us right there. So cool! I was just so touched at how excited he was about our meeting and how eager he was to introduce me to her. It was just really special. Thank you, Lord for this interaction!! :)

6. Numerous others were ridiculously encouraging of what Im doing... and A LOT of them had already seen/ read about me in the local newspaper!! So sweet! (It was GREAT timing that this tag sale came only a few days after being the feature story of the Wilbraham-Hampden TIMES! It definitely helped people understand what it was for and I think they were way more supportive because of it! Awesome!) A few people looked at me strange for a second and then said, You look familiar... you were on the cover of the newspaper the other day werent you?! Haha, it was awesome. Yup, that was me! :)

7. One mother was there with her little girl and they were buying some Threads of Hope bracelets (made by people in the Philippines!) She was telling me how awesome it was to hear about what Im doing and that she had read all about me in the paper. She then said, I was reading the paper to my daughter too and telling her about your work. You really are an inspiration and a role model to kids her age and the younger generation. Its amazing to see. WOW! Thank you, Jesus for speaking into this mother and her daughters life!!

8. This makes me so happy: the fabulous Janet Wise showed up to my tag sale! Yay!! (She was the one who interviewed me for the newspaper and wrote up an amazing article... and she is a blessed sister in Christ!) She came just to say hi and encourage me... and she brought her daughter too! I got a picture with her, introduced her to my family, and thanked her again for all shes done. Then she took 200 Threads of Hope bracelets to sell at her church!! WHOA!! Talk about being blessed again and again... THANK YOU, JESUS for Janet!

9. There was a woman looking at some of the jewelry that Bob had just dropped off (yea... he brought us some GOOD STUFF) and she was SO EXCITED about it! She came over to me and asked how much it would be. Before I could answer/ calculate how much I thought she offered me more than twice the amount! Whoa! She told me she loved this type of jewelry and was so excited that she found it... she said I had MADE HER YEAR! Dang! She was so encouraging of what Im doing as well and blessed me in my trip! Awesome! I love being able to make people happy! (I feel like that happened A LOT today too... thank you, Lord!)

10. There were multiple people who came, looked around, asked what I was doing, and then bought only one or two small things but donated much more to the Thailand Initiative! WOW! So awesome! Others came and only bought Threads of Hope bracelets and told me how much they loved supporting causes like this. Awesome! I love seeing peoples hearts and being able to experience their incredible generosity and support. Even when I dont know them! Wow, God is so good!

11. One of my dads friends and a previous teacher at Minnechaug (that I havent seen in years) came by to say hi! So sweet! He of course was incredibly encouraging and wrote out a generous check for my trip right there... without even buying anything! Wow! He gave me two big hugs, told me he had been (and will continue to) follow what I'm doing on facebook (and even update my dad sometimes as well!), and said he was so happy for me. Ah, precious man! I love people! It just really touched me that he would take the time to stop by, say hi, and offer such amazing support. Thank you, Jesus for Dan!

12. There were definitely some repeat customers that I saw both last weekend and today. They love tag sales! One of them was a man who bought only Bibles both times. I loved it. :) He came up to me, recognized me from the paper, got jazzed up about what Im doing, and started sharing his testimony about when he got saved. He said hes been buying these Bibles to give to the guys he works with in prison ministry. LEGIT!! That made me so happy!! He was encouraging me to preach the gospel all over the world, quoted the passage of scripture that was on my shirt, and blessed me in what I was doing. I love meeting brothers (and sisters!) in the body of Christ! Thank you, Lord!

13. It was a BEAUTIFUL, SUNNY DAY... ALL DAY!!! And SOOO many people showed up! Seriously... there was a steady flow of tag salers the WHOLE time we were there, minus maybe a period of five minutes throughout the day. Thank you, JESUS!

14. As we were in the midst of the busyness a man came over to me and asked about the stuffed animals we had. There were two big boxes full of them and we had generally been selling them for fifty cents a piece. He asked how much I would charge for both boxes... and then he asked if I could give him a deal. He told me he was from Ghana and wanted to bring these stuffed animals over to children in his country who have never had one before. He said he had never had any himself as a child, but he wanted to bless the kids in his community when he returned. Wow. I was simply amazed and chills rushed down my spine. From one missionary to another, I boxed up as many toys as I could fit in and helped him bring them to his car. Joy flooded my being. This is so legit!! I love how God works!

15. Another one of the shops was open during the day and the owner came out to say hello. She had a music store and was joyfully practicing and working away. Towards the end of the day I saw her about to leave and rushed up to her car. It turns out a whole crate of sheet music had been donated to us but no one had even glanced at it to buy. Mary and I thought it would be sweet to see if she wanted it since she in fact works at a music store and could probably actually use it. I told her what we had, asked her if she wanted it, and her eyes simply LIT UP! Yes, that would be wonderful! she exclaimed! She was so appreciative and put all the music in her car right away. Thank you, Lord for the ability to bless others with what Youve given us!! :)

16. There were multiple children throughout the day that would come to look at our stuff along with their parents. They were precious! Lucky for them we had a WHOLE TABLE set up with toys, books, stuffed animals, childrens clothes, and goodies galore for the little ones. Every once and awhile a child would cautiously walk up to either Mary or I with a book or toy in one hand and a pile of change (Im talking pennies and dimes here) in the other. How much is this? they would ask timidly. Twenty-five cents, we would gently reply, and they would excitedly dump the contents of change into our hands with a glimmer of joy in their eyes and a smile inching across their faces. Gosh it just blessed Mary and Is hearts so much! These kids were AWESOME! Thank you, Lord for precious children!

17. Towards the end of our time people who had donated things or stopped by earlier came back around to check on how we were and how the sale had gone. It blessed me so much to feel so supported and loved! People really care and took the time to show it. I felt so loved... thank you, Jesus!

18. This might be one of my favorite stories of all. We were beginning to pack things up but people were still filtering through, so we started telling them wed be giving REALLY good deals on stuff at that point! (Cause otherwise it was all going to be donated to either Goodwill or Salvation Army.) Before the tag sale I had gone through most of my stuff and decided to give a lot of it away... even the things I had held dear since I was a child. One of my most loved things was my collection of Precious Moments dolls, figurines, books, and memorabilia from the time I was a little girl. I LOVE Precious Moments! I had them all nicely displayed in a glass case in my room for years, but recently decided that I wasnt going to need them to look pretty when I was doing missionary work in Thailand. One of my good friends encouraged me in this by saying, Its time to sell all you have for the KINGDOM. Praise God! Thats what I want to do! So yea... out went my Precious Moments collection along with a slew of others things that were unnecessary to hold onto. Its all meaningless anyway right? (Haha, thank you Ecclesiates.) So a good portion of this collection was still left at the end of the tag sale. A family showed up and were looking around at the last of the stuff before we packed up. They stumbled upon the box of Precious Moments items and excitedly began talking about how much they loved them! I knew my whole collection would soon be gone at that point. Only minutes earlier I had gone through the box and checked out the things I would keep if no one bought them (a few crosses and a Bible), but I suddenly realized I wouldnt be keeping anything. This is good, Jenny, I said to myself. I dont need any of that. And praise the Lord... He made it really easy to let go! There was a little girl in this family (about eight years old - the same age I was when I started the collection), and she was simply overjoyed at the box of goodies. She instantly grabbed two of the prayer books and the Bible and held them close to her, looking at them lovingly every once in awhile. I love these! she kept saying as she walked around the tag sale, and would not put those things down. Her grandmother then picked up the whole box and started walking over to me, telling me she was going to take the whole thing. I told her that those all had been well-loved and that it was actually my old collection. She smiled and said, Oh good, my granddaughter is going to love them. She loves Precious Moments... and SHE LOVES JESUS! Ahhh!! My life was complete at that moment. :) It was amazing to feel like I was passing something so precious and dear to me onto another little girl who loves the Lord with all her heart and will enjoy the collection much more than I will at this point. It just felt so rewarding and so beautiful. I walked up to the little girl as they were checking out and told her again that these were well-loved and well-taken care of. She looked up at me, the Bible and books still pressed against her chest, and thanked me so much. Youre so welcome! I said, and I told her to keep Jesus in her heart forever and keep her eyes on Him. It was a really sweet moment. A precious moment if you will, haha. :) Thank you, Lord!

19. One woman towards the end of the day was helping to pack stuff up with us, along with her son. SO SWEET! She asked about what I was doing and when I told her she said something like, Wow... youre going to change the world arent you? I responded, Nope. JESUS is going to change the world!! But Hes going to use me to do it! Praise God! Haha, I love testifying about the Lord!

20. The tag sale was over and we were packing stuff up. A car pulled up and one of the guys I had talked to earlier got out of the car and came walking over with a smile on his face. Do you have any more books? I was thinking about it after I left today and I really want to get some more of them. I like these Christian books... I want to start reading them. Wow! Thats the Spirit of the Lord in pursuit of this mans heart right there!! I LOVED IT!! I told him to take as many as he wanted and I boxed them up for him before he left. PRAISE GOD for the work Hes doing in peoples lives!!

21. Jesus was definitely at work today. He was touching hearts and lives through this tag sale and through the ways He is at work around the world. People said stuff like, Are these all of your books? Theyre all Christian. I knew there was something special about this. Yea, thats CHRIST!! Others seemed to be seeking the Lord and would ask poignant questions. It was amazing to be able to point all of this back to the Lord and say that the work Im doing is ALL BECAUSE OF HIM!! It is not of me! It is of the Lord! :)

22. And last but not least, I thought I would share with you how successful this tag sale really was and how much Jesus can truly BLESS OUR SOCKS OFF!! We made a total of $932.93 today!!! WHAT!? CRAZY, right?! I know... I was floored. And still am. THANK YOU, LORD for your abundant provision!!

So yea, sorry this blog was so long but I truly felt the need to share with you the GOODNESS and FAITHFULNESS of the Lord and His divine favor on the whole day! Gosh, Im just amazed. GOD IS SO SO GOOD!!!

Thank you again for everyones support, help, and donations that made this tag sale such a success!! I am SO BLESSED!!

Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this, says the Lord Almighty, and see if I will not THROW OPEN the FLOODGATES of HEAVEN and pour out SO MUCH BLESSING that you will NOT HAVE ROOM ENOUGH for it (Malachi 3:10).

