About a week and half ago, I, Sherri, was in tears. I couldn't stop crying my eyes out as we sat in traffic. We were on our way to a spontaneous date Dom had planned to look at the blossoms on the fruit trees he was so fascinated with (since he has never seen spring before).
I wasn't crying about the traffic, or the fact that it was cloudy weather for our date and not good for photo-taking. I was sobbing because it had finally clicked with Dom and I that the June World Race trip wasn't what God has in store for us.
It wasn't just that Dom's visas for each country were going to be more difficult than we had imagined, or that our church wasn't going to be able to support us, and we didn't know where the rest of the money would come from. We know that if it was God's will, He could work out all those silly details with the snap of His fingers for His glory.
It was that we had heard once again from godly people we respect, and at that moment it clicked that it was God speaking through them, that the World Race is an amazing trip, but doesn't match what God wants next for us.
After months and months of not feeling total peace about the trip, wondering if we really were going to raise the money, if it was really what God had next for us, and never feeling completely sure, He finally answered our prayers with closing the door swiftly and gently.
It wasn't easy to accept that, but living for God isn't meant to be easy. I was in mourning all week, crying, miserable, and upset, but also, at peace that God had spoken, and eager to follow.
We don't know where He is leading yet, but we do know that He is leading us so far to use the support money we have raised to go on the Haiti World Race trip this June. We are so very excited to get to go and see what God has been up to in Haiti and join Him in that work.
To our team, we are sad to have to say good-bye to you all of course, and will be praying for you as you go on this adventure. We know God will do wonders through you all for His glory. Thanks for letting us be part of your lives.
On January 6th, our first wedding anniversary, we were hiking up the steep trail on Crowder's Mountain, I was dressed in at least four cozy layers, still a little chilly, but since we were moving I could feel my fingers and toes quite well. Dom probably had two layers and was sweating so much he wanted to take off his Burton jacket, but didn't want to carry it.
When we reached the top of the quaint mountain, the view made me feel as though I was in an airplane about to land. The housing developments, trees, power lines, looked miniature, so minute, and sort of silly, from so high up.
As I sat there with the cold granite rock chilling my backside, gazing over the world of Gastonia, NC, I was led into a daydream of what our next anniversary will be like. This daydream didn't contain me eating a turkey and spinach sandwich on my mom's homemade bread, wearing my hiking boots and cute jacket, or being alone with Dom on the top of a mountain.
Instead, we were in the heat of Africa, wearing worn-out sandals, celebrating our anniversary by eating goat and having mango for dessert. We did not have much time to ourselves to celebrate, but we were with a new family who were delighted to celebrate with us. We were longing somewhat for turkey sandwiches and mom's bread, but it was ok because were were full: full of more of His love and more of His compassion and more of His hope for the World.
But when I woke up from my daydream, and hiked back down the mountain to our warm car, the support-raising, the buying of equipment, the figuring out of visas, came into view and seemed so towering and impossible.
Yet, I know one year from now my present fears will all seem so faraway, small, and sort of silly as we gaze from the top of the mountain at what He has done.
Starbucks. I'm not a big fan because I think this company has turned the beautiful, intricacies of espresso and steamed milk from an exquisite, well-crafted entree at a fine restaurant into a slapped together McDonald's combo meal.
But as some foodies have a weakness for Mickey D's fries, so I have a weakness for peppermint mochas. Yet, now its good peppermint syrup has not only made me grow a bit fonder of Starbucks, but it holds even more of a special place in my heart because it is the spot where I got my first delicious tastes of the World Race.
It was on the 3rd level of a 7-story, high-society-styling mall in Bangkok where I met my friend Katie Rowland at Starbucks. It was here in November 2008 where I sat on a dark brown wooden chair around a small round table with her and watched her chocolate eyes become full of love and passion as she described how through this adventure called the World Race, God was transforming her heart and how she had seen others in the world revolutionized by His Love.
It was that passionate light in her eyes that made me so excited about running home to tell Dominic about this crazy trip.
