#4 - Vietnam Location: Southeast Asia Language: Vietnamese "Hello" is "Xin Chao" (sin chow) Population: 92.7 million GOOD MORNING VIETNAM! So some basic background info - Vietnam used to be split in two; the communist half (north) and the non-communist half (south). It was made whole again, but their human rights are still limited, one of those especially being free...
ALRIGHT FOLKS! It’s the final part of the Training Camp trilogy. I saved the best for last. FUN MEMS WE WON SQUAD WARS! If you know how competitive I am you know that this wasn’t some silly camp competition. This was everything. My squad showed up BIG with matching shirts, some fantastic dance moves, and an incredible spirit for competition. Thank you Squad I! WINNER WINNER CHICKEN DINNER MEM...
Welcome to Part 2 of the Training Camp Trilogy! Today we are going to attempt to highlight what God did in my heart at camp. It’s going to be hard because the 12 days I spent in Gainesville were some of the most transforming days of my life. Well, here goes nothing… WORSHIP The worship at Training Camp was unlike anything I have ever experienced. I was a little out of my comfort zone at the beginning, but ...
I just finished up my time in Gainesville, GA and made it back home. I cannot believe that Training Camp has come and gone. The past 12 days felt like a lifetime that was over in a blink. I decided to do a blog trilogy because Training Camp was SO WILD, there's no way I can fit it all in one post (and because it's fun). The trilogy will consist of food, God moments, and some fun stuff! So let's start with what ev...
Hello friends! I am off to Training Camp! I will be in Gainesville, GA for the next 10 days. I will be living out of my backpack, camping in my tent, taking cold outdoor showers, getting to know my squad mates, and getting prepared for the amazing things God has in store for me over the next year! I am excited and terrified and anxious and all the things! My church in College Station (s/o to Declaration Church...
Bulgaria Location: Eastern Europe Language: Bulgarian Population: 7.1 million We are set to reach Bulgaria in October! Here is a little of what I've learned about Bulgaria... Bulgaria has become a huge source, transit and destination country for people subjected to sex trafficking and forced labor. This country is a primary source for trafficking in all of Eastern Europe. Nearly one-t...
Romania Location: Eastern Europe Language: Romanian and Hungarian Population: 19 million In my research on Romania I saw a lot of information about one group in particular - CHILDREN! Children in Romania are hurting. Child abuse is seen as normal in Romania, so families and authorities are abusing children and people are turning a blind eye. Mafia gangs are fairly common in Romania and they a...
In 11 short weeks, I hope to start my journey around the world serving as the hands and feet of Jesus. Because I am going to 11 different countries, I thought I'd start posting blogs each week about every country I am going to and why we are being pulled to serve there. Logically, we should start with the first country I will be visiting - Ukraine. Ukraine Location: Eastern Europe Language: Ukraini...
I am reading this book called All I Really Need To Know I Learned In Kindergarten. It is a collection of stories by Robert Fulghum all about the little lessons we are taught as kids that carry more weight than we realize (it's an easy read, and I definitely recommend it). One story he tells is about the classic childhood game hide-and-seek and it really got me thinking. Hide-and-seek has a basic premise. If you're...
Well howdy there. I have some pretty big news. Not only do I have a plan for post-graduation, but I am doing something that makes me so excited I might pee my pants. I am going on the WORLD RACE! AHHHHH Next August, I'll leave the U.S. and travel around the world for 11 months! YES, 11 WHOLE MONTHS! For nearly a year, I get to minister to orphans, speak with women affected by human trafficking, help plant churc...