Heck yes! God poured out more blessing today than my little heart could contain. THANK YOU, JESUS!!!

Tag Sale and Speaking at Epiphany RESCHEDULED!

Sat, 3 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

A few quick things:

1. I'm having my second (and final) FUNDRAISING TAG SALE tomorrow! Woo! It's supposed to be a nice day (as opposed to the hurricane last weekend) so please come out and take a look!!

WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 3rd (yup... that's tomorrow!) from 9am to 5pm
WHERE: In the parking lot of ALPHA OIL, INC. (2440 Boston Road, Wilbraham MA)

2. I am still speaking at Church of the Epiphany! It's been rescheduled to THIS SUNDAY so please come hear about what I did on the World Race, what I'm doing on the Thailand Initiative, how I was called to it, and how you can partner with me! I'll have some fun slideshows and video clips too. :) Thank you!

WHEN: This Sunday (Sept. 4th) at 10:15am
WHERE: Church of the Epiphany (20 Highland Ave., Wilbraham MA)

That's about all I have for now. THANKS so much for your support everyone!!

If you'd like to hear more about my trip and potentially join my support team, please let me know and I'd love to talk with you before I head down to Georgia on September 16th! I am still praying for monthly supporters to come alongside me in this so please let me know if you're interested. :) Also, if you'd like to make a financial contribution to the Thailand Initiative please click on the "support me" tab on the left-hand side of this page. Thanks!

Abundant love and blessings,
Jenny :)

"You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with JOY in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand" (Psalm 16:11)

I'm ACTUALLY in the newspaper!! Front page!! :)

Fri, 2 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

So I wrote the previous blog a little while ago and am just now posting it. BUT... THE ARTICLE CAME OUT IN THE PAPER YESTERDAY!!!! YAYYYYY!!!

I was so deeply touched by all the amazing things Janet had to say about me and how genuine and heartfelt she was in her writing. She blew me away and I feel so honored and flattered by her kind words and encouragement! I am hoping and praying that people reading this article will experience Jesus in some way and will be prompted to pursue a deeper relationship with Him because of it. And some extra support wouldnt be too bad either. ;) I am just so blessed... WHAT A GIFT!! THANK YOU, LORD!!!

Please check out the article here!!

http://www.wilbrahamtimes.com/flipbooks/wht090111/index.html

Or HERE:

http://www.wilbrahamtimes.com/

I'm famous! Haha not really... just read this :)

Thu, 1 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

God never ceases to amaze me. And bless me. And cover me with His faithfulness and provision. HE IS SO GOOD!

So as you know, Im planning on having a TAG SALE to raise money for the Thailand Initiative. I was hoping to advertise the event in a few church bulletins (Epiphany and St. Cecilias to start with), with signs around the town, and anywhere else I could think of. A few weeks ago my mom told me the local newspaper was looking for submissions and said I should send them a message to see if theyd want to include a story on what Im doing. She left me the newspaper clipping with an address to contact them, but in the flurry of busyness with the summer food program I forgot all about it... until a few days ago. I was sorting through papers on my desk and found the contact information. I hesitated for a moment and then thought to myself, hey, why not?

I sent out an email to the editor of the Wilbraham-Hampden TIMES as a shot in the dark. I gave him a short blurb about how I grew up in Wilbraham, where I went to school, how I got involved in missionary work, what I did on the World Race, and what Ill be doing on the Thailand Initiative. I attached my support letter, a photo collage from the World Race, and my fundraising tag sale flyer to the email. I seriously wondered if I would ever hear anything back from him.

The next day (during our last day of work at FFF), I got a call from an unknown number. I answered and was warmly greeted by the voice of Janet Wise, who immediately introduced herself as a reporter from the Wilbraham-Hampden TIMES. She said Charlie Bennett (the editor) had forwarded her my message and wanted her to interview me as the feature story in the newspaper that week. The FEATURE STORY!! What?! I was freaking out inside. This is insane! Is this really happening?! Thank you, Lord!! She said he was going to run my advertisement for the tag sale as well. So sweet! We set up a time for the interview and hung up the phone. SUCCESS!! I was on cloud nine.

Two days later I met with the fabulous Janet Wise. There is no doubt in my mind that the Lord hand-picked this meeting and allowed her to interview me. She was incredibly supportive and encouraging of everything Im doing and she kept telling me how wonderful she thought the work I was doing was. Praise the Lord! She asked me all about how I grew up, my family, how I got into doing missionary work, about the organizations Ive worked with, how I came to some of the revelations Ive had in life, what I did on the World Race, how it affected me, how I was called to the Thailand Initiative, what Im doing as fundraising, how people can come alongside and support me, what my hopes and dreams are for the future, etc. I would tell her story after story about Gods goodness and faithfulness around the world and she would just look at me with wide-eyes and say... Thats amazing. I keep getting chills listening to you! Thats the Spirit of the Lord right there!!

It turns out Janet is a member of a local church in town (United Church) and said I should try to speak at one of their meetings/ services. It was so nice to have someone interviewing me who loves the Lord and is on the same page as me. Praise GOD! She also gave me contact information for other churches and people I could get in touch with for other connections and possible speaking engagements. I showed her my bracelets and she gave me even more ideas of places to sell them and people to talk to. Then she bought one herself! But this is what touched me most of all.

She told me the story of how she was led to become a reporter for this newspaper and how divine it all had been. She said she wasnt doing it for the money but she knew God had another plan/ purpose behind it. She told me I was the second person she had interviewed but they BOTH had been about MISSIONS! Whoa! SO COOL!! (Her first interview was with members from a different church in town that the Lord has been putting on my heart to talk to. So when she mentioned them and gave me their contact information it was even more confirmation that I need to get in touch with them! Thanks, God!) She then said she gets $40 for every interview she does, but that she was so touched by what Im doing that she wanted to give that $40 to me for this interview. So she took out her checkbook and wrote a check to Adventures in Missions right there and handed it to me.

Wow. Chills rushed up and down my spine. I cannot believe this is happening. I was truly touched and overwhelmed with her sacrifice and support and could not help but begin praising the Lord for this divine interaction. Thank you, Jesus!!

So now Janet and I are good friends and I am continually in awe of how God unites and connects members of His body to lift up, encourage, and speak life into one another. WHO KNEW that a shot in the dark email to this newspaper would result in being interviewed as the feature story, being able to share Gods goodness and faithfulness with thousands around town, and being able to meet such a blessed sister in Christ. GOD IS SO GOOD!!!!

So moral of the story... you truly never know until you try. One of the lessons God has taught me on the race (and is obviously continuing to teach me), is to step out in BOLDNESS for Him and His kingdom. I truly believe that as we step out in FAITH, God will be FAITHFUL to meet us there and bless us abundantly more than we could ask or ever imagine. He is going to blow our socks off. But are we going to have faith to step out in order to receive that blessing?

Look at the nations and watch - and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told (Habakkuk 1:5).

Heck yes. God is on the move. Lets jump on board and enjoy the ride. :)

Speaking tomorrow canceled... and some other news

Sat, 27 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Hey all!!

Just wanted to let you know that all services at Church of the Epiphany have been canceled for tomorrow due to the hurricane. Therefore, I will not be speaking about the World Race and the Thailand Initiative tomorrow, but I hope to reschedule the presentation before I head down to Georgia! I'll keep you posted. :)

I'm still planning on having round two of the FUNDRAISING TAG SALE this coming weekend (Saturday, Sept. 3rd from 9am to 5pm) in the Alpha Oil parking lot (2440 Boston Road, Wilbraham) if the weather is nice... so feel free to come on out! If anyone is around and would like to help bring things over to the location and/ or help set up and organize the morning of, I would love to take you up on that! Please let me know! The more hands, the quicker the process. :)

The rain held off long enough today to have a successful first round of the tag sale! YAY!! Praise the Lord!!! I love answered prayers!!! A bunch of people came out for it and left with arms full of goodies and smiles on their faces. :) I just wanted to THANK EVERYONE who attended, helped out, and donated to this event. You're all amazing! (Special thanks for all the hard work from: my parents, Mary, Emily, Sheila, and Jon. You guys rock!)

Ok, that's about all I have for now. Thanks again for your support everyone!! :)

p.s. Please let me know if you'd like to hear more about the Thailand Initiative in person and potentially join my support team. I would LOVE to set up a time to talk with you! Thanks!

A few quick updates... tag sales and speaking details :)

Fri, 26 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Hey all!!

Just wanted to give you a few quick updates!

1. I'm having a FUNDRAISING TAG SALE for the Thailand Initiative this weekend! PLEASE COME... and pray for SUN! :)
WHEN: Saturday, August 27th from 9am - 5pm (I was going to have it on Sunday, August 28th as well but there's pretty much a hurricane coming through that day so I think we'll have to cancel it. Bummer!)
WHERE: My house in Wilbraham, MA (message me for the exact address!)

2. I'm SPEAKING at Church of the Epiphany about my time on The World Race, what I'll be up to on the Thailand Initiative, how God called me to it, and how you can partner with me! I'll also be showing some slideshows and video clips from the field. :) Please come... ALL are welcome and I'd love to see you there!
WHEN: Sunday, August 28th at 10:00am
WHERE: Church of the Epiphany (20 Highland Ave. Wilbraham, MA 01095)

3. I'm having a FOLLOW-UP FUNDRAISING TAG SALE next weekend as well! I had A LOT of items donated to me (THANK YOU SO MUCH to everyone who contributed!!) so I'm assuming I'll have some things left over... especially since we're canceling Sunday due to weather. So if you can't make it out this weekend, come next weekend! It will be at a new snazzy location too. :)
WHEN: Saturday, September 3rd from 9am - 5pm
WHERE: The parking lot of ALPHA OIL CO. (2440 Boston Road, Wilbraham MA 01095)

I hope to see you at some/ all of these events!!

I will also be selling bracelets through THREADS of HOPE at all of these functions. They're each hand made by families at risk in the Philippines. $2 each. Beautiful. Unique. You know you want one. :)

If you would like to hear more about my heart and passion for the Thailand Initiative and potentially join my support team, I would LOVE to sit down with you and talk to you further! Please just let me know and we can set up a time!

