I arrived on U.S. soil on November 23rd at 7:30 PM. I was not
surrounded by the actual comforts of my own home until the next morning. This
past week I have lain in bed sick with cold, cough, and fever, etc. However, I am overjoyed to be around family and friends, specifically my niece
Jada. I always knew she was the love of my life, but I didn't realize how much the joy
she brings is irreplaceable. American comforts are a new reality for me
also, but I am enjoying sleeping in a big bed! I'm figuring out how to be the
new Ashley but in my old life. Merging the two worlds, World Race World and
American World has definitely been and still is a process.
While resting this past week, many memories swirled through my mind.
Times of running around, slipping and sliding during Songkran in Thailand,
weighing malnourished babies for the Medica Mamba program in Haiti,
prophetically worshipping all over Berlin, feeding the hungry
children in Botswana, bucket showers in the Dominican Republic, loving on the
kids of Children of Fire in South Africa, and simply the hilarious times of laughter amongst members of Team Bling :). This year I have accumulated a
plethora of memories that will last me a lifetime. I've laughed, cried, pushed
past my comfort zone, allowed myself to be vulnerable and truly learned God's
love for me. This year I have seen God's presence, power, and love all over the
world. He is a living and present God and I am forever changed from
my experiences this year. Like many of us, I was ready to shake things up for
His Kingdom and by attempting that, He shook things up within me. I can
confidently say that I am a victorious child of God. I met the true Ashley
Harris this year; the one that my Lord loves and desires to do so much through.
Coming home, many people have already asked me, "What's next for you?"
I've had an incredible year being wrecked for the Lord. He's ignited passions,
desires, and given me more of an understanding of who I am in Him. With this
new found freedom and understanding, I believe the next step the Lord has for
me is (drumroll please :)..... the G42 Leadership Academy.
Last March, Andrew Sherman, a powerful leader and man of God started
the G42 Leadership Academy located
in Mijas, Spain. He has a vision to raise up 100,000 leaders before he
goes to be with the Lord, and to bring Gods Kingdom to earth. I have been accepted
to the Winter and Spring terms of this Academy, and will be starting in
January. This is a six-month intensive program with the principles of
Discipleship - Growing in God, getting his DNA, Koinonea - God with skin on,
Freedom - God's creativity unleashed and Dominion - God with shoes on. G42 was
created for those who wish to turn their calling into something tangible to
spread the Kingdom of God on the earth: church planting, missions, businesses,
and working in & developing ministries. Classes are offered
Monday through Friday and we will also participate in various ministry
activities on the weekend. We will also do a practicum during the semester to
Africa and neighboring European countries. For a full list of the classes,
please click Here. At
the end of the six months, participants are encouraged to "say amen, and make a
plan." Hence, to walk out our calling and go after our kingdom dreams.
This year I have seen the Lord's provision not only in various countries
around the world, but also within my own life. I want to again thank everyone
who has supported me both prayerfully and financially while I was on the World
Race!!!!! The Lord provided above and beyond for this past year, and I am still
amazed by it. I am believing in faith that He will do the same for this trip.
To participate in the G42 Leadership Academy I need to raise $6,000 ($1,000 per
month) which will cover room, board, books, and additional costs.
Our God is a mighty God, and I am ever so grateful and thankful for the
freedom and redemption I now boldly stand on in His name. I ask that you will
prayerfully consider partnering with me as I step into the next phase of my
life to learn and walk into the calling God has placed on my life. If 25 people
pledge $40/month, this financial goal would be met!
If you would like to support me financially for G42, please Follow this Link, and
click on "Intern Support" where you can enter credit card/bank information on
the first page, and then my name during the second step. Please note: this is a
completely different account than my World Race account, so please do not use
the same website or mailing address as you have used in the past.
If you would rather pay by check, make checks payable to G42 and mail
to:
G42, Inc.
P.O. Box 17419
Fountain Hills, AZ 85269
In
the MEMO section of the Check please write Ashley Harris
G42, the 42nd generation is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit, and most
donations to G42 are tax-deductible. You will be a sent a tax receipt for all
deductible donations.
I will be keeping up my World Race blog while I am at the academy, so
please look out for updates. If you have any questions, please email me at aharris3783@gmail.com. I thank you again for your love,
emails, and interest as God transformed me this year. I am excited to continue
to grow and unleash His love and freedom to the nations!
P.S. Also, look out for a video of my final month in Berlin that Kristen has created. Will post it as soon as she uploads it!