And a few nights ago, a year and a month later, it happened again. We drove up to Starbucks in south Charlotte, partly because I had a Starbucks gift card burning in my wallet, and walked into the cozily lit room to find our friend we were meeting, Nate Hood (who Dom later said made me look like a dwarf), the guy who would give us our next fresh tastes of the World Race.
I noticed as he began to talk of his journey how he reminded me of Katie, how his eyes held the same passion that hers had flickered with. He said he wouldn't trade the trip for anything-- 11 months of constantly being out of comfort zones, constantly relying on God, constantly learning how to love those who can be hard to love--constantly being refined day by day--Nothing.
He wouldn't trade this heart that he now has for the poor who he can now pray and cry for by name. He wouldn't trade this soul which has been heightened to detect and fight spiritual attacks. He wouldn't trade the world for it.
While listening to Katie and Nate, the Starbucks enviornment around me was screaming of American values: convienence, efficiency, power, domination. Yet, in this place those World Racers' eyes were gently, humbly speaking of other values: love, transformation, endurance, grace.
These truths were things they knew before, but through this adventure God had cemented them deeper into their souls so now as they speak of their voyage in a place that contrasts their new lessons so brightly they shine like unexpected light bulbs in a dark, wet cave, making all the moths of the world hover round, yearning to be near this unusual light.
How I look forward to our future Starbucks talks after our adventure. What will our eyes speak of? How I hope they glow like theirs.
I saw the small white envelope on the counter with my friend's return address in the corner of it and knew immediately that it was her save the date wedding invite. Weird. Just this morning I had written on her facebook wall to ask how things were going.
Just this morning before that I was huddled in my beige comfy chair, looking out the window at the half-naked trees, talking with the Creator of them. I was telling Him how I know You made ancient Sarah pregnant, You split the Red Sea, You destroyed the word "impossible" all over the Bible through Your bizarre miracles. So I know You could provide all the money we need for the World Race.
But I also know, You don't always do what we think You should because our plans, aren't always Your plans. Missionaries try to raise support, don't get it, and don't go to other countries, but, instead lead other amazing lives such as loving on others through a motorcycle parts business or teaching kids from broken homes in an inner-city--which is exactly what happened to my amazing parents.
So God, we don't have a lot of money raised yet, but I know You can, but will You? I just want to know.
And today as I gazed at the trees out of my window which are always silently changing inside day by day, I felt tired of asking that question, will You?
I opened the small white envelope and pulled out a sunny save the date invite. I opened it, and a check slipped out into my fingers. My friend had written a little note on the inside to tell me she wanted to support us on the World Race and will be praying for us.
The note and check was a nudge from God in my ribs. A nudge to remind me to focus on today and not on what may or may not come months from now.
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. -Matthew 6:24
You sweet supporters get to influence 11 different countries in one year!
What a blessing you will be in...
Ireland
Ireland boasts a heritage of Christianity through Catholicism. Yet the lifeless display of faith reveals that this nation is farther from God than ever. Rampant alcoholism and suicide rates reveal a desperate need for hope. Through sports, children's outreach, street evangelism, pub ministry, and the relationships that just happen along the way, the World Race reintrodues a life-giving faith to this beautiful, historic culture.
Ukraine
Caught between its past oppression under the USSR communist regime and the desire to be accepted by Western society, Ukraine is a land of many ups and downs. Thankfully, there's hope, light, and life spreading like wildfire throughout this nation. Is it the kingdom of God coming in power? We think so.
Romania
The northern regions of Romania are home to the gypsy people. Though strangers in their homeland and forgotten by society, the gypsies are a strong and vibrant people who embrace the light of Christ in an inspirational way. Here you'll teach English, lead sports camps, live life with the gypsies, and more.
Israel
The Holy Land attracts Jews, Arabs and Christians alike to be a part of a location so rich in our combined religious roots. Serve in this new World Race location while walking the paths trod by Christ himself.