To DONATE to the Thailand Initiative, visit my blog site at: www.jenniferhill.theworldrace.org and click on the "Support Me" tab on the left-hand side of the page. THANKS SO MUCH FOR YOUR SUPPORT! I am truly blessed. :)

Abundant love and JOY in Him,

Jenny Hill
jhill8@gmail.com
413.364.1525

TAG SALE for the Thailand Initiative!

Sun, 14 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Hey friends!

I hope you've been enjoying your summers... I can't believe it's already mid-August! The time is flying by and the Thailand Initiative is starting before we know it! I'm SO EXCITED!!

I'm still fundraising so in order to continue doing so I'm having a TAG SALE!!! (Quick fundraising update: I am currently at $5,192 of the initial $10,000 I need to raise. I will be required to raise an additional amount after this first $10,000, but that will be determined by my team as we figure out our budget for Thailand during our time in Georgia. Thank you for all your support thus far!!)

So back to the TAG SALE... :)

WHEN: Saturday, August 27th and Sunday, August 28th from 9:00am to 5:00pm each day

WHERE: My house in Wilbraham, MA (message me for details if you're interested in coming!)

SOME ITEMS ON SALE INCLUDE: books, clothes (for adults and children), toys, furniture, kitchenware, hardware, collectables, electronics, jewelry, international items, artwork, trinkets, doo-dads, and SO MUCH MORE!!

You ALL are invited to attend!! I would love to see you there! :)

I will also be selling bracelets through Threads of Hope during the tag sale (http://www.threadsofhope.com.ph) and all the proceeds go to supporting both families in the Philippines and the Thailand Initiative (each bracelet is only $2 a piece and they're all unique and beautiful!)

ALSO... I'm wondering if anyone has anything laying around that they would like to DONATE to this tag sale. PLEASE let me know as soon as possible so I can arrange to pick it up from you! That would be wonderful... THANK YOU SO MUCH!!

If you would like to hear more about what I'll be doing during the Thailand Initiative, my heart and passion behind the trip, and how you can potentially join my support team, please let me know and I'd love to set up a time to meet with you!

To DONATE to the Thailand Initiative, visit www.jenniferhill.theworldrace.org and click on the "Support Me" tab on the left-hand side of the page.

Thank you so much for your time and support and I look forward to hearing from you soon!

Jenny Hill :)
jhill8@gmail.com
www.jenniferhill.theworldrace.org

Missions report at the International Community Church

Fri, 29 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Hi everyone!

I've been speaking at a few churches about what I've been up to this past year on The World Race (an 11-month mission trip to 11 different countries) and what I'll be doing next: the Thailand Initiative with Adventures in Missions. I'm speaking at another one this Sunday and I wanted to invite you to come hear about my heart, passion and vision for this endeavor. I would love to answer any questions you may have and hopefully speak with you further as well, either after this meeting or another time! I'll be selling bracelets through Threads of Hope (http://www.threadsofhope.com.ph) as part of my fundraising as well. All are welcome... I hope to see you there!

WHEN: This Sunday (July 31st); the service begins at 10:00am

WHERE: International Community Church (557 Cambridge Street, Allston, MA 02134)

Thanks so much for your support!

Jenny Hill
jhill8@gmail.com
www.jenniferhill.theworldrace.org

p.s. Please let me know if you'd like to meet up to hear more about how you can join my support team for this initiative. I would love to talk to you. :) Also, I'm hoping to speak at more churches so if you have one in mind that would be willing to have me, please let me know! Thank you so much!

To DONATE to the Thailand Initiative, visit www.jenniferhill.theworldrace.org and click on the "Support Me" tab on the left-hand side of the page.

Thailand Initiative :)

Sat, 11 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Here's what I'll be doing in Thailand and how you can partner with me. THANK YOU so much everyone!! :)

June 2011

Dear friends and family,

I just finished The World Race! We traveled to 12 countries in 11 months (Romania, Ukraine, Ireland, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala), partnering with local ministries and organizations to help in whatever way possible. Ultimately we were attempting to bring freedom, healing, hope, deliverance, redemption, and Christ's infinite LOVE to the nations.

This trip truly impacted me. I learned and experienced so much... I could talk about it all for weeks. In summary, I have seen and experienced more of the Lords intimate love, begun walking more confidently in my identity as a daughter of God, grown in hearing the Lords voice and boldly proclaiming His word, realized my giftings and talents and the ways God wants to use them, been given more of the Lords heart to see and love others with HIS love, and become passionate about redemption, evangelism, discipleship, and bringing Gods kingdom to earth.

The Lord ignited my heart for a few of the places we went and He has specifically called me back to one of them: Thailand. Therefore, I'll be participating in a new ministry with AIM (Adventures in Missions) called the THAILAND INITIATIVE.

The Thailand Initiative is a 2-year commitment (but could last longer depending on how God leads). Starting in October 2011, the first six months will consist of planning, preparing, visioning, and fundraising with my team in Gainesville, GA. In April of 2012 we'll be moving to Thailand for a year and a half to implement the vision Gods given us.

We'll be partnering with another couple/ ministry (Ray and Candace Ward with OUTPOUR MOVEMENT - check out their website: http://outpourmovement.com) and working primarily with Burmese refugees in Northern Thailand (near Chiang Mai). We'll be setting up safe houses and education centers for at-risk youth on their newly purchased "Promised Land", while creating sustainable developments (such as agriculture, eco-tourism, hostels, restaurants, etc.) in order to pour revenue back into the ministries. Well also be involved in ministering to the Karen hill tribe people, church planting, evangelism, mentorship/ discipleship, worship, youth/ childrens ministry, working in refugee camps, ministering to child soldiers, victims of trafficking, and those escaping the genocide, and intercession on the border for both Thailand and Burma. Im so excited!

My prayer going into the race was that God would focus my heart and evoke my passions for one place or people group so I could return longer-term. He has done just that. God broke my heart for the people and issues in Thailand and I knew I was supposed to return. The Lord also gave me a dream of setting up a similar safe house/ "Promised Land" area as they call it while I was on the race, so when I heard about this opportunity everything in my spirit said, "YES!" I'm SO excited to invest in a country longer-term and see God move in radical ways. This is exactly where Im supposed to be.

All of that being said, I would love to ask for your support. First and foremost, PRAYER is needed! This is a huge endeavor and it will take divine favor from the Lord to accomplish it... so I will take all the prayer I can get! You can also join me in praying for the people of Thailand and Burma as well as the other members of my team.

Secondly, I'd like to ask you to consider financially partnering with me. I'm required to raise $10,000 for the first six months and then an additional (not yet determined) amount after that. [We will be determining our budget for the following year and a half in Thailand as a team when we begin the Initiative in October.]

As usual, one-time donations are welcomed and greatly appreciated! However, at this point I'm really trying to build a firm foundation of monthly supporters to partner with me for these next two years (and perhaps even beyond that as well). It feels as though missions is what God is calling me to (at least for now), so solidifying monthly support is going to be key in this time. Please pray about becoming one of my monthly supporters and joining me in bringing God's kingdom to the nations!

There are two ways to donate and all donations are tax-deductible. :)

1. TO GIVE ONLINE, simply visit my blog site (www.jenniferhill.theworldrace.org) and click on the Support Me! tab on the left-hand side of the page. (If you would like to be a monthly supporter, there is an option to do so on that webpage and it will walk you through the process.)

2. TO GIVE BY MAIL, please make checks payable to Adventures in Missions with my name in the memo (Jennifer S. Hill) and send it to: Adventures in Missions, PO Box 534470, Atlanta, GA 30353-4470

I will continue updating my blog throughout the summer and during the Initiative, so please subscribe to it if you'd like updates by entering your email address on the left-hand side of the page. You can also email me if you have any questions!

Ill be living and working at home in Wilbraham, MA this summer at a feeding program for inner-city kids (Food, Friends, and Fun), so if youre in the area and would like to hear more about this in person just let me know!

Youre welcome to pass this letter and my contact information along to anyone else you think may be interested as well.

THANK YOU SO MUCH for your time, support, and for being a part of my life I am truly blessed!

With abundant love in Christ,

Jenny Hill

jhill8@gmail.com
Blog: www.jenniferhill.theworldrace.org
Ministry were partnering with: http://outpourmovement.com

Friends at church in Thailand :)

Living a life of FAITH

Fri, 3 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Sometimes I ask myself am I truly living a life of faith? What am I doing right now that requires complete trust, confidence in, and reliance on the Lord? What am I doing that I cannot do on my own? In what area of my life is it true that if God doesnt show up, Im screwed? Well, Ive been asking myself this question for a few months (especially after reading the book Crazy Love by Francis Chan. It really messed me up in a good way. You should read it.) :)

Coming back to America has brought with it traces of the oh so familiar independent, self-sufficient, I can do it on my own, thanks God mindset. But I want to be dependent on the Lord. I want to be desperate for Him. I want to live a life that truly requires a leap of faith. Because I want to experience the power, provision, and faithfulness of the Lord instead of trying to take control of my life and do it on my own. I want His highest for my life, and that will only come through utmost surrender to His will.

Let me rewind a little bit here and let you in on a bit of my thought process. A few months before the World Race ended I was intentionally and persistently asking the Lord what He had next. I generally like to have a plan for my life. :) So after much prayer I came up with a 1.5 year plan. :) I was going to head home, work at FFF (Food, Friends and Fun - a summer feeding program for inner-city kids) this summer, lead a Real Life trip with AIM in the fall (hopefully to Thailand), lead another Real Life trip in the spring or go back to Honduras to work with the ministry and the street boys I fell in love with there, and then work at FFF again the following summer. A year and a half all planned out check! I generally tend to add the caveat that this is my plan and if God wants to change it, He of course is able to do so. I usually like to think that my plans will actually come to fruition but alas, God never fails to reassemble them. Fear not, thats a good thing. I promise. I would wayyy rather follow the Lords plan for my life than my own. :)

So recently, God has divinely called me to a new season. A new step. A new form of surrender. Hes called me to move to Gainesville for six months and then move to Thailand for a year and a half. Hes called me to be part of the Thailand Initiative (dont worry, Ill explain more about this soon).

