Redeemed - Ashlee Hillis

goodbyes are hard

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

J squad im going to miss you! Im in LA now headed home soon! Praying no delays are missed flights!!

OLUR

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

ken made this video for Team OLUR .... thanks Ken for all the videos you made this year!

PHUKET

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

18 of the girls from J squad spent the their last month of the race in Phuket Thailand. Here is a fun video of what their month looked like.

Dam Run

Wed, 23 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

my friend, sister, squadmate Hope wrote this blog... wanted to share it with you

Soon after our all-girl's teams had been announced last month, my team heard about an upcoming race in Phuket. In an act of new-team bonding, we decided we would run it together. Some of us would do the 5k, some the 10k and Kendra and Jen would run the half-marathon. When we arrived, however, we discovered that the cost of the race was too expensive. Most of us didn't care that much - in reality, many of us were relieved. We'd much prefer to layout on the beach than actually move. Jen was pretty bummed though.

There is a beautiful dam by our residence, and it has a trail that circles around it. One lap around the trail is approximately 4.5 miles (7k), making three laps around the trail a half marathon. Jen decided that if she couldn't partake in the Phuket half-marathon, she would make her own dam race.

She set the date for Saturday, June 19, and invited all of us to join her. Some of us were a bit wishy-washy at first, but Kendra teamed up with Jen and they started to make the race a big deal. They had t-shirts made with a race logo on it that Kendra designed. They planned a spaghetti dinner the night before the race. They made us individual race packets and bought ice cream for all of us after the race. The more excited they became about it, the more we wanted to do it. It didn't take long for all 18 of us to sign up.

The race options were either a 7k or the half-marathon. All of us except Jen and Kendra committed to the 7k. The funny part about this is that those of us who were running the 7k acted like we were actually running the half-marathon.

The night before the race we carbo-loaded on bread and spaghetti. I should tell you that before the World Race I went to the gym often and would be on the treadmill for good four or so miles. Never once did I "carbo-load" before those workouts...they just weren't that big of a deal. But this time was different - this was a half-marathon (even though it was really only 4.5 miles).

The day of the race we all asked Jen and Kendra lots of questions - what should we eat for breakfast? When is the latest we should eat before the race? Is it true that we should prop our feet up for a few hours? What stretches should we do? What does our recovery program look like? I took all of their advice to heart and attempted to mentally prepare myself for the half-marathon (slash 7K).

Due to the heat of the day the race was set to start at 5 o'clock in the evening. At 4:30 we all left in our running shorts and tennis shoes and headed over to the dam. I made sure to drink lots of water.

We lined up and took off running at the same time - I chose the song "Don't Stop Believing" on my iPod to start me off. I would not stop believing that I would finish this half-marathon! ...slash 7k.

Welp, I finished it (as did everyone else). We sat in the grass and wiped the sweat off our brows as we waited for Jen and Kendra to finish the half-marathon they were actually running. When they came around the finish line we held up signs and cheered them on. It was a beautiful moment - a team-bonding moment indeed.

After the race we walked home, ate, showered, and put on pajamas. There is a cozy room in our residence - it has couches and mattresses and a television (big whoop!) We ended our race day by watching a movie, giving each other facials, and painting our nails. We felt like we were in middle school again, and we loved it.

So yeah. Girl-month is pretty much rocking.

Vuthy's Vision for Toch Village

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Here is a blog from some of our fellow racers...

Please read and let the Spirit guide you.

__________

GO HERE TO SEE VIDEO

We have met incredible people all over the world during this past year. We have gotten to live day in and day out with people who are putting it all on the line to follow God's vision for their lives. We leave most months inspired and thankful that God would allow us to see the ways in which He is moving throughout the world.

This past month our team (Team Ninja) worked with one such inspiring person. If you've been following along with Team Ninja during May, you've already heard about him. His name is Vuthy Nurn, and he lives in a small, remote village in Cambodia called Toch Village. He was born in the village but spent his childhood in Phnom Penh, the capital. After a few rebellious years, he accepted Christ through YWAM. Almost immediately God laid a vision on his heart for how Vuthy could transform his village.

Vuthy's vision is almost as big as his heart. His vision includes building a home for abandoned children from the village, as well as for orphaned street kids from Phnom Penh. He wants to construct a youth center for the local youth from his village and the surrounding area. He wants a place for the youth to gather to learn about God, to have a space for a computer lab, and to run English classes. He currently runs English classes every day for local children and youth.

Throughout the month our team caught Vuthy's vision. We believe that God is working mightily through his life. In order for Vuthy to be able to see these dreams come to pass in reality, he will need financial support. He needs money to begin the initial process to build both the orphanage and the youth center. Please watch the video that we have put together to give you a more complete picture of Vuthy and his vision. We hope that you will be able to see the amazing things that will come out of your donations to his project.

With love,

Team Ninja and all of J Squad

If you wish to donate to this cause, please go to www.theworldrace.org and follow these instructions.

1. Click the tab "Donate" on the top right side of the page.

2. Click on the link "Click Here To Give!" This will take you to the donation page.

In the box that appears, you will see:

ONLINE DONATION INFORMATION

3. Please select "Support a World Race Project" under Choose Program.

4. Please enter "2010 Jun J squad" in the Project field provided in order to be sure your funds will go into the account designated for this ministry.

If you wish to send a donation by mail, please make your check payable to Adventures In Missions and mail it to:

Adventures In Missions
P.O. Box 534470
Atlanta, GA 30353-4470

Please indicate "World Race Project Fund - 2010 Jun J squad" in the memo section of the check.

These gifts are tax-deductible.

Vuthy's Vision for Toch Village

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Here is a blog from some of our fellow racers...

Please read and let the Spirit guide you.

__________

GO HERE TO SEE VIDEO

With love,

Team Ninja and all of J Squad

If you wish to donate to this cause, please go to www.theworldrace.org and follow these instructions.

1. Click the tab "Donate" on the top right side of the page.

2. Click on the link "Click Here To Give!" This will take you to the donation page.

In the box that appears, you will see:

ONLINE DONATION INFORMATION

3. Please select "Support a World Race Project" under Choose Program.

4. Please enter "2010 Jun J squad" in the Project field provided in order to be sure your funds will go into the account designated for this ministry.

If you wish to send a donation by mail, please make your check payable to Adventures In Missions and mail it to:

Adventures In Missions
P.O. Box 534470
Atlanta, GA 30353-4470

Please indicate "World Race Project Fund - 2010 Jun J squad" in the memo section of the check.

These gifts are tax-deductible.

Order a Coke and Cry

Thu, 10 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

I sit down at the bar and order a coke. I am overwhelmed by the things I'm seeing on Bangla Road every night. My heart is breaking more and more.

I look up and see a group of men ordering drinks. I notice that all of them have wedding rings on. I don't understand how they can just leave their wives at home or in the hotel and come out get drunk and buy a woman for the night, maybe even for the week.

I look to the left and there is a prostitute dancing on a pole. She actually isn't dancing, she's just standing there, holding the pole. She looks tired and emotionless. Men walk by and she looks scared. In my head I just wonder... What are the thoughts in her head? What has she been through? Will she bought for the night, only to make around $30?