We arrived in Berlin just shy of a
week's passing today. We didn't make it here without typical World Race drama. The
night before leaving Ukraine, I left the house in a hurry to grab dinner. As I
returned to our apartment, I heard Kristen yell down from our 10th
floor window that two policemen were in our place and they took their
passports. She then advised me to stay outside until further notice. As I ate
my dinner in the cold, 4 more Racers arrived home from grocery shopping
surprised to hear my explanation of why we had to wait outside. We waited for
about 45 minutes and then heard Kristen yell down that the policemen were
leaving and we should hide so they didn't know there were more of us. The five
of us scrambled in different directions... hiding behind cars, bushes, etc. After
the coast was clear we entered our warm apartment safe and sound. Later I found
out that someone called the cops when they saw a bunch of foreigners lugging
all their stuff into one apartment (20 people from different teams for a night).
Crooked cops arrived trying to bully us into giving them obscene amounts
of money without having valid reasons. To make a long story short, the officers left
when they realized my intelligent teammates weren't going to adhere to their
ridiculous requests.
We all went to sleep happy that night
that the silly drama was over. The next day we woke up early to catch our bus
to Berlin. Only issue is that two of our teammates got stuck in the elevator.
By that time, I had about 2 hours of sleep the night before and I wearily
thought, really what is going on? First, the crazy police and now we may miss
our bus because of an old rickety elevator that's on its last leg? Thankfully,
Holli and Benny were only stuck for about 15 minutes and we all made it on time
to enjoy a 24 hour bus ride to
Berlin.
Here in Berlin, it's rainy, cloudy, and
cold most of the time, but the consensus of the entire group is that we pretty
much love Berlin. Over this past week, this newly formed group has
laughed together, prayed and worshiped together, gone on a walking tour of the
city, and caught up on sleep from a year of constant travel.
The day after participating in the 28
hour Burn of prophetic worship on Halloween day (we did a 2 hour set), I spent
some much needed time alone with the Lord. A lot of thoughts swarmed in my head
during the past 24 hours. Our 2 hour set went well, and I even got to sing one
of my favorite songs "Bless the Lord" by Tye Tribbett. I was excited to sing
this song but a few hours before our set, familiar thoughts of insecurity rose
up in me...what if I mess up? What if I'm not good enough? Yadda Yadda. It's
funny because even though these negative thoughts flared up, I'm intelligent
and grounded enough now to know how to distinguish a lie of the enemy when I
hear, feel, or see one. I definitely did not want to make our time of worship
about me, but my pride was on the line. And everything that I feared could go
wrong, did. I couldn't hear myself singing, couldn't really hear the timing of
the music, and my nerves were pretty out of control. As I prayed before we
began our set, I asked the Lord to calm my nerves and that I would move the
focus off of me to Him. He then asked me that, "if I fell flat on my face during our
set, would I still do it if it brought Him glory"? Yes I replied hesitantly.
Now, it wasn't the end of the world
what happened, but to me in that moment it felt like it. I felt like this was
my chance to begin to walk in a gift the Lord has given me and I felt like I
messed up and wasn't really good at something I believe the Lord is calling me
to...to worship Him in song. Sometimes I don't even know what note is coming out
of my mouth...but this is what you want Lord? My pride doesn't want to be like
one of those contestants trying out for American Idol, who think they can sing, but
have no idea it's quite the opposite. It's uncomfortable not knowing your place
in a new group, let alone in your own calling.
Yes it's silly that I have made this
all about me. Who really cares if I messed up? Get up and keep going. But I do
want to be honest that I have made
it about me. My pride wanted to blow people out of the water with my talent. I
wanted to be recognized as a significant factor. It's funny because even though
these desires are still present, they are not the same as before. I am free
from bondage of the mindset that I am inadequate and unworthy. I know who I am
in Christ. Does my flesh sometimes act otherwise? Yes, but I know where my
foundation lies. The Lord just may ask us to do things that are not always
comfortable. Which is where I am at now in my life. I have a foundation in
Christ and it's pretty glorious, and now I am learning how to build on that
foundation, hence walking out my victory in Him. It's not easy, let me tell
you. Ever since that awesome night in Romania, I believe I have been coasting
on the joy of my new found freedom. While in Ukraine, the Lord reminded me that
I still needed to go through the fire. And here in Berlin was my first fight. I
don't like that I still have to go through things, learn things, struggle through things. I just want to get it already! The Lord gently spoke to me
through Ecclesiastes 3:11, "He has made everything beautiful in its time". I
felt the Lord telling me "I will make you beautiful in your time. You are
beautiful to me now, but let me mold you and make you into the person I have
created you to be. Let me shape you... yes I know it is uncomfortable and painful
at times. But I know what I'm doing."