As Ive been reflecting on this upcoming season Ive become extremely aware of the areas Im lacking. I cannot do this. I do not have these skills. I can't speak Thai. I can't raise this much money. I don't have a background in business. Or agriculture. I have no idea what Im doing.

Ive realized that my prayer for the last few months is actually coming to fruition. This is what taking a step of faith looks like. If God doesnt show up here Im screwed. But how awesome is it going to be when HE DOES and ALL the glory and honor will go to HIM?! Yes! This is going to be an insane testimony of just how good, how faithful, how awesome our God truly is.

The Lord is made strong in our weakness. He covers our inabilities with His infinite provision. He doesnt call the qualified; He qualifies the called.

So this is where I find myself. Called and unable. Relying on the Lord. Surrendering it all to Him. Realizing my weakness and trusting in His strength. He will make a way where there seems to be no way. Praise God for that!

See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland (Isaiah 43:19).

They lacked nothing

Fri, 3 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

So, Im totally stealing this from an online daily devotional called Encouragement for Today. Its through Proverbs 31 Ministries and heres the website: www.Proverbs31.org

As long as I give credit where credit is due Im ok, right? :) I just thought it was super fitting especially after the last blog I wrote. So ENJOY!

p.s. Thank you, Miss Emily Pirie for sending this along. Youre amazing. :)

May 31, 2011

Purse, Bag, or Sandals
Marybeth Whalen

"Then Jesus asked them, 'When I sent you without purse, bag or sandals, did you lack anything?' 'Nothing,' they answered.'" Luke 22:35 (NIV)

I am a champion list maker and detailed packer. I've learned when traveling to pack protein bars in case I get caught somewhere with no food. I've learned to take clothes and shoes that can be dressed up or down because you just never know. I've learned to pre-purchase travel-sized toiletries if I am flying. In short, I like to be prepared.

Being prepared feeds my illusion that I can somehow control my future.

In Matthew 10 Jesus calls the disciples, gives them authority in His name and sends them out, telling them to go minister to the lost sheep of Israel. He then tells them to take nothing with them - no money, no bag of belongings, not even sandals for their journey. Can you imagine being sent out like this? No time to pack. No time to shop. No time to make a list. Just go. The planner in me shudders at the thought.

And yet the disciples do just as Jesus asks. They return and later, in Luke 22:35, we get "the rest of the story." When Jesus sent them out with nothing they lacked nothing.

This verse jumped out at me when I read it. I thought of my own propensity to prepare. I thought of the panic that would rise up in me if I'd been asked by Jesus to just go. Then I thought of the many times I've let my need to prepare actually become a cover for simply not obeying.

Instead of taking action, I've stalled. My excuses sound really good - even biblical: I need more time to pray. I need to make a list of pros and cons. I need to talk to some friends, receive wise counsel. I need to spend more time reading the Bible. I need confirmation.

While these are all good things, I am not sure God means for me to do them all every time. Sometimes I think He just wants us to obey like He asked the disciples to do. But the truth is, the thought of venturing into Jesus' call and trusting Him to provide as we do feels... dangerous. It goes against our penchant for planning and our strong desire to control.

As His disciples, He wants us to have the kind of faith it takes to say "yes Lord, I will go." He wants us to fully trust in His ability to provide our every need, overcome our every complication, and supply every piece of information.

Perhaps God has asked you to do something that feels a bit like running out without purse, bag or sandals. Maybe He's asking you to go on a mission trip that scares you, to reach out to someone who frightens you, to tackle a problem that feels bigger than you... and you feel unprepared.

Jesus wants us to step out in faith, trusting that, like the disciples, on the other side of this adventure we will be able to say that we lacked nothing. Sometimes we don't need purse, bag or sandals. What we need most is faith in Him.

Dear Lord, I don't want to plan if I know You're asking for me to move. I want to listen for Your prompting and go where You say go. I don't want to rely in preparation as my comfort but in You as my provider. Help me to put my faith in You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

God of the nations... and America too :)

Thu, 2 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

So, Ive officially been back in the States for 3 weeks now (gosh that feels so weird to say). It almost feels like Im still on The World Race though I havent stopped moving . After landing in LAX I went straight down to San Diego to visit family and friends for a few days, then flew back to home to MA for two days (during that time I was in western MA, CT, and Boston) to visit more family and friends, and then I flew out to Atlanta, only to drive to Tennessee the next day and spend a week and a half there helping out on the Serve Team for yet another World Race training camp. Good times indeed (more on that experience later!) I just got back home to MA a few nights ago and have been running all over the place since, attempting to reconnect with long lost loved ones. Its been incredible but it does feel slightly odd to be home.

However, I have to admit that I thought I would be experiencing more culture shock than I am. Dont get me wrong, Ive definitely had my moments of, Uh oh, were not [overseas] anymore, Toto but they havent been as often as I expected. I guess a small part of me expected that all the God moments I was so used to having overseas would suddenly cease (or at least be few and far between) once the plane hit the US. And to be honest, that realization was hard to swallow.

But gosh, I couldnt have been more wrong. Ive been pleasantly surprised to find that the Lord has been continuing to provide opportunity after opportunity to bring kingdom wherever I am. Overseas, in America, on a train, in a coffee shop, on an escalator... wherever.

Sometimes it feels like big moves of God are more evident, blatant, or frequent overseas. Maybe this is true. Maybe its because theres generally a deeper hunger (both physically and spiritually) in those who know they need the Lord for everything even in order to survive the next day. But that doesnt mean the Lord doesnt move in the same powerful ways in the US. He does. We just need to continue calling on Him with the same vigor, fervency, and faith.

Since being home, God has divinely ordained several opportunities to minister to others in amazing ways. I met a random man on the train down to San Diego, talked with him the whole 2-hour ride, witnessed to him and listened to his views on the Lord, and prayed with him before leaving. Praise God! Ive had some amazing talks with friends, family members, and old co-workers, and have been able to speak life and encouragement into their lives. I had an extended time of prayer with my family. I hiked with my amazing uncle (Bill) in San Diego and had a fabulous ad-hoc discipleship session; I heard all about what the Lord is doing in his life and told him what Hes doing in mine. The next day I attended his church (hes a pastor) and he prayed and prophesied over me - words of life and truth that penetrated my heart and soul. Then I was able to pray for him as well. Thank you, Uncle Bill I love you! I had a slightly rigorous theological discussion with one of my old friends but the Lord gave me words to speak. I attended a presentation on a friends recent mission trip to Brazil with Sozo Ministries and heard about healing after healing after healing that the Lord divinely ordained. Praise God! I then prayed for healing over my grandmom and she received a vision from the Lord! I have been able to lay hands on and pray for even more healing, deliverance, and restoration for other friends and members of my family. The list could go on and on but I am simply amazed at the goodness of the Lord and the boldness and confidence Hes allowed me to step into. He is always waiting to bless others and He wants to use US to do it! We just have to say, YES!

I love the fact that were all missionaries - called by God to spread the Good News to the world (Matthew 28:18-20). We just have different mission fields. Our fields are wherever we find ourselves for that season in life. Or wherever we find ourselves that day, or even that moment. Opportunities for ministry are all around us; the Lord is constantly speaking and desiring to touch, bless, and love on His children. We just need to be open to hear from Him and when we do, to be courageous enough to follow. In time, we will eventually find ourselves in a state where we no longer do ministry during its designated time slot, but we are ministry to the world around us, constantly listening to the voice of the Lord and responding in obedience when He calls. People are desperate to hear Gods voice, to know His affections for them, to know His love. Im desperate for this. So why not take a risk, step out, and love on the hurting and broken world we find ourselves in. God wants to love on us and He wants to USE US to love on others. What an honor!

I say yes use me as a tool, Jesus! Let my eyes be focused on you and my ears be tuned to your voice. I want to be led by your Spirit. I want to love you with all of me and follow your lead to reach the hurting and the broken and offer your words, your life, your encouragement, your LOVE. I want to bring your kingdom to earth. I love you, Lord! Amen. :)

After it all...

Sat, 14 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT

After...

...291 hours of travel...

...51 different beds...

...13 countries...

...12 flights...

...22 bus rides...

...3 different teams...

...331 days...

...and countless amazing people...

I'm home.

(Thank you, BP, for letting me steal your blog yet again. I can officially claim all these things because we were together ALL YEAR!! WOO! :)

That's right friends, I'm officially back in the States. It's so surreal. I have been experiencing some culture shock already... as I was actually able to FLUSH my toilet paper in the Dallas airport, wash my hands with WARM WATER, and drink out of the water fountain. Oh, and I had to keep stopping myself from speaking Spanish to all the airport employees. We're not in Central America anymore, Jenny. That's just the beginning of the changes I've been experiencing... and I know there's many more to come. Oh Lord, give me grace!

I'm in San Diego right now, visiting family and friends for a few days before flying home to MA on Monday morning (the 16th). I'm SO EXCITED to see my family! I'll only be there for a few days before flying to Atlanta from May 19th to the 29th to help out at the World Race training camp... I'm so excited for a mini-reunion with some of my O-squad family. :) The rest of June will be spent relaxing, visiting, and catching up with people in MA so let me know if you'll be around. :) I start working at the summer feeding program (Food, Friends, and Fun) on June 27th and will be there until the end of August. In the fall I'm hoping to lead a Real Life trip with AIM but I'm still waiting to hear back on that. It's all in God's hands, all in His timing. I trust you, Lord. :)

So... even though the race is over, I think I'm going to continue blogging. It helps to process through things... which we all know I need to do. :) So yea, expect more from me at some point. I'd love to give you all a short compilation of what the Lord has done this year in each country, if I can actually sit down and write it out. Hold me accountable. :)

I just wanted to THANK each one of you for your continued and abundant support, encouragement, love, and PRAYERS over the past year. I am deeply humbled and grateful for all you have done. Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!