I start to talk to a girl who works as a prostitute. I ask her what she thinks about her job. She looks at me with pain in her eyes and says it's a job that makes her good money. "Do you like your job?" I ask. She smiles a very weak smile and says, "Its okay, I guess." I ask her, "Does your family know what kind of job you have?" "No, they would be upset with me." she replies.

My heart is breaking and I just want to cry. How many girls work on this street and live with shame? They have to lie to their families about where they are working. They have to leave their children with their parents who usually live hours away.

I am leaving the bar and see a family of four. A dad holding a little toddler on his shoulders and a mom holding a 4 or 5 year old hand, walking down the street. They are walking down a street introducing their kids to so many things.

These kids have seen girls with hardly any clothes, grinding on poles. They are introduced to the party scene. Will these two kids grow up thinking all of this is normal and okay? Will they be numb to this scene because they have been brought here at such a young age?

So many questions flood my head. We only have seven more nights to come into this area and make a difference.

We stand out when we walk into the bars. We have on long skirts and shirts that cover our bodies up. We have been made fun of. The girls look at us with strange faces when we order cokes instead of alcohol.

We sit for hours playing games and building relationships. When we first come in I'm sure we are thought of as lesbians. After a few visits do they realize we are different? Do they realize we care about them and love them just like Christ does?

It is very hard to come out here night after night and see the things we do. It has been eye-opening for me and has changed my life in so many ways.

I am now aware of the pain and hurt that happens because of human trafficking. I now know it doesn't just affect the girls who are selling their bodies. Many people are affected and I must do my part in making a difference.

Join me in prayer as I continue to go out and show the women, men, and families that Jesus Christ Loves them.

Healing Is In Your Hands

Sun, 6 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

I have really enjoyed listening to this song over the past few days. I wanted to share it with all of you and i hope you enjoy listening to it.

Guitar Bar

Sat, 5 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

It was my second night to go out and minister to the girls on Bangla Road. Bangla Road has flashy lights, people partying in the streets, bands playing, girls dancing, and bars everywhere.

I was walking with Marissa and Robin and we decided to just walk to the end of the street and pray. As we were walking, we were listening to see if the Holy Spirit was guiding us to a certain location for the night.

We really didn't feel led to a certain area so we turned around and decided to go find some girls to talk to. We ended up going down Soi Eric. We stopped at the Guitar Bar and ordered Cokes.

Flash forward a few minutes: Gail sits down with us and challenges Marissa to a game of connect four. Marissa and Gail start to play and immediately Gail starts to tell us about herself.

We haven't been sitting there long and another girl walks up. She challenges me to connect four. I warn her that I am not very good at this game. She just smiles and gets the game ready.

We start to play and in my head I wonder what these women think of us. Do they think we are here to take them home? Do they think we are here to party?

We are all playing games and having a good time. A girl named Brim walks up. She is the bartender; she is 41 and doesn't like working in the bars. She needs to provide for her family and isn't sure any other job would provide for her.

She is full of shame and hopelessness. She doesn't want to be there and you can tell by the way she talks that she is miserable.

She finally asked me about my job. I told her that I was a missionary. She was curious about what that meant. I told her about the past year of my life. Told her that I was traveling around telling people about Jesus Christ.

We were asked to join in the new game the others were playing. We were all now playing a game together. 3 of them and 3 of us were laughing and joking around.

The girls were relaxed and having a good time. They all had smiles on their faces. Their personalities were starting to show. The were having fun and so were we.

Then two men walked in the bar. The women immediately started to shut down. They were no longer relaxed. They seemed very anxious.

I left there very sad. I saw the girls having fun and laughing. Then I saw the fear in their eyes as the men arrived.

I don't know what they go through every day. I don't have a clue about the lifestyle they live or the pain they endure daily.

I do know God has other plans for them. I do know he loves them unconditionally and I hope to bring them that love this month.

Heroes

Mon, 31 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Ken Virzi wrote this.. i know i have reposted a few blogs but i really think they are all great blogs.

Sitting in the YWAM base in Bangkok, Thailand at our orientation for the month ahead something unexpected happened.

The video on the screen in front of me was highlighting one of the many ministries of YWAM here. I was flooded with emotion as I found myself caught up in the video, and then caught up in my mind.

As my eyes got a little watery I knew there were many sources to thank for such a reaction.

The lost, forgotten, abused, trapped, hopeless lives before me caused me to feel deeply for the hurting, the hungry, the hopeless.

At the same time I had a deep sense of pride that brought about some emotion. I felt so good being a Christian as I saw displayed before me some of the heroes that most of the World will never hear about. Those who selflessly have given up their lives to rescue, to serve, to help, to sponsor. It was not the government, not the peace corp, these were ordinary Christians who were following Jesus and it led to amazing things!

Then it dawned on me. There are so many heroes. So many who are helping the helpless, who are taking on the darkness. So many who live among the poor, and give their lives to children that were not born to them.

As my mind wandered I had two thoughts.

"It would be an absolute privilege to serve alongside, and to help in any way possible these heroes in Thailand on the screen in front of me. What an honor to help them, to be a part of what they are doing for even a short time."

and then it all came together.

"THAT IS WHAT I HAVE BEEN DOING ALL YEAR"

I immediately thought of Prasad, our contact in Cambodia. Born in India, lived in Singapore, now he runs a school and church on the edge of town that gives free English lessons to any and all. One day during a break in the classes I was finishing up a book on modern day slavery and it became clear to me how significant this work was. Before me were young children, boy and girls of many ages, but it was the girls that I thought about. Most were coming from very poor areas, and the education, community and hope for future they were getting in our classes was the very thing that was protecting at least some of them from turning to a life of horrid things out of desperation. I knew that women on our squad would be working directly with trafficked prostitutes in the month ahead, but Prasad was saving them before they had a chance to get stolen! Away from home, serving, loving, giving himself everyday to these children that he loves. I got to work with this hero!

Then of course there were many others.

A man in the remote villages of Romania giving his life to the forgotten and downtrodden Gypsies.

A Pastor in Tanzania who scrapes by to commit his life to what he thinks is most important, bringing salvation to his town.

A woman from Germany living in the craziest part of Vietnam to reach out to so many, employ those who would otherwise be in trouble, and teach those who need help getting ahead.

Students in Albania that do not get paid, but seem to give all their time reaching out to their fellow students, and committing their lives so that their country and beyond can experience the love of Jesus.

These are some of the heroes I got to meet. Some of the heroes I got to work with. Some of the heroes I got the privilege to serve!

By the way, below is the video I was watching when all that I just wrote was being birthed in my head! Enjoy.

WE ARE FAMILY

Sun, 30 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Shannon wrote a great blog i wanted to share with all of you.. i cry everytime i read it

One year ago today, beneath the heat of a baking tent, Brandy called my name.

I walked out from beneath the tent and joined the other five people that had straggled to the sunshine, looking around in curisoity and apprehension. Who were these people?

I saw the one I thought was so pretty, with her long, blonde hair and fiery spirit. Her thick, Arkansas accent comforted me, since I knew she was the only other person besides myself that had roots planted in the deep South. She smiled; it made me feel better.

I saw the girl that had shared her backpack with me on our camping adventure just days before, when we were instructed to pack two persons to a backpack. She was calm and insightful, very mature and very nice. I remembered randomly talking to her on the phone one tme before the Race, though I didn't know much about her at all.