Egypt
Egypt is a country rich in historical significance. The Egyptian people are no less rich in their cultural goings-on today. A country shaped by the past and under religious bondage, the people of Egypt are hungry to hear of the freedom brought through Christ. While pyramids and palaces give the land a romanticized veneer, under the surface lie hearts in need of relationship and hope.
Kenya
Who hasn't heard of Kenya in their lifetime? The Kenyan people are colorful, musical, artistic and hungry for the love of Christ. The Masai bush, the Nairobi metropolis, the Kiberra slums...comprise a country diverse yet unified in history. As a new era dawns in Kenya, so does the Gospel of truth and faith. By meeting felt needs in the bush and the city, the World Race produces lasting fruit and lasting ministries to carry on even after we leave.
Uganda
From the Ugandan islands to the base of Mount Kilimanjaro, the African people of these nations share a common bond. Through the wild lands, home to Africa's "Big Five" animals coexist people, reached and unreached with the Gospel of Christ. Through evangelism, church planting and discipleship, we will be a part of a movement to further the kingdom of God in this incredible region of the world.
Pioneer Africa
Twice during your World Race experience, your team will take a month to ATL (ask the Lord) for a new mission field. He may lead you someplace in the middle of a buzzing city or somewhere that can't even be found on a map. Either way, it's a time of listening to the Lord's voice and following him with true abandon. Uncover more of your inheritance...
Thailand
With nearly two million people estimated to be stuck inside of prostitution in Thailand, it has become one of the most popular places for sex tourism. Change lives in the city and rock worlds in the countryside. Thailand's sure to capture your heart.
Cambodia
28 years ago, Cambodia experienced one of the most gruesome genocides known to man where over one third of the country's population was slaughtered. Still in recovery from their past, the people of Cambodia are thirsty for hope.
Pioneer Asia
Ask God where to go and do what He tells you. It'll be one of the most adventurous and memorable months of ministry that you'll have on the Race. Back to Thailand or Cambodia, or maybe to Vietnam, China or Malaysia... God could lead you anywhere to unveil His kingdom. Are you willing to abandon your last month on the Race to Him?
We were asked to write a blog about how we felt before leaving on this mission trip. Here is what we are expecting....
First of all we both expect for this trip not to be easy, that we will get dirty, and see how muddy we and the world are...
But we can rejoice in how He can make it all clean!
Dominic:
Expectations:
To learn how to love those in another country who are different from me.
To sacrifice myself in order to serve others.
Worries:
How we will raise support since we have to rely mostly on Sherri's friends and family since my Thai friends and family don't have extra money to support us.
How to get visas for each country. Since Im not an American citizen it is not as easy for me to get into countries as it is for everyone else on the team and it is hard to figure out.
Feelings about leaving America:
I don't feel too sad about leaving my new home because we will only be gone 11 months and then I will be back again.
I grew up in a third world country, so I feel like many of the countries will be at a similar poverty level as Thailand, but of course some of them will be worse. I feel that I won't have too much of a culture shock as a result of my background.
Hopes:
I hope God will show me how to help those in the world that need help.
I hope He will help me learn how to use what I learned on the trip to reach out to those in America when I return.
I hope others on the team will help me to learn more about myself so I can see what weaknesses I have that God can strengthen through our relationships.
Prayer Request:
Wisdom for figuring out visas and raising support money
Sherri:
I expect to...
rejoice in having my mind renewed about God and His crazy love for those in the world
cry about how selfish I am and how selfless some of my brothers and sistas in poverty around the world are
mourn about the results of us humans messing things up and how it affects the entire world
rejoice in how even though I cant fix the world, God uses us to love the world step by step, person by person
I worry about...
what if our team doesn't get along?
what if we don't get our support money in?
what if we can't get Dominic's visas?
what if we don't have money for all our supplies we need?
BUT the what ifs haven't happened yet, so I must focus on what is happening.