I love you guys and will hopefully see many of you soon. God is good. REJOICE in Him always. :)

THE HAKA, performed by Team Beloved :)

Sat, 7 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT

That's right, Team Beloved learned and performed the HAKA - a traditional New Zealand war cry - on a Guatemalan rooftop. Legit! We may be the only all girls team but we're pretty fierce when it comes down to it... WARRIOR BRIDES FOR CHRIST!! :) Good times with these girls... I'm going to miss them like crazy when we fly home in just five short days. But good thing we've become family and will always be united in the Spirit (and then in HEAVEN, yay!) Love you girls... thanks for all the memories. You're phenomenal. :)

ENJOY!!

Here are a few team shots before the video. Thank you, Nathan Boaldin for being our fabulous photographer/ video man. :)

Watch out!

Lifting up our incredible leader - Brittany Nichole Cox, aka Beebs. :) LOVE YOU!!

We really love each other. :)

This is KINGDOM (from BP)

Wed, 4 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Yup, yet another blog has been stolen. I feel like I can do this since BP and I have been together the whole race... I get privileges. :) Enjoy!

This is Kingdom...
The redemption of broken lives in all the nations.
Where the unwanted child is loved and the mother knows her worth.
When sufferings are seen as a blessed venue to grow closer to the King, not curse him.
This is Kingdom...
It's a family in Northern Laos risking everything to see addicted lives freed and redeemed.
It's a couple in Ireland pouring themselves out for discipleship.
It's young women in Thailand breaking generational cycles of prostitution.
This is Kingdom...
It sounds like the desperate and joyous shouts of African villagers in worship.
It sounds like vulnerable honesty with your community.
Sometimes it sounds like silence.
This is Kingdom...
Where the sick are not isolated but loved and healed.
Where the prisoner is forgiven and redeemed.
Where Love and justice walk hand in hand and His name is Jesus.
This is Kingdom...
It's when the disabled are seen and loved deeply.
It's persistent Love that knows no bounds.
It's when 41 young men and women realize who they are and respond to the mandate of their King to reveal His Kingdom.

11 months. 12 countries. It's been a long road that has been filled with challenges of many kinds, and victories I could have never imagined. I have grown to love the people of O-Squad. I have been challenged by them, understood by them, and loved by these men and women. We have explored the world, the depths of Gods heart, and our faith together. We have cried with each other, yelled at one another, laughed with each other, and farted in front of one another. I will miss this community, however the wonderful Aly Beeler put it best when she said, "This trip ends soon. This lifestyle doesnt." When you find the Pearl of Great Price you sell everything, forsake all else, not just to have it but to share it, spread it around. The Kingdom of God, on earth as it is in Heaven. I want to share a prayer from Philip Yancey that has been a much needed reminder for me over the coarse of this year...

May God bless you with discomfort at easy answers, half truths, and superficial relationships so that you may live deep within your hearts.
May God bless you with anger at injustice, oppression & exploitation of people, so that you may work for justice, freedom, & peace.
May God bless you with tears shed for those who suffer pain, rejection, hunger, and war, so that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and turn their pain into joy.
And may God bless you with enough foolishness to believe that you can make a difference in this world.
So that you can do what others claim cannot be done, to bring justice and kindness to all our children and the poor.
Amen

New lives in Christ!

Thu, 28 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT

One of our main ministries this month has been working alongside Luis organization: Nueva Generacion, and teaching Christian values in a variety of schools around Antigua and beyond. Sometimes we have the privilege of sharing the gospel along with the lessons, and we were able to do just that today! So exciting!

Weve been teaching on different subjects such as love, discipline, potential, etc. and using Biblical references for each. We all have different roles and parts we share during the class, and its been fun to see the Lord working through each member of our team in unique ways. In the love lesson Im able to explain that the greatest example of love is the act of Jesus dying for us; you truly know someone loves you if theyre willing to lay down their life for you.

Greater love has no one than this: to lay down ones life for ones friends (JESUS in John 15:13).

I then talk about how God loved the world (and each one of them) so much that He sent His son to die for them. Its so fun to be able to share about the Lords infinite love for these kids and explain that Jesus life is the best example we have of how to show love to one another and to God (to give our lives to Him).

In the discipline class Im able to be a cheerleader and tell them to keep going! They can do it! Even when it gets hard God will give them strength! :) (I havent actually been able to give this part yet since weve run out of time each lesson, but its all good. It will happen at some point.) :)

And heres the most exciting one of all! Get ready! We started teaching lessons on potential today and its one of the few classes that actually incorporates a chance for the students to give their lives to the Lord at the end. (!!!) As we were planning for the lesson and going through who was going to do each part, my teammates made sure I was able to share the gospel since they know I love it so much. :) The lesson talks about all these different examples and illustrations of potential and how most people dont use all of theirs. At the end I was able to somewhat summarize what the others had said and tell the students the reason were telling them about potential is because they have SO MUCH of it inside each of them! This is all because GOD has created each one with specific passions, talents and giftings that He wants to use in this world, but in order to fully realize and live out the fullness of our potential we have to be in relationship with and following the Lord. Because only He knows the great plans that He has for each one of us (Jeremiah 29:11) and how He can uniquely use us in the ways we were created. Luis said a few words as well, and then we asked the students to stand up if they wanted to be connected with the Lord, live up to their full potential as sons and daughters of Him, and give their lives to Jesus. To my complete amazement, ALL the kids in both classes we taught (about 50 kids total) stood up with the desire to ask Jesus into their hearts to lead their lives!!! I was speechless and almost began to cry as I saw all these beautiful children stand up, ready and willing to live a new life in Christ! Luis asked me to pray and had the students repeat after me; I was nearly shaking with joy as I prayed for and with these precious kids. After we prayed I couldnt help but burst out, YOU JUST MADE THE BEST DECISION OF YOUR LIFE!! I AM SO EXCITED FOR YOU!! I was overwhelmed with emotions and the Lords love for them. As the angels were rejoicing in heaven, I felt a spirit of REJOICING come over me for these new lives in Christ. PRAISE THE LORD for new members of His family and for using each one of us when we step out in faith and fully trust in Him. I felt utterly humbled, blessed, and honored to be used as a tool in seeing the Lords purposes come to fruition today. This is kingdom. PRAISE JESUS!! :)

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, THE NEW HAS COME! (2 Corin. 5:17).

Life in Guatemala

Thu, 28 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Here are a few things weve been up to this month:

24 HOUR PRAYER - yup, Team Beloved and Team Deep Waters took various time slots to pray throughout the day and night leading up to Easter Sunday what a way to bring in such a day of victory!

EASTER SUNRISE ON A MOUNTAIN - legit! A previous blog from Aly explained a bit about this, but seven of us got up at 5am to hike up a mountain (that conveniently has a cross at the top - thanks, God!) to marvel at the beauty of the Lord and celebrate His divine resurrection. We worshipped, sang, danced, frolicked in the grass, took communion together (along with some new friends we met up there), broke a bottle of praise (well it kinda rolled down the mountain, but God understands!), prayed together, read a bunch of Psalms, and stood in awe and wonder at Gods creation as the sun rose over the mountains, a nearby volcano, and the whole city of Antigua. PRAISE THE LORD!

I kept getting crazy bursts of the Spirit while up there and sprinting around I just couldnt help it. HE IS RISEN!! THE VICTORY HAS BEEN WON!! CHRIST LIVES AND REIGNS FOREVER! PRAISE JESUS!! I almost skipped home there was so much joy and Spirit flowing through my bones. I couldnt help but tell everyone I saw on the streets that day, Jesus vive! (Jesus lives!) or Jesus te ama! (Jesus loves you!) It was as if I couldnt even control myself and it just came out! I love the Lord. :) So yea, it was definitely one of the best Easters of all time. GOD IS GOOD!

KIRSTEN AND I HELPED MAKE SOME TRADITIONAL EASTER ARTWORK ON THE STREET! Thats right, it was time for another Easter procession so the locals were out with their colored sawdust, flowers, vegetables, and other materials they use to make beautiful works of art on the cobblestone streets. Kige and I were walking by and decided to take a chance and ask if they needed any help they said YES! So Kirsten started for awhile and then I joined in sprinkling sawdust where they told us to create a beautiful design. It was SO FUN! (Ill try to post some pictures of it soon). We got to know the artist and his family (they were SO sweet!) and they graciously invited us into their restaurant after the procession to hang out and enjoy the best nachos Ive ever eaten along with coffee and soda all on them! Wow. What a treat and a divine encounter! Kirsten and I just looked at each other at one point as we sat there and said, These are the moments Im going to miss. I love random connections and adventures praise the Lord!

RUNNING ALMOST DAILY - woo! Its so nice to have other people who like to run with me this month! Praise God! Aly and I have been getting up early almost every day to run around the beautiful streets of Antigua; we rarely retrace the same path so weve been having a good time exploring and discovering new areas. Its also been a blast to hike up the mountain often and do a few sprints with Justin here and there. Good times. :) Being active and experiencing Gods creation is good for my soul. :)

LIVING SIMPLY WITH OUR FOOD - Yup, you heard right. We are eating SO FRUGALLY this month and I love it! (Meals in Antigua are super expensive since its such a tourist city, but fear not! We know how to do it.) Beans, eggs, tortillas, pasta, and cereal yum! We just bought all our food for the next seven days (thats twenty-one meals) and spent the equivalent of about fifteen dollars per person. Fifteen dollars! For a week of food! Thats less than a dollar per meal! Insane! So yea, it makes me happy. Scrappy living living simply. :)

WORKING WITH A SWEET ORGANIZATION: La Asociacion Nuestros Ahijados (The GOD'S CHILD Project) - this place does SO MUCH! We took a tour at the beginning of the week of their center and were in awe at all the projects they have running in just a short span of 20 years - its incredible. Just to give you an idea: they have two schools, support programs and life courses for moms, a rehabilitation center for malnourished babies, a sex-trafficking prevention program, numerous social workers to keep tabs on the families, food and vegetable donation and distribution services, a full clinic and laboratory, and theyre starting a prosecution unit for victims of domestic violence. Good stuff!

The other day we did a bunch of social work visits to talk with families theyre supporting and we had a lot of fun. We walked around a bunch of mountainous communities that totally reminded me of Los Pinos in Honduras and made me miss it! We got to know our social worker - Carlos - along with the families and children. So sweet! Well also be working with/ loving on the malnourished babies as well as helping distribute food in the coming week. Good times! (We work with this organization every morning we go to the hospital so pretty much every other day that were not teaching with Luis.)