I saw the really talkative guy who gave me a hug the first day. I remember thinking he was sporty, charismatic, and had a lot of charm. He was one of the two guys that I had my first real conversation with the first evening of camp, underneath the tree. He was from Buffalo, New York. I remember being excited about it, because he was the first person I had ever met from Buffalo, New York.

I saw her, what was her name? Ah, yes. I couldn't forget. She was the first World Racer I ever met in real life. We pulled up into the Gainesville Compound at the same time, the very last ones to arrive. She drove a white car with a South Carolina license plate. I remember thinking she had such a gentle voice. I knew she was both polite and kind by the way she walked, if such things can be so determined by a person's steps.

I saw the guy in the tan hat. I remember thinking this was interesting, since he was the other of the two guys I had my first real conversation with, underneath the tree. I remember thinking he was a really, really nice guy, sweet and standoffish. He didn't talk a lot, but his laughter compensated for all he didn't say. He always looked really interested in what anyone else was saying.

Then, the leader-girl who had called my name walked out to meet us. I remember having chatted with her a few days before while she sat on her bed. Her words were both thoughtful and enthusiastic, and I remember thinking I really wanted to get to know her. Even before she was made a "leader" and we were all on the same playing field, I remember thinking she was very wise.

Once we all became cognizant of whose name had been called, interesting things happened. The pretty blonde girl looked extrememly happy, so I figured maybe she had been placed with the best friend she had made. The really talkative guy was really happy to see the guy in the tan hat. He laughed deeply and rattled off the first, "Yo, Don!" I ever heard (Certainly not the last). The leader was deeply joyful, if not a tad bit unsure of what to say. In true leader fashion, she gathered us in with,

"Guys, this is our family!"

Even though I was scared to death of this moment as I was waiting to be called, a peace I can't describe descended on me as I walked out from underneath the tent. When she said this, a deep, inexplicable feeling welled up within me and confirmed her words as true.

Yes, this is my family.

Training Camp, until this point, had been emotionally, mentally, physically, and spiritually grueling. After our team announcement was made, we had only one direction: Go make a memory.

So, seven crammed in a five-seater, we drove into Gainesville for Starbucks, Texas Roadhouse, and Dollar Tree hijinx. I learned much about my team, and I was more than excited to get to know them as deeply as I could. As we road around in Kendra's car, we rolled the windows down, played music, laughed until our sides hurt, and shared stories.

I remember the fresh invogoration of that day: Seven strangers bonded together on an unbelievable mission, an electrifying quest.... To travel thousands of miles and innumerable roads, to discover the world we only knew as pictures in books and words on maps, and to love the guts out of each other while doing it.

I knew things wouldn't always be this fun, that really hard things would happen, and our conditions wouldn't always be as life-giving as the wind in my hair felt that day. I knew that we'd rub on each other's nerves, that we'd feel imprisoned by the constant nearness of these people when all in the world we wanted was a single hour of privacy. I knew we'd be sleepy together, hungry together, angry together, and hurt together. How in the world could these things not occur in the span of one year of living on top of each other, twenty-four hours a day?

I remember being so strengthened by them and their vast differences.

Aside from Ashlee and myself, who's geographic location is centered in the deep South, we were midwesterners and east coasters. We had been everything from journalists to vaccuum salesmen to ex-pats to urban youth directors. We had extrememly different ways of life, extremely different stories.

But we were famiily.

"You don't choose your family." They told us this over and over at Training Camp. The people we were to be grouped with would become like our own flesh and blood. "Funny family," I thought to myself, noting how different Brandy, Anthony, and Don talked than me, their accents standing as an obvious marker of different lives and stories.

I had my fears, though, grounded in my own insecuritues.

I wondered if I would be likable to them? I wondered if I would annoy them, seeing as I have a tendency to get really loud without knowing it and to talk the ears off a rabbit. I wondered if they would love me. No... would they really love me?

So many questions, one year ago today.

And now, how do I answer these fears that I felt? How do I address the insecurities that were so much a part of me then, the ones that don't define me now? How do I sum up a lifetime's worth of experiences that have been crammed into the space between the tent and the table at which I'm now sitting? How do I convey what has happened in me, to me, through me, and for me? How do I even remember that day one year ago in light of all I know now? How do I remember the emotions and fears I felt about people I didn't even know? How can I with any clarity recall the excitement of adventure before stamps on passports became monotonous and new exchange rates bothersome? How do I explain about the strongholds that have tumbled, the uncertainties that have fled, the fraudulence that has ceased?

Even though things changed from that day (In November, Brandy became squad leader, Anthony was moved to a new team, and I gained one of the greatest gifts of my life in their place, my big brother, Ken), I have not ceased to believe every single one of them has been placed here, in the most undefinable of life's epics, to forever be my family.

How do I explain the depths of abandon, one year from finding them, in which I have come to love them?

It's simple: I really can't. I love each of them in unique, clear, and bottomless ways. I see so much of the person I have become in all of them, because they were loving and patient enough to pour their wisdom and experiences into my own life. Even though Ken wasn't on my team one year ago today, it doesn't make him any less of my brother. Even though Anthony hasn't technically been with me since November, I know that our love for each other has only grown deeper. And even though Brandy has only been able to be with us in small increments, my relationship with her has only become stronger and more meaningful with each passing day.

Considering this, it is with an aching heart and more than a few sniffles that I write these words.
In the complete, full-circle way of God, in the exhaustive workings of His imagination and the deep meaning of His symbolisms, it is no surprise to me that today, one year from finding my family, was our last day as a team, too.

Today marked the end of our work in Cambodia. Next month, Don and Ken will be separated from us as all the women work in bar ministry and all the men work in construction and intercession. As of today, we will no longer do any more ministry together, as a team.

As a family.

I'm not good at letting things go and I'm horrible at goodbyes. The fact that one month from tomorrow I will be flying home at the speed the pieces of my heart are falling is not a consolation for me. Yes, I am excited to go home to my biological family, but the incompletion I'll feel at being apart from my family will be devestating. Because, at the end of the day, there are no planes to board that will take me back to all of them. I'm terrified of feeling lost, in the middle of all the Mississippi-covered familiarity I know like I know Ken's complete wardrobe or the sound of Kendra's voice.

All I can say is that, even though I haven't always agreed with the "'Tis better to have loved and lost" theory, I know it more than applies here. I can't imagine who I would - or wouldn't - be without this family of mine. I can't imagine where I would be, I can't imagine doing this with any others.

AIM was right. "You don't choose your family." Honestly, in my interviews, I never picked any of them as people I wanted to be on a team with. One year later, I thank God that He picked them for me. His plans are infinitely greater than any of ours dare to be.

I think back on all these things that I was afraid of and I can only laugh.

I was afraid I wouldn't be close to Katie. She's not my friend, she's my sister, who is closer to my heart than the fickle term that "friend" sometimes imply.

I was afraid Ken would turn a cold shoulder to me. He's poured into me more than any person I can remember, and I owe him a debt I can never repay for all he's taught me.

I was afraid Kendra and I wouldn't connect well. We've laughed soul-deep in undignified throws of hilarity, and she crawled up under a sink to get me when the delerium of my sickness put me there.