I cried when I heard these words.
Growth is a process; that quite frankly I don't always want to go
through. A few verses earlier in Ecclesiastes it says, "There is a time
for everything and a season for every activity under heaven....a time to plant
and a time to uproot, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep
and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance." Well if you know me
at all, you know that I love to laugh and dance, but I also know that as I have
had a time of tearing down walls in my life, it is now time to build. It is
uncomfortable, but it is time.
So even though singing in front of
people still makes me nervous, pridefully I wish I could sing like Whitney
Houston...but yet I still love to sing, especially praises unto our Lord. In
Psalm 100 it does not say to make a "beautiful noise" unto the Lord; it says to
make "a joyful one". More times than not a beautiful sound does come out of my
mouth, but that's not what it's about. Joyfully I will praise my Lord, and
joyfully I will proclaim His goodness.
Recently our worship team prayed over each other, and
Kristen had the words "Denied
Calling...UNVEILED"
come to mind for me. I guess I could consider our 2- hour set during Burn to be
my unveiling, and by musical standards it wasn't that great. I denied singing
out His praises for years due to fear and insecurity, but no longer. I have by
no means arrived but I no longer want to stop whatever the Lord desires to do
in me and through me. Pride is an issue the Lord is continuing to break me of,
and it definitely hurts sometimes. But I love that He loves me enough to be
patient with me so that I may bring Him glory.
"Come let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to
the Rock of our salvation.
Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol
him with music and songs."
No alarm wakes me up this month. Well,
actually I haven't really had an alarm ever wake me up on the race, I guess
that's what I have teammates for. This month, home is a 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom
apartment on the 10th floor of our apartment building that I share
with 13 other women (Team Bling and Team Gentle Warriors). Being the only two
all female teams on H squad, it seemed ludicrous to some to squeeze so much
estrogen in such a small space, but we've managed not to kill each other, and
quite frankly enjoy each other.
The best part of this apartment is that
I have my own space. How you might ask? I agree it sounds a bit absurd because
for one, World Race livin' means no personal space, and this month is no
exception. Yet I managed to claim a spot on the floor in the laundry room.
Sleeping in the laundry room has its pros and cons. Some nights I get to hear
the lovely washer machine whirr me to sleep, however, it has been known to
break down every now and then, thus creating a small flood on the floor, aka my
bed. Since I sleep under the clothes line, sometimes at night I wake up with a
nice article of clothing on my head. But it's my own little space and I love
it.
Kiev is a fun city, which reminds of
home. For those of you who do not know, I lived outside of Washington D.C. for
2 years before leaving for the World Race. I lived in a high-rise apartment as
I do now, I took the metro and a bus as I do now, and I'm getting my exercise
in through walking, as before. Metro etiquette is similar to home as well.
People don't talk much, especially earlier in the day, some cars are so packed
that if you move an inch, you're liable to plant a big fat juicy one to the
person facing you. The language barrier makes riding the metro even more
fun. For one I know about 5 words in Russian (Russian and Ukranian are spoken
here) and even if I can pronounce a word, reading it is another story. Many
letters used here aren't even found in the English alphabet, let alone make any
logical sense phonetically. So how do we know what stop to get off at? Diligent
memorization and counting. And if all else fails we ask a dozen people if they
speak English until we get a winner.
Also, I would like to mention that I'm
pretty sure I may be a celebrity. You'd think they've never seen a black person
in Ukraine before, and let me say I know they have because I've seen a lot more
here than I ever thought I would. Nonetheless, I haven't stuck out so much in
any other country like this.
Walking through the city, running to
catch the metro before the doors close, all remind me of the life I once knew.
Except now instead of heading to a 9 to 5 job I get to hang out with children
taken off the streets, discuss my year with theological seminary students, and
have fun with new-found friends at English Club. However, I think my favorite
part of ministry this month is hanging out with the kids at Child Rescue (www.crossrdsfoundation.org).
Our team has worked with children for
most of the year, sometimes I have thoroughly enjoyed it, and other times I have looked forward to the end of the month and moving on to a new
location. However, this time it is very different. I fell in love with these
children. We have laughed together, played games together, made crafts, watched
movies...and did I mention I speak about 5 words in Russian? Even with a
translator, communication was not always easy, but I believe these children saw
the love of God through our diligent time in the center. Some days I catch
myself wondering what is their story, and how such sweet children could end up abadoned on the street. The
Crossroads Foundation is an impressive organization, and from my point of view has gotten it right. This year we
have been in contact with many people and organizations that have a heart to
help and do good, but something is always missing, and I feel Crossroads
Foundation has every corner covered.