ENJOYING TIME WITH LUPITA AND THE GIRLS AT THE HOSPITAL - this has actually turned into something I truly look forward to - PRAISE THE LORD!! It amazes me how God has turned something I felt completely inept and apprehensive about only a week ago into something I get all giddy inside about now. WOW! GOD IS SO GOOD!! B.Cox and I are usually together with these chicas and weve begun taking music in to sing and dance with them! Its been awesome! The time simply flies when were there and Im always surprised when its time to say goodbye. Lupita actually started speaking the other day!! I was so excited! It wasnt very clear, but I kept asking her how old she was and listing different ages and she kept saying, No to the wrong age! I think I figured out that shes 20 - sweet! It was just super exciting to see her communicating praise the Lord! We continue to snort together and crack one another up her joy is contagious. I always tell her how precious, beautiful, and loved she is by God and I continue to pray for and speak life over her. Praise Jesus for this beautiful friendship that is just continuing to grow!

INCREDIBLE IMPROMPTU CONVERSATIONS WITH HOSTEL EMPLOYEES - Wow. I am in complete awe yet again. God is so ridiculously AMAZING!! This just happened a few minutes ago and Im still in wonder. I was simply sitting down here in our hostel, about to finish up this blog to post it, and one of the hostel employees walks by and says hello. He introduces himself, asks me my name, and if I speak any Spanish. I tell him mas o menos (more or less), and we continue to talk for the next hour. GOD IS SO GOOD! Alex tells me all about his life and asks me about mine; he tells me about his faith (hes a Christian too and loves World Race teams hes been working with them for the last five years!), his family (his wife and his year and a half year old son - little Alex), his church in the pueblo hes from and how hed love to have World Race teams come minister there, and all about the ways the Lord has been divinely providing for and leading his life. SO COOL!!! He then opened up about some of his struggles and the ways hes being challenged right now; God gave me words of encouragement to speak into him (in SPANISH), and then we prayed for one another - right here, in the hallway of the hostel, shortly after meeting for the first time. I LOVE the way God divinely ordains moments like these and truly connects members of His body through His Spirit!!! Im so incredibly blessed by this divine encounter and the ways God never ceases to amaze me!! And use us all!! Again and again and again!! Aye de mi! I am so in love with JESUS!!!

Shout for JOY to the LORD, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music; make music to the LORD with the harp, with the harp and the sound of singing, with trumpets and the blast of the rams horn - shout for JOY before the LORD, the King" (Psalm 98:4-6)

p.s. Final debrief starts on May 8^th (the whole squad will be traveling here to Antigua) and we all fly back to the States (LAX) on May 12^th. Thats in exactly two weeks. CRAZY! I cant wait to see all your beautiful faces when I get home THANK YOU for your abundant support, encouragement and LOVE! I am so grateful! :)

Easter Sunrise Adventure (from Aly)

Sun, 24 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Yes, I'm stealing another blog... this time from the lovely Miss Aly Beeler (we're working with her team this month... yay!) This is how we started our Easter... GOD IS SO GOOD!!! Thank you, JESUS!!! I hope you all had a fantastic day, basking in the VICTORY and LOVE of Christ! I love you guys and will see you oh so soon! :)

I roll over in my sleeping bag to turn off the alarm on my phone. 0345 on Easter morning. Feelings of joy in the middle of a fog of sleep. I dig my jacket out of my backpack, grab peanut butter, carrots and instant coffee out of my bedside table. I walk down a flight of cold stone steps from my hostel room at Mochila International Hostel in Antigua, as always, hoping I dont trip.

0400. Twenty four hour prayer started yesterday at 0900. I walk into the common room outside two of our rooms. BCox and BP are finishing the 2-4 shift. Worship music is playing from an ipod. BCOx is creating a background of written scripture on a sketch pad, soon to hold the words He is Risen! in large bold letters.

0515. I sneak into Beloveds dorm room. Waking up BP an hour after shes gone to bed, I look over and see that Kige is already stirring. Are you going? Of course! Next to her, I attack Jenny in her bed. These few weeks in Antigua have been sweet mornings of waking her up to return her attacks of love from our time as teammates. Happy Easter!!

0535. My backpack holds the equivalent of Easter basket necessities. We find our first obstacle of our Easter morning adventure. Were locked in the hostel. Poor Eric, the doorman, gets woken up to let us out.

0550. So much joy in an early morning! Seven of us are walking down a mostly deserted cobblestone road - me, Elle, BCox, BP, Jenny, Heather and Kige. The sun hasnt risen yet and theres still a mountain chill in the air. Theres laughter and smiles all around, even when the only people we pass on our walk are three stern-faced policemen.

0615. Were at the top of a hill overlooking the city of Antigua. For the first time since weve been here, I notice the top of the volcano that borders the north side of Antiguas valley. The sun hasnt come up but our hike up the hill has warmed our bodies to a light sweat. There are three other people, obviously Americans, along with the always present policemen, are up here with us. During the day there are usually more people enjoying the view, taking pictures by the large cross that keeps watch over the city. We are attempting to get one of the policemen to take a picture of the seven of us. It doesnt work. Are you wanting a picture of all of you? asks one of the Americans. We later learn hes a photographer from San Francisco - Josh. Photos taken, complete with volcano, cross and Antigua as a background. We all sit down on a bench nearby.

Here's our bench.

Worship music? The ipod and speakers are pulled out from the backpack. Celebratory music is the request. BP suggests a frolicking song, Youre the One by Enter the Worship Circle. We all sit on the bench for about five seconds. Theres a patch of grass inviting us to frolick in it coming out of BPs mouth moves seven adults to a place of skipping and moving and flowing - frolicking, even - in the Lords presence on a patch of grass, trying hard to ignore the police nearby. Is there a better, joyous, more celebratory way to ring in a Resurrection Sunday?

Not posing. This is just how we all ended up after our frolicking.

0630. Elle goes back to the Easter basket of a backpack and pulls out a few slices of bread. Also grabbing her Starbucks Thailand thermos, she rejoins our circle of seven. Do we want to ask them to join us? BP walks over to ask. Josh, Jarrod and Shantel join us for communion. Elle leads us in a prayer of thanksgiving, hope pouring from her voice. Two slices of bread are passed around with the thermos, worship music continuing to provide our background.

0650. Elle adds another piece of paper to an empty wine bottle. Notes of praise and thanksgiving written by most of us have been added to this bottle of praise.

Elle putting songs in our "bottle of praise" next to the Easter basket backpack.

0700. Back on the bench, Jenny stands up and starts reading out Psalms, starting with 126. The sun is continuing to rise, striking the top of the volcano. Beautiful way to start a beautiful day.

Psalm 126. For O Squad!!

I have one of my "How in the world do I get to be here with these people doing this?!?!" moments.

I LOVE these girls!!
I LOVE the FREEDOM to dance in worship on a hillside!
I LOVE a day to celebrate what the resurrection means!
I LOVE the Lord who has given us this FREEDOM to live a life, surrendered to Him!

Bottom row: Kige, Elle, Heather. Back row: Jenny, BCox, BP and me.

Starting the trek home...back to the hostel.

I'll be back home in the States on May 12th!! :D
Happy Easter, everyone!!

Feliz Semana Santa!

Sat, 23 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT

We made it to Guatemala - our twelfth (bonus!) and final country on The World Race - crazy! Weve been chillen in Antigua for about a week now, getting to know the city, our contact and his family, going on a few tours, learning about and getting our feet wet in the ministries well be working with, and having some ad-hoc times of ministry/ worship on our own - its been great!

Feliz Semana Santa means Happy Holy Week and apparently its a big deal here in Antigua; people travel from all over the world to experience all the goodness this place has to offer. There are hundreds of drawings/ paintings/ forms of artwork done along the cobblestone streets every day with a variety of different materials such as sand, colored flour, hay, plants, flowers, fruits, and vegetables - its quite a sight to see! The artists are super talented and its amazing to see the detail theyre able to produce with the materials theyre using. There are also numerous parades/ processions (that sometimes go all through the night) where people carry massive (and HEAVY) structures with images of Jesus or other saints for multiple blocks at a time. People dressed in purple robes carrying incense up and down the streets can be seen all through the day as well, along with many church services and just an all-around hype due to the time of year. Its pretty wild how many people come out for this the streets are PACKED!

The people carrying the huge structures in each procession range from all ages and actually have to pay to carry them - its considered an honor. The mentality behind the practice is that its a way for them to pay penance for their sins and actually suffer/ work for Jesus forgiveness. Its challenging to see hundreds of people, including women and young children, carrying structures weighing up to a few tons around the uneven cobblestone streets, wincing with every step because of the sheer pain theyre experiencing. I just want to run up to them and tell them about Jesus love, that theyre forgiven simply because of His death on the cross and that theres nothing they can do to work for forgiveness or salvation. I want them to know they are forgiven, saved, and redeemed by the blood of Christ - by grace through faith, not works. The deed has already been done; Jesus has already paid the price. Thats why He says, It is finished (John 19:30).

Our contact, Luis, told us a bit about the history of the practices and how hes attempting to bring light and truth into the hearts and minds of youth in his country. He and his wife started an organization called Nueva Generacion (New Generation) a few years ago that travels to different schools all over Antigua and beyond to teach Christian values and share the gospel with kids from various backgrounds (some from poor communities, some indigenous people, some from gangs or on the streets, etc). They definitely have a heart and a passion for youth to know the love of Christ and to fully walk in it, so its been exciting to see and come alongside them in their ministry.

Speaking of ministry, well be working in two main areas this month: schools and hospitals. Due to Semana Santa, all the schools and hospitals have been closed for the week so we havent officially gotten started yet, but beginning next week well be busy! Well be having weekly Bible studies/ book discussions/ worship time at Luis house every Friday night as well where well gather to praise the Lord and begin studying the book When Helping Hurts. Ive never read it before but I hear its pretty insightful and Im excited to learn.