I was afraid Anthony would want to ignore me. He's cried with me in my deeper pains and rarely passes by me without hugging me, rubbing my back, or telling me he loves me.

I was afraid I would annoy and anger Ashlee to irrevocable means. She honors me and loves me with all of her heart and I relish our friendship with a love I can't express.

I was afraid Don and I would never be close. I can honestly and unexaggeratedly say that after this year, he may be the best friend I have ever had.

I was afraid Brandy might think I was below her. She has, time and time again, honored and uplifted me and held me to the level of my anointing, personifying a compassionate sister.

What was I afraid of? Perfect love casts out fear. And I found that in each of my brothers and sisters, in a way I couldn't have fathomed one year ago today.

Life changes, and I'm not good with that. People move on, the world continues turning, and it won't miss a single revolution for my tears. But in this deeply bitter, deeply sweet impending separation, I have a comfort from my Jesus. No matter the names of states or oceans or continents that separate us, no name can crush the name we were founded on, one year ago today. And, against the backdrop of Brandy's year-old, chirpy, midwestern declaration, a myriad of experiences and losses and countries and people sweep my mind like a blur, but the faces of Kendra, Katie, Anthony, Brandy, Ashlee, Ken, and Don stand out pristinely...

"Guys, this is our family."

to all World Race parents:

Sun, 30 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Jen Flavin wrote this blog.. i thought it was great!

To all World Race parents:

You knew when we signed up for the World Race that it wasn't going to be easy for us. It wasn't going to be easy as we traveled to 11 different countries throughout the world, away from everything and everyone that was familiar. You knew we would get homesick. You knew we would have to miss birthdays and holidays as well as important events like weddings and births. You knew our living conditions weren't going to be all that great. You knew there was a risk of us getting malaria or typhoid or any number of crazy sicknesses.

But did you know it wasn't going to be easy for you? You had to sit back and wait month after month for emails that said we made it safely out of one country and into another...some of those being closed countries which we illegally entered. You had to celebrate birthdays and holidays without your son or daughter. You had to hear of us living in cement rooms in the intense heat with no electricity or sleeping in our tents during torrential rain and wind and not be able to do anything about it. You had to hear of us getting sick and going to sketchy hospitals, praying that God would heal us. You had survive with 11 months of sporadic internet, never knowing if Skype was actually going to work or how many days or weeks would go by without hearing from us.

(my dad had to read Twas the Night Before Christmas to me via Skype this year)

I read this quote recently:

"The church in America needs parents who are willing to release their children to the mission field. We need parents who love God more than their children. If we recognize the importance of evangelism, we will encourage future generations to give their lives for God and enter the heat of the battlefield even in the face of great danger."

So I just wanted to write a blog thanking all of you parents out there (especially my own) for obeying God and releasing us to do His work. I know it hasn't been easy for you but I know God will bless you for your faith. You have encouraged us, prayed for us, and loved on us throughout this entire journey and that means more to us then we can ever put into words. I hope you know how much we love and appreciate you.

Thank you.

And to all J & K-Squad parents...we'll see you all in 32 days!

The Smile

Fri, 28 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

On my first day of teaching English class, I knew this little boy with a big smile would be my favorite. I don't like to have favorites, but something happened the moment I made eye contact with him.

He can't sit in his seat for very long. It doesn't take much to lose his attention. He sometimes disappears and comes back with a new hair-do after wetting it in the sink. He always has a smile on his face. His clothes are dirtier than the rest of the kids, and he usually has grime under his fingernails.

I didn't care what he was wearing or that he was a little dirty. I didnft care that we spoke two different languages. I knew he wasn't the smartest kid in the class, but I also knew he wasn't dumb. He never really talked either.

I wanted to reach out and help him. I wasnft sure how this would happen because I was usually teaching the class. I didnft want to skip out on teaching, but I really wanted some one-on-one time with Sine.

A week went by, and I still hadnft had a chance to work with Sine one-on-one. I was disappointed but knew when the time was right, it would happen.

The next day, I went to KFC for lunch. The people eating next to me left their kids meal toy so I picked it up. I headed to class, and I couldn't wait to give the toy to Sine.

I handed him the toy, and his little smile got bigger. His eyes lit up, and that was the moment things begin to change between us.

The next day, he greeted me with a huge smile and actually spoke to me. That was a first. We talked and laughed until class started.

I didnnt have to teach the entire class that day, and Ifll admit, I was really excited.

Finally, I had an opportunity to spend some one-on-one time with Sine. We sat on the floor away from the rest of the class. I taught him his ABCs, and when the hour was over, he could say them. I was so proud, and I could tell a bond had been made.

I left class excited, and my heart was full of love for Sine. I couldn't wait to see him the next day.

Before class started, I talked to Prasad, the man in charge of the school. He told me that Sine doesn't go to school. He only comes to English class in the mornings and afternoons. He comes from a very poor family and doesn't have much at all.

I finally have more of an understanding what is behind his beautiful brown eyes. Learning English is the only education he is getting. I am so thankful he is coming here because not only is he learning English, but he is also learning about Jesus.

I pray that if Sine never learns English, he will at least have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

My second-to-last day with Sine was great. I was teaching the entire class, but he sat up front instead of in the back. He never left his seat and actually paid attention.

I was asking the students about the days of the week. He knew them and shouted them out. I was shocked. This little boy went from not talking to giving correct answers.

I will be honest with you. I was one happy teacher, and words can not describe how much this touched me.

I learned so much from Sine. I'm glad I didn't see him as a dirty little boy who was wild and not as smart as the rest of the class.

I will miss having him greet me at the door and grabbing my hand as he walks me to class. I will miss his smile. I will miss his wild hair-dos. Most of all, I will miss seeing him learn and give correct answers.

My First Week Back

Sat, 22 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

I arrived in Phnom Penh, Cambodia on Wednesday! We took a weekend trip to the beach to reconnect! It was a GREAT time! This month we are teaching english to students of all ages! I have really enjoyed my time here in Cambodia.. I was only away for 6 weeks or a little more but i really missed J squad. It has been a great week. Here are some pictures.... ENJOY!!!!

Welcome Back Hug from Don

Team Olur is back together again

IM ON A BOAT

Team Olur has a BEACH PARTY

Our Boat

DON OUR TUK TUK DRIVER

team olur on the tuk tuk

The best English Teachers in Phnom Penh

Pizza Company for Dinner turned into Ken's Bday Suprise

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KEN

CRICKETS FOR A SNACK????

WE REALLY DIDNT HATE THEM... I KNOW OUR FACES DON'T SHOW IT!

SHANNON AND I AT PIZZA COMPANY.... OUR NEW FAVORITE PLACE TO EAT

Katie and I at Jars of Clay... we really enjoy their fresh juices!!!

The last picture is one of my favorites! Don's hair has gotten really long and i enjoy making it a FRO!!

My Head Is Spinning

Sun, 16 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

I don't want to remember Cambodia by how hot it is.

I don't want to look back on missing a chance to step out with a boldness to be obedient to God's call.

What does it take to have that special memory? If I get an opportunity, will I be prepared? What if I miss my chance to step out? My head spins with many questions like these.

I begin to doubt myself. How could I not know these answers after being out here for 10 months?