Below is a video created about our time
with the kids, English club, and exploring the beautiful city of Kiev. Please
enjoy!
P.S. I have a little less than month before I come home! Tomorrow, I will be boarding a
bus for Berlin, Germany. I, as well as 9 other members of H-squad, will be
forming a worship team and participating in Burn
Berlin (http://burn24-7.com/locations/europe/germany/berlin/). Kristen and I
will be joining this team, while the rest of Bling will be traveling to Poland,
Munich, Germany, and Prague for their last month. As I am sad to spend the last
month of the race away from my team, I am excited to spend a month of ministry
focused on worship, prayer, and intercession to bring the presence of God to
the city. Please pray for safe travels and thank you to everyone who posted a
comment, sent a facebook message, or email concerning my last blog, I was blessed
by the encouragement. God is good!
Below is a journal entry (and some current comments) of an
important day in my life.
September 5, 2009
H-squad recently had arrived to Viile Tecii, Romania only a
day earlier and we all are still getting acclimated to the quaint village. This
morning, most of BLING chose to visit one of the surrounding lakes in the
village for a refreshing swim. I chose to stay home and enjoy a little quiet
time with a good book, as I realize quiet time will come few and far between
this month with all 52 H squad members living on the same street. The day
seemed like it would be like any other day on the race...or so I thought.
Fast forward to the evening. Not only are all members of H
squad living on the same street, but there are 3 teams from other squads also
living on our street. Needless to say the Americans have invaded this little
village to do some work for the Kingdom. This evening the J squad invited our
squad over to their house for a time of worship around a bonfire, which we
gladly accepted. So Shannon, Liz, and myself went to the bonfire, while other
members of our team went to a church service in a neighboring village.
This is where the night gets interesting...so I arrived to the
bonfire ready to worship. As I walked up the pathway toward the fire, I turned
and felt something smack me in the eye. I wasn't sure what hit me, as at that
moment I didn't recall being close to anyone or any trees. Nevertheless, my eye
began watering and I had trouble opening it. Thankfully a few of my squad mates
checked on me and after about 10 minutes, I was able to open my eye, although
it was severely irritated. Thus, while everyone stood singing around the
bonfire, I sat in a chair letting their voices and the strumming of a lone guitar
wash over me. I felt a bit out of it, but didn't think too much of it since I
just got wacked in the eye, unaware of the events that would soon unfold.
Worship continued on with each squad lifting up praises to
the Lord. During this time, a J squad member encouraged everyone to sing out
praises and show God our thankfulness. People from different sections of the
circle called out praises, prayers for Romania and words of adoration to the
Lord. During this time, Taryn spoke out (from what I remember correctly) that "we needed
to bind the spirit of rejection and that it had no place here." I remember
thinking for a moment...hmmm, that's random... everyone else is speaking out
praises and your speaking about binding things?? It was a short-lived thought,
forgotten completely within the next moment, and I again let the music wash
over me.
Praise and Worship around the bonfire carried on for another
half an hour or so when again someone spoke out for those feeling physically
ill to step out for prayer. Since I've had stomach problems since..let's see...
Cambodia....and we're in month 9 now and Cambodia was month 3, I thought what the
heck?I'd say I qualify, so I
walked into the middle of the circle with all the other sickies to receive
prayer. As folks surrounded us in prayer, Jen Myers turned to me and asked, do
you think it's just physical with you or
also spiritual? I looked at her,
contemplated her comment for a second and answered, "I don't know, I feel sort
of funny, but I sure hope not!" She replied, "Hmmm well, I think it may be spiritual too." My shoulders sagged a little after her
comment, and I thought great, I wonder what that means?
After speaking with Jen Myers I turned to my left and saw
Terri praying quietly. I then watched her become over come with a joyful
laughter. Jen Den was behind me praying, smiled, and whispered to me, "Awe
that's awesome...Terri is drunk in the spirit!" I thought to myself, yeah that is
pretty cool. I then turned towards the front again and began praying once
again. Now, I will try describe as best I can what happened next....While praying,
I felt the Holy Spirit come upon me and I remember bending over slightly,
raising my hands to the Lord, and saying Hallelujah over and over again. I then knelt on the ground,
overwhelmed by His Presence.