Last week was our first fellowship time together so we got to meet Luis family and get to know each other a bit more (theyre so sweet! His wife is fabulous and he has precious twin four-year old daughters.) We went around and shared about who we are, our least favorite food, if weve ever been in love (haha), and what were passionate about; it was definitely a fun icebreaker activity. (Have I mentioned that Luis is hilarious? Well, he is!) I especially enjoyed hearing about everyones passions and how God has uniquely gifted each one of us and wants to use us all in different ways to bring His kingdom to earth! Were all different but working for the same goal and by the same Spirit - it just really pumped me up and showed me a beautiful picture of the global body of Christ and how creative God is. I love it! I cant wait to see what He continues to do with each one of us as we step out in faith and follow Him. :)

Were working with another team this month (Team Deep Waters, woo!) so well be switching off daily going to the schools and the hospital. Well be traveling around with Luis to different schools to teach the curriculum hes created and share the gospel; we get to be creative with it as well so I think well be adding in a few songs, skits, dances, art projects who knows. :) It should be a good time. Well also be volunteering at a local hospital and spending time with/ loving on people with disabilities (mainly cerebral palsy patients); we had our first day there on Tuesday but Ill tell you more about all of that in my next blog! Lastly, well be visiting an orphanage for a few days and loving on the sweet kiddies there.

Since weve had some free time, weve decided to take a few trips to the local park and WORSHIP THE LORD! Its been awesome! Weve been bringing a guitar, art supplies, a volleyball, our singing voices and dancing shoes, and praising the Lord through a variety of ways - its been so fun! Heather or Nathan (from the other team) usually play the guitar, Kige and Court do some fantastic artwork and then give it away, and the rest of us either sing, dance, play with the local kids who come around, talk to people who gather, or just do whatever the Lord is leading us to. The first time we went we attracted quite a crowd and it was a blessing to see people so interested in what was going on praise God! Its definitely been a fun way to get out and bring some kingdom to the streets! :)

Ok, one more story and then Im done. :) Last Sunday at church I felt like the Lord was saying we should watch The Passion of the Christ on Good Friday together as a group. At first I was like this is strange, is this just me thinking this? But I couldnt get it out of my head so I finally decided to bring it up to a few of my teammates later on in the day. It turns out, Luis had already mentioned to B.Cox that he wanted to watch it with us for our Bible study time that Friday but hadnt told anyone else about it. When B.Cox told me this I semi-freaked out I thought, what?! Thats crazy! God really does speak to me! (I know He does He is a good Father but sometimes its just sweet to have reminders/ confirmations of what Hes saying.) So yea, we all gathered at Luis house tonight and watched The Passion. Man, it rocked me. I felt completely humbled and absorbed in my thoughts for awhile afterwards, simply reflecting and meditating on the incredible sacrifice Jesus has made for all of us. Tears were definitely shed as well, as I was reminded of and overwhelmed by the infinite love our Father has for us. Its ridiculous. Its radical. Its unbelievable. This is our God.

For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16).

Lupita, you are a daughter of God

Sat, 23 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Yesterday was our first day at the hospital well be ministering at all month. Before arriving we were told wed be working with cerebral palsy patients and simply hanging out/ loving on them; we didnt know exactly what that would look like but we were ready to jump in.

We arrived at the hospital and were split up into a few different groups; we were all led to different wings to work with eldery, children, and middle-aged men and women, all with some sort of disability or special need.

Pause here for a moment while I give you some background on Jenny Sue. Something Ive discovered on the race (and had an inkling of beforehand as well) is that I will never be a nurse (well, unless God miraculously gives me a passion and gifting in that area I should never say never - thanks Justin Bieber). :) But in all honesty, hospitals freak me out. Even vet hospitals. In high school I thought I wanted to be a veterinarian, so I decided to do an internship at an animal hospital to see what it was like. Well, I quickly realized that wasnt my calling when I had to leave halfway through my first day there because I started feeling so nauseous that I actually had to step outside and throw up. Gross, I know (sorry about that Im just trying to give you an accurate picture here.) Theres just something about all the blood, incisions, sharp medical tools, smell, and overall sickness that does me in. I had a similar experience when I was sick in Tanzania and had to go to the hospital. It turns out I had malaria, an amoeba, and a UTI all at the same time (which Im sure didnt make it any better), but when I went to get my blood drawn I got super nauseous, turned as white as a sheet, almost passed out, had to put my head down between my legs, and still ended up throwing up about five times after they finished. Yea, it was bad. Those are just a few of the many stories I could share about my love for medical facilities, but Ill spare you the rest of the details.

So long story short, hospitals make me queasy. I always think I can handle it and tough it out, but more often than not I end up leaving feeling like a little kid after a long and bumpy road trip. I knew this month would entail hospital ministry so I had been praying and somewhat attempting to prepare myself for anything. Its always good when we have to rely on the Lords strength instead of our own; after all, He is made strong in our weakness. :)

Ok, back to the story. So Im walking down the halls of this hospital and feeling pretty good; I cant see any blood, syringes, or missing limbs so all is well. The nurse in charge directs a few of us into a room with about seven hospital beds filled with women who look like theyre in their late twenties or early thirties; theyre simply laying down, hardly moving, and staring blankly at the ceiling. The nurse tells us theyll be bottle feeding them soon so we can help with that, but other than that we can simply talk to them; then she leaves.

I look over to the last bed in the room and see one of the women flailing her body, writhing around, and yelling/ crying intermittently; I look closer and see that she her legs are actually tied together with cloth and her arms are tied to the bed - most likely to keep her from hurting herself during these fits. My heart breaks. I just want to fix it all, but quickly begin feeling overwhelmed and helpless with the situation I now find myself. I dont know what to do. We have just been dropped off in a room with women weve never met, who are barely coherent, the majority of them cannot talk, and the one who can only speaks fragmented Spanish. Were supposed to be here for the next two and a half hours.

Something else to know about me: I feel totally inept with people with mental disabilities. I feel horrible even typing that out, but its true. I love them as Jesus loves them, but sometimes I just feel helpless. I love being able to just sit down and talk with people, and when I cant do that I guess I just dont know what to do.

So as Im standing there in that room, minorly panicking inside, I begin to pray for the Lord to direct me to one of the women to talk to. I am almost instantly drawn to a woman in the middle of a line of beds who has a huge smile on her face; I start walking over to her bed as she eyes me with a smile. Hola! I say, Como te llamas? I soon find out that she is non-verbal and very low-functioning but she is beautiful and I believe she is able to understand. There are Disney princesses on the wall and a few other construction paper cut-outs as decorations; my eyes scan the room until they fall on a place directly above her bed where I can see the name Lupita written out in sparkly letters. Lupita, I say, with a hint of question in my tone, hoping this is actually her name. She instantly begins to smile and I know she understands.

The new discovery of her understanding is elating; I can talk to her and know she comprehends regardless of if she can communicate back with me or not. Sweet! So I start introducing myself, telling her my name, where Im from, what were doing in Guatemala, and all about the World Race. I then naturally feel an inkling to tell her about the love of Christ (since thats something I love to do!) so I begin; I tell her shes beautiful, that Jesus loves her so much, and that she is a daughter of God. I repeat all of this a few times just to make sure she understands, and every time I tell her about her identity in Christ and the love He has for his daughter her face simply LIGHTS up and she begins squealing with delight. It was one of the most beautiful things Ive witnessed. It was as if she already knew all of this, that she has been claimed and marked as Christs own, but the reminder of such knowledge was too wonderful for her, too lofty to attain (Psalm 139:6).

I instantly became overwhelmed with the Lords love for Lupita (it was an upwelling, a burst of the Spirit, a burst of love, whatever you want to call it) and again the Fathers love began to pour out of me. I was overwhelmed with the realization that she knows who she is in Him and that it literally causes her to enter a state of ecstasy: she gets wide-eyed, giggles and squeals with pure elation, and creates one of the brightest, most beautiful smiles Ive ever seen. I cant help but mirror that same smile back to her - my heart is full.

As I continue telling her about the Lords love and His thoughts about her I begin to cry. She is a beautiful daughter of God and she knows it really knows it. The knowledge actually causes bottomless pools of joy to well up inside and explode out in delight. I am the one telling her about Christs love, but she seems to understand it better than I even do myself.

Through tears and the palpable weight of the Spirits presence I continue speaking truth, singing to her, and praying over her. My eyes are fixed and I cant wipe this smile off my face.

I sit with Lupita for the rest of our time and simply love on her in whatever way I can; I rub her arm, talk to her, sing and pray over her, make funny faces and sounds, snort with her (yea, she can snort too! So fun!), and just continue making her laugh and smile. Towards the end of the day I was able to feed her dinner and we had a good time; she needed some encouragement to continue eating so I kept telling her she was doing a good job and even airplaned a few spoonfulls to make it more exciting. We were actually having so much fun that I couldnt look at her while she ate or she would start smiling and laughing and would never chew or swallow her food; so I had to focus my eyes downward on cutting the meal into small enough pieces instead. She was precious and I couldnt help but smile whenever I looked at her. Honestly, there was so much joy flowing through her body that I felt like she was continually filled with the Holy Spirit and its fruits were simply flowing out - it was incredible. I fed her coffee from a bottle (that was a first!) right before we left and then we were on our way. I said my goodbyes and told her once again that Jesus loves her and that Id be back soon. She returned another elated smile as I waved and walked out the door.

God is so good. Who knew He could orchestrate such a beautiful afternoon and the start of a wonderful friendship in the midst of such a precarious facility and initial feelings of dread. I guess I should never be surprised at how great our God is, yet regardless I continue to stand in awe and wonder. He truly knows what we need before we even ask and can use us in ways we never thought possible when we simply step out in faith. I dont know who was blessed more that afternoon, Lupita or myself, but I am sure glad I decided to rely on the Lords strength instead of my own and not miss out on the beauty Hes able to create in the most unlikely circumstances. Praise the Lord!

You hem me in - behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mothers womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand (Psalm 139:5-6, 13-14, and 17-18).

Give me a blank wall (from Kige)

Wed, 20 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT

This is another blog from my fabulous teammate, Kirsten George... it shows you a good picture (literally, haha) of the painting we did last month in El Salvador. ENJOY!

Check out the original blog here: http://kirstengeorge.theworldrace.org/?filename=give-me-a-blank-wall

(p.s. We've arrived safely in Guatemala and have been chillen in Antigua for about the last week or so... more on that soon!)