With thousands of questions in my head and absolutely NO answers, I stand in awe of God.

So, I am at my first church service in Cambodia and falling more in love with God than I ever thought possible.

I am in awe of how great God is. I can feel His presence stronger than ever, and I look around and see a lot of people who just love Jesus. You can see it in their eyes, faces, and worship.

I begin to tear up. I'm confused and don't understand why I'm becoming emotional. I then realize how blessed I have been to experience worship around the world. Each culture has its own worship style, but each one ushers in the presence of God.

And at that moment, I receive answers.

I don't have to look for these special moments to make a difference. I just need to be an open vessel to usher in the presence of God. I have to continue to die to myself and gain more of Him.

Instead of searching for all the correct answers, I have decided to simply be that vessel. I am striving to wake up daily and clothe myself with more of Him. As I die to myself and gain more of Him, I believe I will receive more of the answers I'm looking for.

Kendra's Eye of Vietnam

Mon, 26 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Kendra is one of my awesome teammates. You all know i have been home recovering from Malaria. I hate i missed a month but lucky me, Kendra takes amazing pictures and i will be able to look at them and feel like i was there. She is a great artist and photographer and most of all she is an amazing woman of God. I hope you enjoy.......

Unexpectedly, I believe I've enjoyed Vietnam more than most other countries on the race so far. We leave this country in 5 days, so before we do, I just want to give you a glance of what it's been like here.

I think the first thing I noticed about this country was how many motorbikes are on the roads. The mass transit system is not that great in Ho Chi Minh City, with only a small bus system, so everyone just has a motobike. They do wear helmets, but that's about the only protective gear they wear. Most women wear face masks and long-sleeved sweaters to prevent their skin from tanning, but sandals and high-heels are common footwear on the bikes. I have gotten many opportunities to ride with some students on their motor bikes and I also wear flip flops with little fear of getting my feet mangled.

The second thing I noticed is that the powerlines here are insane. This is the view right outside the front door of our hotel.

This is what evening looks like on our street...

This man has evangel-ized to almost everyone in our group at different times (we're working with two other WR teams this month). He hangs out on our street and tells us about Je-sus. He says he's been put in prison 8 times for this, but he still does it enthusiastically.

This is a temple that we visited during one of their services . The religi-on combines like 5 religion-s, one of which is Bh-uddism and another relig-ion that worsh-ips coconuts. Sounds logical to me!

After seeing this man, I thought to myself "And I thought I could sleep anywhere"

One of the things we've been doing since coming here is visiting the elderly. It's been one of my favorite things to do. They all appreciate us just coming and holding their hand. We can't understand a thing that each other says, but it's just nice to go in and see how happy they become when we get there.

The old ladies here are so cute and full of character!

These are some college students Katie and I have met during our time teaching english. These two are very fluent so it's easy to talk with them. They even have asked me what certain english words mean, and I don't even know!

And here are just a few more of my favorite images.

Strangers Who Are Now Family

Tue, 20 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The other morning I woke up in my own bed and the house was empty because mom and dad were at work. I was a little confused and really missed having people around me. I got up and did not have to wait to use the restroom, went to the fridge and got a drink and breakfast, and then sat down at the table to eat.

I sat there in a daze and was just thinking. Why was I in deep thought then it hit me. I miss living with my team and squad. I miss having at least 5 others around me at all times and sometimes 39 others.

I remember about month two thinking I can not live with these people. I did not choose them, they are not like my other friends, I don't like the way they do things, they are on my nerves, and who knows what else I thought.

Caroline and I sat down and had a talk about living in community this year. She encouraged me to give it my all and make the best of it because when it is gone you will miss it. I really thought she was crazy to be honest.

Our team was so different to make it 11 months and really grow to become a family. Once again I was very wrong. We really became a family around month 4 or 5 and I was loving every minute of it.

I no longer had to fake it when I didn't like one of them or when one of them was on my nerves. We were family now and that was just part of us being family. We learned to open up to each other and just be honest with each other about our differences. It was like these moments brought us closer together.

We started sharing stuff from clothes to stories that made us who we are. We laughed together and cried some too. We started hanging out as family and not people thrown together for 11 months.

Our good times began to out weight our bad ones. We started playing games and cards. We started wanting to be around each other. The squad would make fun of us at debrief because we would always be together as a team.

Ken and I got sick and had to be away from the team for weeks and I am still away from the team. It has been hard for our team but through emails and skype we have tried our best to keep in touch. This time apart has made me appreciate my team and squad more.

The thing I have learned the most about living in community is that you have to learn to serve your team and put yourself last. I loving having 5 very close family members to turn to when I need them. Then we have extended family to lean on when we need them also.

J squad you are so amazing. God really blessed me with some amazing brothers and sisters this year. Each one of you has a special place in my heart. I know God has great plans for each one of you and I cant wait for a few years to go by and see where He has taken each one of you. You all have what it takes to make this a different world. I have seen each one of you used by God and its been awesome.

Ilove you all and my letters where so encouraging. Thanks for thinking about me. I should be on my way to finish what we started next week! YAY!!

GOD KNEW WHAT WAS GOING TO HAPPEN

Mon, 19 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

J squad started their journey together at the end of May in 2009. We all met in Georgia for 10 days to prepare for race. Training camp consisted of praise and worship, prayer, team building exercises, learning about the race, camping, and more. During these 10 days staff evaluates us and prays and places us on the teams they fill we need to be on.

During one of the team building exercises Ken Virzi and I got into an argument afterwards. I refused to listen to his ideas and I shut down and didn't want to talk about it. Ken is a big communicator and since I didn't want to talk about it he gave up.

After each team building exercise staff would talk to everyone individually. We would evaluate how the exercise went and talk about who were the leaders, who we would like to be on a team with, and who we wouldn't. I always put Ken's name down and he put mine down for we wouldn't want to be on a team with each other.

I even went out of my way to make a point to some staff, coaches, and team leaders that I would not go on the race if Ken and I were on the same team. I was told to pray about the situation. I tried to pray but I was set in my stubborn ways and didn't want anything to do with Ken.

The time came for teams to be announced and I was a nervous wreck. Brandy was calling names and she called mine and since Ken was a team leader this meant we were not on the same team. I was so excited.

August came and it was time for J squad to start our race. We are all in Ireland and it was a worship night. I felt God tell me to go ask Ken to forgive me. I knelt down in front of him and asked him to forgive me and he did.

A few months have passed and Brandy and Dan feel its best for the squad to make a few team changes. Ken and I end up on the same team. The squad knew we didn't get along at camp and several people came to me concerned about us being on the team together. I reassured them it was all in the past and things had been healed.

In my head I knew we were both strong willed people and could butt heads but something inside of me was at peace. I knew Brandy and Dan were only doing what they thought was best for us as a squad.

I never realized how blessed I was to have Ken on my team till a few months had passed. He had truly become my best friend. We told stories of our past and laughed and cried together. We shared what we thought I futures would hold and encouraged each other. We have been paired up to do ministry and have really seen God do some amazing things.

Ken has pushed me to grow and its been hard at times. I know that he only wants what is best for me and see me become a better person. I could not ask for a better friend.

Ken is an amazing man of God. He has served God since college, he has led many movements on college campuses over the years. He has a heart for Turkey and I know God has great things planned for him.