I remember kneeling on the ground, rocking slightly, tears
streaming down my face, and....then I began to yell/scream. I wasn't screaming words, just simply
yelling/screaming. I heard myself screaming and I remember thinking, "I sound
like I am in soo much pain, this
is crazy to be yelling such a sad
and sorrowful cry"...but yet inside I felt fine. Well, I'm not sure if fine is
the right word to describe how I felt, but in no way did I feel any emotion or
pain to warrant the sound rising
from the depths of my throat. And to be honest, I don't think I could have
stopped even if I wanted to. It felt right, even though I didn't understand
what was going on.While this was
happening, I could hear and feel people around me laying hands on me, talking
to me, and praying for me. I wasn't alone. I found out after wards that many
times I was told by different individuals to say the name of Jesus, however, every time I tried, I just could not get
His name out.
My time of crying, rocking, yelling/screaming out in pain
lasted for about 10 minutes.
Gradually, my rocking slowed, my breathing calmed and I
opened my watery eyes to a loving group of people around me. I looked at them
and said..."Yeah I don't know what just happened. I know it was crazy, but I
couldn't stop. Honestly, I'm at a loss for words." As I was speaking, Jen Den
warmly rubbed my back and then replied that she believed the Lord was trying to
free me from something. I looked at her with questioning eyes wondering what it
could be. She told me to keep praying and seek the Lord on what He's
trying to do. Still pretty unsure, I shook my head in agreement that I needed
to seek out the Lord.
During my little episode, the focus had definitely been on
me for a little bit, but the worship leaders took control and played one last
song to close out our eventful night of worship. As the closing prayer was
spoken before ending the night, I stood arm in arm with Jenni Weir as I was
still wobbly from my experience. While the worship leader prayed out loud, I
also prayed quietly to myself, asking, "Ok God, what is it Your trying to do?
What do You want to heal me of? I stood their praying for a few moments and the
words "spirit of rejection" flashed across my mind.
Now, before I go on I will give a little background of my
struggle with the spirit of rejection. This is something I have struggled with
my entire life. I have felt a fear of rejection coupled with secretly feeling
completely inadequate about most things since I can remember having concrete
thoughts. This fear of being rejected was fueled by the idea
that being rejected would mean there actually wasa reason to reject me...and this then would
prove what I feared most to be true. That I was inadequate, unworthy, and
simply did not measure up. Even as I write
this I realize how ridiculous it sounds, but please understand I fought against
these thoughts my entire life. I will say it is not because of upbringing. I
have very supportive and loving parents who have encouraged and edified me
throughout my entire life. I believe in generational curses and sins, and I
believe I have carried things that who knows how far down the generational line
began, but I do know it was never meant for me to carry. This fear of mine bled
into every part of my life: my personality, my communication skills,
vulnerability, my drive and initiative, you name it...it was affected. I've
always felt the need to prove my worth and to make sure people knew that Ashley
Harris does have something to bring to the table. Now when I say all of this, it doesn't mean I led a sad,
sad life and was a person who had no confidence (especially in the Lord), but I
did portray a false confidence and I
always feared people would soon discover my facade.
I believe the past few years before the World Race, the Lord
has been preparing me for this day. I first started realizing that maybe the
feeling and thoughts I had weren't normal and I wasn't supposed to have them. I
then started putting a name to my issues. I believe there is power in calling
out by name the strongholds in your life. Put a name to something and then you
know how to start praying. And with prayer...well there is Power.
While on the World Race the Lord has also continued to prepare me
for this day. For one, I am on an all female team where I have no excuse or room
not to be real with everyone. Then four months into the year I was chosen as
the next leader of my team, and honestly, it's not because I'm the best one for the
job. Yes I've been in leadership positions before and led very well, but this
time was a bit different. I had to face all my issues and insecurities head on
in this position, and lucky for me they were stronger and more overwhelming
than I have ever felt in my entire life. At the beginning of being the leader
of my team, I walked in the lies...that I was inadequate and that my team would
reject me if I made the wrong decision, and thus I led inadequately and in
constant fear of being rejected. Which may I add, I have an awesome and very
supportive team, so there was no reason for me to feel this way. Nevertheless,
when I made the decision to fight the lies, I was able to walk in Truth. It
wasn't always easy, and some days, I faltered, but I spoke the Truth to myself
even when I felt anything but the opposite.
Fast forward back to Saturday night, September 5th.
I'm still standing arm and arm with Jenni Weir praying to
God when the words "spirit of rejection" cross my mind. I don't know how else
to say what happened next, but in that very moment I knew I was free. I didn't necessarily feel any sort of release
or something leave me, but I knew.
And with freedom comes joy:).