...And I'll paint all over it. If you let me.

Ok, so let's get one thing straight. I may be on the "all girls" team now, but don't let that fool you. We are up to any challenge. We've learned the Haka, we've pwned the kiddies at lazer tag, we've gotten off the wrong bus (TWICE) in some pretty sketchy neighborhoods. So if you think a few blank walls and oil based paint are going to scare us away, you're wrong.

DEAD WRONG!

So our contact Bob asked us to paint some of the rooms in the house this month. We had our work cut out for us, but thanks to the many talented hands of Team Beloved we were able to finish quite a few murals this month. I'm super glad that I was able to have the opportunity to paint again. It almost feels like home.

One of the girls had the idea to cover this place in scriptures. Since the bible tells us to write these words on our hearts and our heads, it seemed only natural to try and leave the kiddos with a reminder of how much they are loved. Tio Bob had some great input too. Together we came up with some really fun projects. Yet when it came down to it, Tio Bob was like, "Do whatever you want. If I don't like it, I'll just buy some white paint and paint over it."

Well. Since you put it THAT way...

The first thing we worked on was a banner going across the top of the living room. Jenny picked out the verse in Isaiah 43:1 which says: "Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine."

Of course, it says it in Spanish. They don't speak no English here.

The very talented Courtney Hess on the lettering.

Of course, the boys wouldn't let the girls have ALL the fun, so in their kitchen we painted a SICK looking Graffito that says: FUERZA which means STRENGTH.

Inspired by Ephesians 6:10, which says: "Be strong in the Lord, and the power of His might."

Brittany Cox was my right hand . . .girl when it came to the lettering in the kitchen. Both of them.

One of Bob's ideas was getting the girls involved in the painting.. which is difficult when you have oil based paints and curious hands. So we decided on painting a tree where the leaves would be the handprints of the girls. That way when more girls come to live at Mi Casa, they can add their handprints too, and so the tree will continue to grow.

Please. No comments about this picture. And no lusting. You don't want to lose any rooms in your mansion, after all.

This wall needed a ton of work. It had some severe water damage, so we had to scrape the old peeling paint and then seal it with a waterproof sealer before it was ready to paint on.

Heather Horton can rock a mean roller. And I had to include a picture of myself painting so that you knew I wasn't just bossing everyone around.

Two of the oldest girls, Gabriella and Gabo, apply their green thumbs to the tree.

Pretty cool. I can't wait to see it with more hand prints! There are nine girls living at the house now, but it can take more. They just need the funding. If you are interested in helping out with that, please let me know so I can get you the contact info.

One of the things the girls like to do is put pictures on the walls. They have pictures of themselves, of the people that visited, of their families. We wanted to give them a specific place to put those memories, so we made a special wall with our handprints that they could use for that purpose. It was also a way to leave a mark on their lives, kind of as a reminder of how they will leave a mark on ours.

Brittany Pries and Brittany Jackson get their paint on.
(With a little Heather creeping in the background.)

The biggest project we took on was the painting of the girls' eating area. Tio Bob told us how the girls' favorite place to eat was at the beach, so we decided to grant them that wish.

"How precious are your thoughts toward me, oh God. How great are the sum of them! Were I to count them, they would out number the grains of sand on the shore! When I awake, I am still with you!"

Psalm 139: 17-18

What a great reminder of how our God thinks of us. We thought the girls should know this too. Sometimes I have a hard time remembering this. . .

Jenny Hill painted the sky. ALL OF IT. Then her back started hurting her from an old injury. Please keep her in your prayers! We need her at full strength!

So when it comes down to it, The GIRLS team isn't afraid to get DIRTY. And we have the pictures to prove it.

SNAKE EYES

That's right. I said "snake eyes" in two consecutive blogs.
I'm trying to get everyone at home used to it so I don't feel so strange when I say it all the time.

You've got to see this

Sat, 16 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT

This is a video about the place we served at in Honduras. It was made by the team that is currently there, and it is BEAUTIFUL. B.Cox and I have just been sitting here watching it over and over again, weeping softly. Please watch it. Really. Do it.

(Sneak preview: you'll get to meet Tony, Henry, Cristofer, and see their BAPTISMS!!!)

http://lindsaynelson.theworldrace.org/?filename=video-from-honduras

Adopted as Christ's own

Mon, 11 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Living and working with the kids at Mi Casa this past month has been a joy and an honor. They are all precious precious gifts from the Lord and I feel so blessed to have been a part of their lives.

Whether we were painting murals or scripture verses in their homes, attempting to get their hand prints on the wall with oil-based paint and not having it end up everywhere, cleaning the house/ scrubbing the walls, playing tag, futbol, or on the swings in the park, going to church and worshipping together, walking around the mall, watching the new Justin Bieber movie in 3D (yea, it happened), taking them to laser tag for the first time, riding up and down the elevator just because we could, making homemade Easter cards together, listening to their testimonies and sharing some of ours, praying for and encouraging them, allowing them to open up for some of the first times in their lives about their past, sharing scripture verses and telling them who they are in Christ and what He thinks about them, attempting to translate all of this goodness, simply laughing and joking around, or attacking them with love and hugs on a daily basis I have truly enjoyed our time with this family and I now feel like Im a part of it.

Let me tell you a little about our day yesterday it was phenomenal. The pastor of the church weve been attending here has a childrens home of his own and a beautiful farm in conjunction with it. His daughter has started a ministry there doing horse therapy with the kids (some with special needs) and works with about sixty different children on a regular basis - what a blessing! They wanted to start building deeper relationships with the kids from Mi Casa so they invited us out to the farm after church and the kids had a blast! We rode the horses (so fun!), played futbol and volleyball, explored the property a bit, climbed up a tree house and attached rock wall, searched for wild oranges and mangos (and munched on them), played on the tire swing, rolled down the hill, gawked at the beauty of Gods creation all around us (it was literally breath-taking), hiked up to a little white chapel they had built, sang to and worshipped God together, prayed in multiple languages, and thanked the Lord for His overwhelming goodness and love. It was truly an incredible experience. On top of that, a few of the kids from Mi Casa were able to meet two of their brothers for the first time who currently live at the pastors home; seeing them interact with one another and truly connect as family was incredible.

To top off the day, as we were driving home I was sitting in the middle of two of our precious girls (Angelica and Brisa) and they both ended up falling asleep in my lap. As I sat there I suddenly found myself in a state of bliss. With one in each arm, simply holding them close, I began praying over them, thanking God for their lives, and asking Him to protect, guide, and keep them; I prayed for them to truly experience the spirit of adoption and to know their Fathers love for them in a deep, intimate way. They need to know how precious they are in the eyes of their Dad they need to know that they are marked as His own.

My heart was so full of love for them in that moment I felt like I could explode; it was simply bubbling over, almost palpably pouring out of me and onto them through the Spirit. I was again surprised at how deeply I can love children I feel like I barely know. Its only been a few weeks, and yet at times I feel like I love them like my own. Its clear that this is not my love; it is the love of their Father, their Heavenly Daddy coming down and flowing through me. What an incredible honor it is to be used as a vessel for the Lord, to be entrusted with His love for His kids. He has been giving me more of His heart, His eyes, His emotions, and His divine love for His people around the world especially recently. Now that I think about it, this exact thing was prophesied over me towards the beginning of the race (in Ireland) and I am now seeing the words of the Lord come to fruition in my life. As I take a step back and think about all the Lord has done this year its hard to not get overwhelmed. His goodness is beyond what I can fathom; His faithfulness reaches to the heavens. Even as I type this I am almost in tears; we truly have an amazing Father, a Father whose love surpasses knowledge.

I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge - that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God (Ephesians 3:16-19).

Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, Abba, Father. So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir (Galatians 4:6-7).

Lilian and I cleaning the casa :)

Angelica and I chillen on the balcony right before our dance party with the girls!

Aly and Brisa... love them!

A few of the girls after putting green hand prints on the wall to represent leaves... so fun! From left to right: Gabo, Julia, Gabriela, and Rosa <3

Beloved girls putting our own colorful hand prints on the wall! From left to right: B.Jax, me, B.Cox, Heather, Courtney, BP, and Kige is in the back! Love them! :)

Me loving on my horse... she was great! :)

The tree house at the farm... gorgeous! :)

Check out more pictures of the month from Brittany Cox HERE:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2154723&id=36104756&l=a16cc42c40

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2154729&id=36104756&l=9495dc0abe

p.s. Kige just wrote a sweet blog about The Spirit of Adoption check it out here: http://kirstengeorge.theworldrace.org/?filename=the-spirit-of-adoption

Heather's birthday and our last month...

Mon, 11 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Oh yea I cant forget to mention that it was the fabulous Heather Hortons 24^th BIRTHDAY yesterday as well! Woo! We celebrated with a trip to Papa Johns and then Chilis when we returned from the farm, along with enjoying some delicious cake and watching Kige and B.Cox do the Coke Challenge hahaha. For those of you who dont know, the Coke Challenge consists of drinking a 1.5 liter bottle of Coke as fast as possible. Kige did it in about 8 minutes and it took B.Cox about 9 but they were LEGIT and truly champions in our eyes (compared to other O-squaders who have tried it and failed. Haha, its ok we still love you guys.) It caused a little trauma to their stomachs/ intestines/ bowels afterward, but it was worth it for the story. Way to go, ladies. Im proud to call you my teammates. :)

In other news, were heading to Guatemala this Wednesday for our last month of ministry - insanity! Where has the year gone? Its going to be another hard goodbye, thats for sure. Well be in Antigua all month, working with another team and doing school and hospital ministry. Im not exactly sure what thats gonna look like but Ill let you know once we jump in. Final debrief starts on May 8^th and then we fly back to the States on May 12^th. Crazy crazy crazy.

Please keep the whole squad in your prayers that we would all push hard until the end of the race and have a smooth transition into making this kingdom-lifestyle a part of our everyday lives back home... or wherever we find ourselves. THANK YOU for all your love and prayers its so encouraging! I love you all and will see you before we know it!

Heather getting birthday presents from some of the girls. :) Precious!

Team Beloved on our way out to dinner! :)