I love to see God at work and this is just one of the amazing things He has done in my life this race. He took two people who really didn't know each other and decided they didn't care to be around each other and made them best friends.

God has a funny sense a humor I have learned this year. I really am glad that God allowed us to become such good friends and what a testimony our friendship is.

UPDATE ON ME

Mon, 12 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Update on Me:

im feeling pretty good. I have had a few good days. Im going to spend the next week staying home and resting. (only cause my mom is making me) im about to go crazy justing sitting and resting. I know i know its what i need

Update on Finances:
Im still in need! please help support me during this time. I need about 2500. So any amount is appreciated.

Update on Going Back:

yes i plan on going back at
the end of the month if im healthy enough to go!!!

Thank you once again for your prayers and support!

ONE SICK GIRL (here is my story)

Fri, 9 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The one thing I never thought would happen happened. I am not a sickly person but accidents is something im very use to. I am not one to be a baby too much specially in front of people but if I get sick I want my MOM! My team was very shocked how different I act when I am well than when I am sick.

I was glad to be at our new location, running around the YWAM (youth with a mission) complex. I was also excited to be with Hope's team and Brandy and looking forward to a good month of serving God with them. Then things began to change for me. We went to dinner and I was not feeling to good. I decided to go ahead and eat but that was a bad choice. I was sick from supper with in an hour of eating. I did not have any fever or headache so I just went to bed. A few days go by and I just feel bad the weather is so hot and I am just miserable.

On Thursday my team insisted I go to the clinic. I went to the clinic with Kendra. Don was meeting Dan at the bus stop because he was coming to stay with our team. The clinic decides to give me fluids and test me for malaria.

I am waiting for a room and Don and Dan show up. Dan is so funny in the room that I finally get. He was so wild he claimed him and Austin drank to many cokes. I am annoyed so I try to get rid of him but this backfires he sends Shannon in his place and stays to keep me company. I am now in a small room with wild Dan and an iv. I just took it as a blessing and hung out with my buddy Dan.

I test negative for malaria and go home after I received the fluids. We arrived at YWAM and I go to bed. The next day I wake up and I am little surprised I feel great. I think I'm well. I was very disappointed when I woke up so sick Saturday.

I head to the clinic, they want look at me and send me straight to the government run hospital. Before I start telling you details about my stay here let me give you some information about this place. It was hot and ants were every where. I would say there were around 50 or so women with malaria all through this room some where 2 per bed and some were alone. I did not like this place at all.

I arrive they moved a lady out of her bed put me in it. The nurse leaves. She comes back with my meds. Starts my IV the worse I have ever had. I lay there miserable no pillow no blanket but thank goodness I didn't need a blanket. It was hot but then at visiting hours the place would rise ten degrees it would just get so hot you could not stand it. My team really loves me because several hours of the day Don and Kendra would just sit and fan me.

Finally I lost it, told them it was too hot and I could not take it here anymore. I was ready to leave this place. Finally a Dr if you can call him that got me a private room. I could not believe what was happening . I was in shock and so are you going to be. The nurse put a lady in bed with me. Yes, we were sharing a bed for about an hour.

My new room was ready and I could not wait to get there. I had air condition and a private toilet. I laid down and waited for my Dr and nurse to show up. They took for ever for this to be an emergence. The lights go out so they use their telephones to put my new iv in. Yes, they used their cell phone lights. I remember going to bed but that is it. I don't remember anything except a few stories from the girls that kept me.

Many of them were in shock of my condition. I was so out of it and I couldn't do anything with out their help. This is when it was time for a new hospital. They had to take me to Dar es slam or fly me to Kenya.

I was taken to Dar Es Slam by a lady and Kendra and Dan went with me. It is about a 3 or so hour drive. I don't remember any of this though. I got to my new hospital which is more westernize and nice.

I finally get here and settled in and with in a few hours I am feeling better and responding. Praise God.

They are treating me in ICU I like my nurses and Drs. The best memory I have is they think I might need a blood transplant. I need American blood so they ask Dan ( who hates needles and stuff) and Kendra if they will go upstairs and have their blood checked. I'm A+ so they have to match me too.

They both match and are ready to give. Thank goodness they matched and I was a little worried they were to this point of taking action with me. Was I really this sick and didn't realize it? Malaria is that serious? Many more questions ran through my head constantly.

Neither Kendra or Dan had to give me blood I was getting better. They kept the blood they took from them so I Pray it saves a life that needs it one day.

I got better after a few days and then went to a private room. Kendra once again stayed with me. After getting out of this hospital I was feeling ok but not great.

Kendra and I stayed in a hostel with me till I flew home.

I flew many hours alone to get fully recovered at home. My mom and dad picked me up and we went out to eat I was starving. I didn't eat much but felt good. It took me a few days to get use to our time zones but I finally adjusted.

I was feeling great one moment and then I felt horrible again. I went to my local Dr office had to use a wheel chair. They sent me to an hospital called UAMS it was about 1 hour and a half north of my hometown. I arrive and they were ready for me.

My first room was a step down from ICU I was there a few nights taking malaria meds. Then to another room and took more meds. Then we finally got to come back home to Monticello. It is taking me a long time to recover but I am finally doing better.

I am so blessed to be home and recovering. I have had one spell since being home and it is great to be in my mom and dad's care. I am slowly getting better and have lost some weight, ok I am little excited about this one. I plan on laying around and recovering , well my mom has put me here and says I will stay at home for one more week. That is going to be very hard for me now that I'm feeling better.

Thanks to everyone who has taken care of me or said some prayers. Many of my squad, team and squad leaders have taken good care of me while I was over seas. Kendra thanks for all you have done for me. Mom and Dad thanks for all you have done while I have been home sick.

God is the ultimate healer and I believe he is and has healed me.

Amuru Church Plant

Fri, 26 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Ken made an awesome video from our
weekend in Amuru. We did open crusades at night
and went door to door during the day. I hope you enjoy
the video!

support needed

Mon, 22 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

I have been sick and in and out of a few hospitals and now im flying home for a couple of weeks to recover. Your support through prayers has been such a blessing. I want to thank all of you who have supported me, prayed for me, and sent encouraging emails along the way. I now need to raise some more money to help with the cost i have recieved while being sick. So please pray and see if God is leading you to help support me during this time. I will return back on the field around April 9th or so. I will meet my team and go back to work! This trip has been amazing and i hate to leave even for just a few weeks but i know it is best for me! So please click the "support me" button and help me continue God's work! Thanks again for all you do as my supporters!

my email: ashleehillis22@gmail.com

YOUR PRAYER ARE APPRECIATED

Sat, 20 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Thank you so much for all your prayers while i was sick! It was a long 2 weeks but im recovering now. Im still very weak but plan on traveling home for a couple of weeks and let my parents help get me back to 100%! I know all of you were praying and love me and that helped me get better faster. So Thank You very much!

I want to say a special thanks to my team, Kendra, Dan, Brandy, AIM Staff, and everyone else who helped take care of me during this time.

I love you all

Going to GOOOO-LOOOOO

Thu, 11 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Our team arrives at the bus station in Lira, Uganda, and boards a mini bus to Gulu. It is a 14-passenger vehicle, but I count 22.