I began crying, speaking in tongues, and rejoicing in the Lord. I felt
completely surrounded and overwhelmed by Him, completely loved by Him, and I
wept in how good He is. He loved me enough to free me from this burden! The
Lord spoke to me that night, not in words necessarily, but in a warm embrace of
love. I'm not sure how to explain it, but the Lord can speak to us without
using words, just simply by surrounding us in His Presence. I don't know how
best to express my experience other than to say I felt complete freedom, love,
acceptance, joy, and peace...and man was it glorious!!!! Our God is worthy to be
praised!!! I remember raising my hands, pumping my fists, and yelling out
YES!!!! The best part is that the people around me then surrounded me and
rejoiced with me! And, did I mention that I then got on my soapbox and started
preaching to those around me? The main message I felt a need to drive home to
everyone was to never forget that our Lord is Sovereign and He has not forsaken us. Lol, to say the least I
was pretty fired up.
Looking back on that day, I at first wondered, "why couldn't
He have delivered me earlier in my life?" I know God does everything in His own
timing, but still...why? I realized, quite frankly I wasn't ready. I've seen and
heard of people who have been delivered from things and then days, months,
maybe even years after wards they are still walking in lies believing they were
never delivered in the first place. You can be delivered of something but you
still have to walk it out! I have an understanding that just because the Lord
delivered me from the spirit of rejection doesn't mean that I will never feel
rejected or inadequate in my life again. It simply means that I don't have to be overcome by it. There is such ViCtOrY in that statement! I
now know and understand my true identity in Christ, and let me just say it
feels pretty darn good.
Now, people get delivered from things everyday and how that
looks is different for each person. I just ended up being the girl that probably
looked like I was demon possessed screaming my head off, and yet having a
glorious ending.... or beginning should I say, in the Lord.It still hits me from time to time and
I think, "I can't believe I'm free!" The verse in John that says "the truth
shall set you free" could never ring more true. If you are struggling with
something, I encourage you, keep fighting, and speaking out His Truth against
the lies of the enemy. He has not forgotten you.
Oh and P.S. apparently, the home where the bonfire took
place, got fined with a nOiSe ordinance and they were banned from having any
more bonfires. Sad, because I'm pretty sure I had something to do with that,
but hey if you're going to get fined for something, why not for something like
an authentic all-out delivery session with the Lord? I know it's worth it :).
September 4th I arrived in Romania after flying from Jo'burg, SA, with a layover in Instanbul, Turkey, finally arriving in Bucharest. From there it was approx. an 8 hour bus ride to Ville Tecii, Romania. I have been living in this village for the past few weeks. God has amazed me with His beauty, b/c this country is breathtaking!
As much as my heart is still in Africa, I am blessed and thankful to be in Romania. This month all of H squad lived in the same street! That has never happened before so it was nice to have a month of fellowship with everyone. As Team Bling, we have gone apple pickin, done vacation bible school with kids in the village, manual labor, as well as simply enjoying the company of those in village. The Lord has also shown His immense love for me which I will explain in a future blog. Freedom in Christ is so glorious sometimes it's beyond words for me to explain!! :)
Below is a video Shannon created of our time in Romania. Tomorrow we head to Brasov for debrief as well as a conference for World Race alumni, staff, and current racers. As for now, I have no idea where I am headed next, but I hope to let you know soon!
P.S. Below are a few memories from this month....
*** Hitchhiking into the neighboring cities for a little internet time...and by horse and carriage might I add!
***September 17th, H-squad had a Mexican Night, filled with rice, beans, and fajitas....and the next day 85% of the squad ended up in the bathroom (out houses might I add).......ALL DAY...myself included :(
***Random visits with people in the village...eating walnuts, grapes, you name it straight from the tree, coffee visits...
***Going with John Fracker (our contact) to buy baby pigs (a random thing on my bucket list). Once the pigs were chosen, momma pig came out of the woodworks to defend her babies. Needless to say, it's probably one of the loudest screams that has ever left my lungs that day after almost being run over by her.
***Worship on the beautiful hillside of the village.
***Last but not least...making the mistake of walking back from the internet (1 hour walk) to Ville Tecii. Di and I left right before it was getting dark and we couldn't get anyone to pick us up. So the long trek back to the village began...we couldn't see 2 feet in front of us...and we could hear random animals howling in the distance. Definitely one of my scarier moments on the race!
Posted in South Africa by Ashley Harris on 9/12/2009
To Bling-Up
Pronunciation: "bliŋ əp"
Function: Verb
1. to rise to the occasion
2. to possess a physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual level of intensity similar to any member of team BLING (otherwise known as Ashley, Kristen, Blair, Shannon, Liz, or Kara).
