I recently played a game with my little friend Ruby Swan called “Around the World”. You might remember the rhyme from playing with your classmates at recess or your neighborhood friends. It starts out like this, “Around the world in 80 days, X marks the spot. Comma, comma, comma, comma, question mark…”. Well, playing this game got me thinking! I’ve been around the world a few times in the last two years of my life and I want to share some of the things I’ve loved and learned. This is a blog structured by the little rhyme and I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I’ve enjoyed remembering and writing it down.
“Around the world in 622 days”
Between 08/27/2022 and 05/28/2024, I will have been a part of the world race for 622 days! Goodness and mercy has followed me for each one of the days. Some days looked like sitting in training sessions or orientations upon arrival in new countries. Since February 2023, one day a week for me has been spent connecting with my squad leader team and communicating with the stateside AIM Staff. Days in Romania were filled to the brim with street evangelism and passing out packets of spices stapled to church invitations, but days in Albania felt like the world was our oyster as we asked the Lord what to do with our time and who to connect with in the communities. A few days in Turkey were spent learning how to make Turkish coffee or Manti, but others were spent exploring biblical sites and sharing the gospel with unreached people working there. Most days in Jordan, I sat in the homes of Iraqi refugees, heard their stories, and shared the hope of Jesus. In Thailand we worked hard on administrative work for our hosts while we sipped coffee from their ‘business as missions’ café. The first time, Guatemalan days were spent living in a village and doing home visits. The second time, Guatemalan days each looked different as we built homes, interceded for the nations, painted cabins, or ran P.E. class. Vietnam days were spent practicing for our Christmas carol performance at a 5 star resort, while days in Cambodia were spent at an English school. Swazi days at Care Points are slow and full of joy, much like the culture here. Days in South Africa are yet to be revealed, but I anticipate days of fun, freedom, and making the most of the time. Some days are easy, others are hard, but each day is a gift from God!
“X Marks the Spot”
While I followed the map and travelled the world, I found the ‘X that marks the spot’ at the end of the map. I can confirm that no matter the country, no matter their main religion, no matter the government system, no matter the economic state, the treasure was the always the same. Jesus is the treasure in the field! He is the pearl of great prize. He is the desire of nations. Nothing compares to him!
“Comma, Comma, Comma, Comma”
Things I love: Turkish tea, worship nights, cobblestone streets in Guatemala, one on ones, stairs in Amman, Tavuk Sis, learning guitar, activation days, team times, Manti, the 7 churches, long travel days, sharing clothes, life straws, Discovery Bible Studies, playing Rook, produce stands, the south korea airport, night markets, confession & freedom, house visits, new friends, cold showers, living in community, ATL days, learning languages, writing receipts, mango sticky rice, dominoes with elderly people, popping popcorn, running in circles, bubble braids, discipleship, iced coffee and evangelism.
“Question Mark”
What in the world does this mean for life after the race? Well, I’m still seeking the Lord as I decide what’s next. But a few things I know. First, it matters less the geographical location of where we live, but more that I live in the spirit. Second, I can’t wait for a summer with my family (seriously, I could burst with excitement). Third, God has broken my heart for Muslim people, and I want to invest in them wherever I go. Fourth, God has put a dream in my heart to move to the ME sometime in the future and be a laborer in the Arab world. Lastly, I serve the Lord of the Harvest, so I will go where and when he calls me. I just want to be found faithful!
If you’ve been around the world, leave a comment! I’d love to hear something you love or learned!
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