Our luggage is tied to the roof, and we're praying the ropes are strong because these dirt roads are bumpy.

The mini bus is loaded. Not only are there too many passengers, but we're also accompanied by a chicken and numerous cockroaches.

Don heads to the back seat. Shannon sits in the third row and is handed a baby boy to rest on her lap. Kendra and I are beside each other in the row behind the driver, and ken and I are separated by Sara who is headed to Gulu for school. Katie is up front next to a lady that is taking baby Grace to the hospital. Sitting on the floor in front of Ken is the older brother of the boy Shannon is holding, who looks to be about eight years old.

The bus ride is sweltering. Everyone is crammed, sitting on top of each other with no room to move. We are driving slow because the bus is overloaded and won't go much faster.

I look back and see Shannon comforting the baby in her arms. Ken continues to comfort the boy in front of him by smiling at him. Katie tries her best to speak to the young mother beside her even though they don't speak the same language.

Shannon leans forward and tells us to pull the Rockets (M&M's) out of her purse to give to the boy sitting in front of ken.

He is now my buddy because I'm the lucky one who handed him the candy. We smile at each other throughout the rest of the ride.

We come to a brief rest stop, and local venders swarm the bus windows to offer us different items. Kendra buys a bottled water to give to the boy sitting in front of Ken.

The little boy in Shannon's lap returns to his mother, attracted to the food and water in her hands.

After several hours on the bus, we finally arrive in Gulu. The bus station is a busy place. Many people are offering to help, but we deny them; otherwise they will expect payment for simply carrying our bags five yards from the bus to our team.

As we are unloading, the little boy in front of ken comes and gives me a hug. It makes my day.

We are now waiting on Pastor Patrick and Pastor Stephen to pick us up, and some of the local men are telling us we owe them for helping with our bags. Ken tells them we don't owe them anything.

Then the guys start harassing the lady who sat by Katie and Sara. Sara begins to cry. I want to help, but I must be smart. I pray that God will make them go away.

Then I approach her and comfort her. I put my arms around her and ask her if she is ok. She tells me they are being ugly to her, so I speak words of love into her ear. I pray for her and hug her.

They finally stop bothering the women.

Sara seems to be better so I help her gather her things to leave the area.

The pastors finally arrive, and we are ready to see what our home for this month is like.

On the way to our new home, I look back on the bus ride from Lira. It would have been easy for our team to complain and be irritable. But I noticed something different in my team. I saw Christ in them like never before.

It was a moment that I saw us die of ourselves and gain more of Christ. Each member was willing to be Christ to the ones around them.

I believe it's going to be an awesome month for team Olur.

MATATU

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Ken wrote this great blog about our our transportation this month hope you enjoy!

Matatu: A van that is a privately owned but is the sole local public transportation system throughout Kenya.

We have had some crazy situations on these vans, and they always seem to be an adventure.

Some have been old and junky, others have been tricked out with big screen TVs and padded ceilings.

Sometimes we pay 20 bob (about 25 cents) and sometimes 50 bob. We like to have exact change so that they do not keep a tip for themselves.

Everyone has a driver and another guy that acts as money collector, advertiser, change maker, stop announcer, matatu banger, and passenger recruiter. He is what really makes a matatu.

Money Collector: When you get on the matatu, you know that you need to pay, but the time of payment is up to him. Sometimes it happens right away, other times you drive for quite some time. Usually it is somewhere in between, but when you need change the same thing happens. Usually, he takes your money, collects the money from everyone else, and then it appears he is done. After driving a little longer, he then decides it is time to give change and proceeds to do so.

Advertising: When it is time to find a matatu, you know the route and the price because he is yelling out where the van is heading to all those who pass by.

Change Maker: This is a new one that I was a part of today for the first time. Apparently, our guy needed to make change from a 500 bill in order to give change back to the other passengers. As we drove through traffic-congested streets, he talked to a few other matatus and asked for change. One van almost took the bill, but then drove off. Then our guy gave the 500 to another matatu's driver. We then dropped behind them, due to the traffic, swerved here and there, then came up on the other side of the matatu where the change was handed back. A few minutes later, another matatu guy asked our matatu guy to change a 500 for him, and our guy took it (I was wondering why, since he just changed a 500 and now he was going to change another one, but such is matatu life). It seemed like our guy was trying to give him 400 in change for the 500, but since they completely deal with each other in Swahili, I wasn't exactly sure. Our guy took the 500 and we kept driving, but we weren't able to pull next to them again. So when the traffic stopped, their guy jumped out, transacted with our guy, and then hopped back in his own matatu!

Stop Announcer: When you need to get off of the matatu, you tell your guy and he will do one of many things. He either tells the driver when and where to stop, whistles really loudly, opens the door and starts to hang outside the matatu (where he simultaneously acts as advertiser as well), or most often he bangs on the walls or roof of the matatu with his fist or open hand... which leads to the next role.

Matatu Banger: This can be my favorite. All matatu guys hit, bang, and smack their matatus. You hit to stop, you hit to go, and apparently, you also hit for no reason. While waiting for passengers at a stop, surrounded by a crowd of other matutus , the banging gets out of control. Sometimes while we are sitting inside there is banging coming from all sides of the matatu. A double bang here, a single there. I still have not totally figured out why they beat up their vans so much or why every Kenyan man on the streets likes to hit these things, but for some reason, when it gets crazy, it really makes me laugh.

Passenger Recruitor: It does not matter where you need to go, you should always be going where they are going. Even if you are walking up the street, not looking for a matatu, you will be invited to get inside every matatu you pass by. If you happen to be looking for a matatu, it is hard to see the number without almost getting grabbed and thrown inside. In fact, they are so good at passenger recruitment that early in the month a couple of our guys got tricked into getting on a matatu that took them in the opposite direction that they needed to go, which is a whole other story in itself.

All in all, we love the matatus and it sure makes life here an adventure

Kibera

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Here is a video my teammate Ken made from our time in the slums. you can check out his blog about it as well here:

http://kenvirzi.theworldrace.org/?filename=salvation-city-the-slums-of-kibera

TO HOLD A CHILD

Sat, 23 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

We all know i love kids! i have really been blessed to play with, love on, and spend time with many of them this month. Kids of all ages are very special to me and so it was great to just spend some time with them this month. I hope you enjoy the pictures!

Can I Stay

Sun, 17 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

I didn't realize how much I would love Africa. I knew things would be different, and I expected the worst. Before arriving in Kenya, our squad would make comments about something bad and then say "wait till we get to Africa." I came in thinking Africa was going to be a miserable place to live.

I thought we would not like the food, and we would get such small servings that we would starve. I also thought we would be sleeping in mud puddles and get carried away by the bugs. I don't know why I assumed all of this, but I am really glad I was wrong!

We have been blessed and are staying in the church's Sunday School classrooms. They gave us some foam pads to sleep on so the floor isn't bad at all. We are all sleeping under mosquito nets too so our room is a sight to see.

We have showers and indoor plumbing. Although we don't have hot water, the showers have not been bad showers because it's warm here.

The church has hired a cook for us so we get three amazing meals a day. We even get a snack and juice between breakfast and lunch some days. We have eaten a lot of great meals, and I think our team is gaining weight instead of losing it.