Above is the definition you would find in Webster's Dictionary if Bling-Up were apart of the everyday English language. This two-part verb originated when members of team Bling would challenge each other to do things already expected of a Bling member to be able to do. Nevertheless, on any given day or occasion, since we are only human, we may need that extra push to get the job done. This is when a sweet coaxing of the words "Bling –Up" are in order. Depending on the situation, a stern look accompanied by a soft whisper, "Bling-Up" is enough to instill a feeling of pure inspiration to do what is needed. Other times, a more forceful manner is required.
After a month of ministry in Botswana, Di Dinnis of Team Spectacle challenged my team member Kara to a wrestling match. Excited for a night of entertainment all members of team Spectacle and team Bling took our mattresses off our beds and lined them up in the living room. Kara, a kind-hearted girl, (who honestly couldn't hurt a fly) was worried she couldn't take the match seriously. Di, on the other hand, was ready for a throw down. As the wrestling match started, team Bling cheered excitedly for Kara. As minutes ticked away, the match was going well, and each woman gave an equal showing. Yet it came to a point a lil coaxing was in order. "Bling-Up Kara!" rose loudly from the throats of a few Bling members watching enthusiastically on the sidelines. After hearing such inspiring words, Kara sprung into action and pinned Di down in three seconds flat. Now, did any of us doubt that Kara would prevail? No....not really, because that's just how Bling rolls. :)
Bling- Up can be applied to any occasion in life when you need that extra push or drive to get ‘er done. I will be honest, it feels good to know that I can tell someone to Bling-Up, and they know exactly what is expected of them. To Bling-Up is not a pride issue but simply recognizing the God given talent and ability within yourself. Plus, did I tell you we have Jesus on our side? So truly all things are possible for team Bling if the Lord so wills it. So with that said, for those of you who rise to the occasion, I salute you, and say with confidence, Bling-Up baby, Bling-Up all the way J
****P.S. Last month, team Bling truly encompassed the word Bling-Up when we went sky diving in Johannesburg, South Africa. It was an awesome experience that I plan on doing again in the near future. I'm actually contemplating becoming a sky diving instructor that's how much I loved it! Here are a few pics Shannon took on that day. If you are in the DC or Richmond area in December I'd love to show you the video of my sky diving adventure (since I can't upload to my blog). Bling- Up baby!
Posted in South Africa by Ashley Harris on 8/27/2009
This month Team Bling spent our time doing ministry in Johannesburg, South Africa. It was a great month for us and we had a taste of home as well. Check out the video below of ministry and fun times (sky diving!) in Joburg. Dave Brown, one of our squad leaders from Team Spectacle, also spent the month with us. At the end of the video you will see a shout out made especially for him. Enjoy!
I would like to share some random memories of life in the
bush. So here are a few things that happened in the
bush and a lil bit from the start of our trek into Botswana:
**Renting cars in Johannesburg to drive over the South
African border into Botswana. Stick shift and driving on the left hand side of
the road added an extra adventure. Estimated time it should have taken us to
get to Lobatse, Botswana: 6 hours. Actual time: 9 hours (got a lil lost and
made a pit stop by Grace's house, a nice lady we gave a ride to)
**Arriving in Botswana and meeting the Walker family...an
awesome family who nurtured, fed, and gave us a feel like home setting many
miles from home before we headed into the bush.
**One day sitting outside while doing logistics for next
month, a large grunting baboon or (maybe even a mid sized gorilla) runs past
me. Needless to say I basically freaked out....since it had been a week since
going on a safari...and it was a little late for animals to be running around
freely!
**Fat cakes- yummy balls of fried doughy goodness. Ate them
at least 5 times while in the bush, and it was pure heaven.
**Tenting....I've carried that tent for almost 8 months
now...so I'm glad to finally get some use out of it. It was nice to have my own
space, but if I never sleep in a tent again...I won't complain.
**Campfire worship while gazing at the clear starry night
sky.
**Watching South African soap operas in the bush. Khumbu had a
satellite dish...and at night we would gather in his house to watch Scandal!
And Generations. We got really into it...I still wonder what's gonna happen to
Shakira? P.S. The tv we watched the shows on was hooked up to a car battery
that was charged during the day by a solar panel....all in da bush baby.
**Riding a donkey. Bareback. That wasn't originally on my
bucket list...but since I've done it...check!
**Falling asleep one night in my tent and hearing in the far
off distance...children singing the "My God you are so Big" song we taught them hours before...
**God providing a place to stay for debrief for both of our
teams in the 11th hour. Never a dull moment!
(Bling cleaned up and out and about during debrief)
Last but not least check out the video below about ministry and life this month
in Botswana!