What I feel about leaving America is...
sad to say good-bye to friends and fam yet again
happy to explore more of God's creation and love on His people all over the world
sad to think about how my parents will miss us again so much
happy to think about returning and seeing America with new eyes and a renewed love
I hope...
God will show us that limited time, such as one month in each country, doesn't limit His redeeming power.
He will metamorphize me, not so I can be a better person, but so I can better love and honor The One who Set Me Free.
Please pray...
that we will trust in Him with our what ifs....
As I said on the bio page, I became a Christian only a few years ago and before that I was a Buddhist. To me, Christianity was so different from Buddhism. In my opinion, Buddhism is all about doing the right thing for your own sake. Don't do that, or do this if you want to be a good thing and not a dog or an ant when you are reincarnated.
But Christianity is not all about doing good things for your own sake. It's all about LOVE. It's about giving grace and forgiveness even when people mess up and don't deserve it. Buddhism discussed this too, but the motive was different. When you do give grace and forgiveness, you get to be a higher being in the next life.
They never talked about getting forgiveness from Jesus though for all your sins. In order to cancel out the bad things, you have to do many good things, and so on. But Jesus is so different! He just gives you forgiveness freely, without you doing anything, all because of His LOVE and how He cares for us.
This kind of love from Jesus is something I felt called to tell the whole world about after I became a Christian. I want to go around the world and show Thailand and America that people who have God, but have nothing in the world are more content in life because Jesus gives them everything they need. I want to show the people who might not know God in the countries we go to that God came into my culture and showed me His love and how God can come into their culture and show Him His love too.
Sherri's Story:
Hmm...this is a hard question for me to answer because I think when someone becomes a Christian and realizes His love for them,.. SNAP... they have then been called to the mission field. I think we are suppose to be missionaries no matter where we live or where we go. So I guess I was called to the mission field when I became a Christian when I was a kiddo.
But I suppose the idea of spreading His love to those around me, really moved from my head to my heart when I studied abroad in New Zealand, as I mentioned in my bio. Before I left for the trip I heard a pastor speak about how life is a missions trip. For some reason, this phrase fixated in my mind and it's been a mantra I have carried since then. So I prayed that God would use my study abroad for His glory and asked Him to use me.
And whoa, did he answer that prayer. The first day I arrived in NZ, people
were already asking me about my faith, and none of it was prompted by me in the slightest. I hardly ever started any conversations about God, but the Holy Spirit just knew how to use me and guided me to people and circumstances, and God always came up. So I saw Him faithfully answer my prayer that He use me, but my one friend was an astounding testimony to His faithfulness.
When I first met Dawn (who eventually became one of my best friends and was even in my wedding) she seemed to believe in many religions and I thought she had so many strange beliefs. I invited her to our bible study and she came, but I remember writing in my journal, "Oh God, how will she EVER come it know you??"
But it wasn't up to me, it was up to Him, thankfully, and by the end of my 5 months she had become a Christian, and two of my other friends as well. It was here where I saw God's love spelled out in how much Dawn changed and how faithful He was to draw her to Him. His love and redemption became so real to me in NZ.
Then I continued my missions trip by going back home and starting a bible study with non-Christian internationals. Even if some of them haven't become committed Christians yet, I loved seeing the Bible through their fresh eyes, and just learning about their cultures and loving on them and praying that God will continue to grow them.
Of course then I went to Thailand, not with a "missions group", but just independently, and tried to again live my missions trip life. I haven't seen as many people come to know God as I did in NZ, but that's not really what it's about cuz that isn't up to me. It's about spreading His love and letting Him do the work.
So now I feel called to keep growing. What made me so eager to go on the World Race was reading all the stories of how God is working in the participants and changing them so much to bring Him more glory.
I loved the quote, "We must be changed before we can change the world." My soul is eager for this hard, intense, renewal, to be shed of more of my dragon skins and for His motives to burn in my heart even brighter and for my human ones to evaporate away, so I can better serve Him and the world as I continue my missions trip of life until He calls me home.