Our ministry here is what I am enjoying the most. We are going out daily and talking to people in the community around the Church. We have talked to people in the streets and have gone door-to-door. We have also enjoyed following up and building relationships with the ones we have met.

In one week, we have seen 10 people get saved, and eight people who we invited to church during the week came on Sunday. It has been awesome, and I will say it has been a really good week for Team Olur.

We have been a part of prayer meetings too. We went to a pastors fellowship prayer service, which is a weekly gathering to encourage church leaders in the area. It was a good experience for our team.

This week, we will start doing some manual labor. There is an old office building we will clean out and tear down to give the children more room to play outside.

My team really enjoys manual labor so it should be fun. If we have time, we are going to try to build a fence for them too.

I have really enjoyed playing with kids also. I have played soccer, danced, and sang a lot of songs.

Toward the end of the month, we plan on traveling seven hours west to Garissa, where we will work with missionaries. We will be a part of different ministries there. They have some sports camps I am really looking forward to.

I am really enjoying Africa!

The weather is great. It's not too hot, and it cools off at night so sleeping isn't bad. The bugs have bitten some more than others, and I'm lucky to only have a few bites so far.

I am glad my expectations of Africa were all wrong. I have had an amazing month so far, and it has only been 11 days. I know God has a lot more in store for my team, and I can't wait to be a part of it.

WHO I WAS AND WHO I AM NOW

Sun, 17 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

We have reached the halfway point of the August 2009 World Race. I remember beginning this trip and realizing the next 11 months would be the longest I had ever been away from home. I love to go, but I also love being at home with my family. I thought holidays and birthdays would be hard to miss. My parents really believed I would get homesick and want to come home.

I am on Month 6 of the Race, and I am far from being homesick and ready to come home.

The first half of the trip for me was really focused on myself. I was growing spiritually and growing as a person. I spent a lot of time asking God to reveal things in my life that needed to be removed.

I went through several different seasons so far this race. I went through abandonment, brokenness, and dependency the first 3 months.

I was in abandonment for a short season but it was a good season for me. I had to let go of home, family, friends, my Church, and life before the race. I had to give them all to God and focus on what God had in store for me this race.

It was hard to let go of all the things that were comforting to me. For many years I leaned on these things but I was ready to give them up and allow God to do a work in me.

After a long talk with Aaron our squad leader I realized I needed to start praying for brokenness. I prayed for about two weeks that God would break me from any and everything that needed to be removed from life.

Our squad joined H, I , and K squad, world race alumni, and staff at the Awakening Conference. I attended the first worship service and God begin to break me.

It was hard to go through and it was just the beginning of brokenness. God revealed things that needed to go in my life. He showed me things that I was holding on to that were really holding me back from the fullness of Him.

After several weeks of dealing with brokenness and really figuring it all at I finally saw that light at the end of the dark tunnel. I knew it was worth it because God was making me a better person.

As I was dealing with brokenness I realized so much about myself. I realized I found a lot of self worth in people, things, and past experiences. I realized I was holding on to past failures and living in shame because of them.

I had a lot of weight lifted from my shoulders after this season of the race. It was a huge relief for me personally. I also realized that I was finally walking in freedom. I am now working on not picking these things back up.

I really thought I was going to get a break from dealing with the junk in my life. I should have known better. I hadn't really even had time to process the different things yet when I realized I was starting to go through dependency.

Dependency was the hardest season for me. I saw leaning on God and others as a weakness. I wanted to be able to do it my way and the way that was most convenient for me.

We were in Bulgaria during this time. It was our ATL month where we were depending on God to provide. It was the month for me that I realized I didn't choose my team, God did. I didn't have a choice in what was happening around me.

I did not have the comforts from home or other options. I was stuck and had to play the cards that were dealt to me. It wasn't easy and I found it frustrating.

I finally gave in and just started to depend on God and allow Him to guide me through this time in my life. It was amazing how much better life started to be for me when I really started to depend on Him.

Around month 4 I started to realize the importance of living each day for that day. I was really bad about holding on to yesterday or planning tomorrow instead of enjoying the that day.

Living each day really gives me a freedom that is hard to describe. I like to look a head and plan life the way I think it should look. Learning to live each day and lean on God to guide me through it has been more rewarding than I ever could have imagined.

I have learned a lot and it has really shaped me into a better person. I have had many ups and downs. I have cried but I have laughed more. I have made some pretty amazing memories in just five and half months.

I am excited to start putting all I have learned into action this next 5 months.

I have several areas I really want to grow in over the next few months. I am no where close to being where I want to be but im growing daily and that is all that matters to me.

I want to have more Grace and Mercy. I also want to be a more loving and judge less. I also want to think more before I speak. These are areas I struggle in but I know that God can help me and I am willing to give it my all to work in these areas.

I am really glad I obeyed God and left my comfort zone to join 40 or so other amazing sisters and brothers in Christ to discover who we are as women and men of God and allow God to work in us and through us.

I am so blessed to be who I am and where I am today. I am very thankful for all of you who have made this journey possible for me. I appreciate all your prayers and support. Many of you went above and beyond to help make this possible.

goodbye 2009

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

I am still a little shocked that 2010 is already here. I will have to say that 2009 was an amazing year for me personally. I started 2009 with the Youth of Immanuel Baptist Church at a Lock-In and I ended the year with my World Race family at a hostel in Kenya. I look back on many events that have shaped my life this past year but more importantly I look forward to seeing what 2010 is going to bring.

Last year was a year of growth for me. I was beginning to discover who I was as a woman of God. I learned a lot about faith and depending on God. I had to learn to focus on God and what He wanted for me because I was so used to doing what Ashlee wanted instead of what God had planned for me.

In March, I finally stopped doing things my way and obeyed God. I applied for the World Race and was accepted. It was very hard to leave home, family, my church, the youth I was working with, and my comfort zone.

I knew, without any doubt, this is what God was calling me to do. I attended training camp at the end of May and it was an amazing, life-changing week for me. It was the beginning of me realizing I was settling instead of going after the greater things of God.

I went home and spent two months really investing in my family, friends, church, and youth group. I knew being gone for 11 months was a long time and I wanted to spend quality time with them.

In August, I left everything behind to begin a journey that would challenge and change me. I was not sure what to expect but I knew it was where God wanted me.

August was a hard month emotionally. It was a huge change and learning to live in community was the thing I had to get used to the most.

September was a great month for me. I enjoyed our ministry and I really started seeking more of God in my life this month. I was hungry for more of Him and I desired a more personal relationship with Him.

October may have been the hardest month for me so far. I was dealing with brokenness and God was really shaping me into who He had called me to be.

November was a month of being still for me and that was hard but good. I really learned to invest in my team this month. I was being challenged not to go this entire trip and not invest in my family God has provided me with.

December was a refreshing month. The team we were serving with really poured into my life and was very encouraging to me. I left Turkey with an excitement and ready to start the new year refreshed and ready.

I arrived in Africa with a joy in my heart and something stirring inside of me. I love being here and I really have a heart for the people here.

Pastor Ezekiel gave me a great compliment and I want to share it with you. He told the group "She is a woman of great FAITH"! I was very honored to hear that.

I want to Thank God for all He has done in me and through me in 2009. I am expecting Great things to come for 2010.