During the month of July Team Bling and Team Spectacle spent our time in Botswana. For the first few days
we cleared out a field in what would be the Garden of Eden, as our
contact Len put it. After a few days spent in Lobatse, Bling and
Spectacle parted ways, both teams heading into different areas of the
bush.
The morning of our departure, Liz and I made a quick stop to the
grocery store to get food for the 10 days we would be in the bush.
After buying food suitable for campfire cooking, we hopped on our first
bus of three to get to Shoshong where Khumbu (our contact) would pick us up
to take us into the bush. After meeting Khumbu we crammed ourselves
and our luggage into his Toyota 4x4 and headed into our new home. Which
by the way, I've laid my head down in over 50 locations so far this
year and still counting!
Arriving to Moralane we saw dusty roads, huts made of straw and
homemade bricks, and a people in need of a Savior. The people in the
village of Moralane are plagued by drunkenness and sexual immorality.
Khumbu spends his days sharing the gospel and often times not seeing
much fruit of his labor, and yet he still perseveres. Although our
ministry was to share the gospel with the people of Moralane, I also
believe we were sent to bring encouragement and restoration to Khumbu
and his family. Khumbu and his wife are originally from Zimbabwe and
although they know they are called to this area, it does not mean the
road before them isn't difficult.
Khumbu and his wife, Sandra, and their children (Tino and Prince) are the
only connection the people of Moralane have to learning how to have a
relationship with God. Speaking with Khumbu and having him share
his heart showed me what dedication they have in the Lord. Getting a
glimpse of Khumbu's life made me realize...well for one I don't know if
I could (or want) to do it. How can I pour out myself to these people
knowing that many will never change? And then it dawns on me how easily
Jesus will leave the ninety-nine sheep to find the lost one...how could
I contemplate sharing His love with others even if it might mean only one has ears to here?
This past month we've painted, gardened, varnished doors, played
volleyball and other games with the kids in the village, performed
songs and bible stories, as well a little evangelizing. Each of us had
a night where we went out into the village to share a word with the
people. It's funny how God works. When it was my turn I shared my
testimony and spoke about having true repentance, as I had seen on
previous days, many villagers would come up for prayer during our
services drunk out of their mind. A few days later, Khumbu asked me if
I and another person would like to attend a service he was speaking at.
So about 15 minutes later Shannon and I are headed into the village
with Pastor Khumbu. He then proceeds to tell us that we are going to a
funeral service (wake) and wanted to know if we had any words of
encouragement to share. Our initial reactions were, "Was the person who
passed away saved?" "No" stated Kumbu, but if you have a word or verse
to share that would be great. Neither Shannon nor I felt extremely
comfortable sharing, but I said ok Lord what do you have for them?
When we arrived to our destination, The verse in 2 Corinthians 1 about
God being the Great Comforter came to mind. I shared the verse with the
family and friends of the deceased and ended up turning the sharing
session of comfort into a sharing session of the Gospel. I realized how
often whenever I have to share about God, I feel like I need to have
time to prepare and God reminded me that His Words are the only words
they need to here, and He will give them to me. Preparation is
important and needed, but allowing the Holy Spirit to do His thing is
even more important. I may not be the most eloquent speaker, but if His
words are what is heard by the lost, then I am but a vessel and
thankful for it.
Overall this was one of my favorite month's of the race (Next to
Thailand of course). We saw God's faithfulness in so many ways this
month: in His provision for all of our transportation throughout the
month, providing a place to stay in the 11th hour for our two teams for
debrief at the end of the month, and protecting us from any harm. It's
funny but simple....when you ask you WILL receive. There were a lot of
logistical things this month that didn't always work out as planned or
hoped, but God came through every time and it ended up being more than
we could ask for. And that's just it...we presented our needs to
God...and He answered above and beyond what we asked. It reminded
me...why do I worry? If He says He's got me, then He does, even if I
don't see it right away. Faith istruly not
based on our feelings or present circumstances, but on the Truth..and
the Truth is that "God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that
in all things
at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in everygoodwork" ~2 Corinthians 9:8. So keep fighting the good fight! ☺
Posted in South Africa by Ashley Harris on 8/3/2009
We call ourselves Lynne's Pride. (She was our wonderful tour guide)
From l to r: Ashley Musick, Jessica, Di, Darci, Tonya, Me, and Jen Den
On July 3rd the H squad went on a safari in Kruger Park. We left at 5:00 in the morning and watched the sunrise on the South African horizon. Here is a Lion King inspired video of our adventures that day. The pics don't do the real life view justice...but please do enjoy! :) I saw over 35 animals that day including a lion pride (up close and personal), tiger, cheetah, giraffes, herd of elephants, etc!!! :)