Ashley Harris - His Will...My Life.

One foot in the Past, One in the Present...Eyes toward the Future

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

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!

Denied Calling, Unveiled.

Mon, 2 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

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 10^th 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."

Psalm 95: 1-2

K-I-E-V

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

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 10^th 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!

I'm FREE

Sun, 4 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

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 was a 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 5^th.

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 :).

A lil bit of Romania in my life

Sat, 19 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

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!

Bling-Up!

Sat, 12 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

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!

Me putting on my suit

Lizette stuffing our shoots

Fixing my straps

Blair and I posing

Us and my crazy instructor Dave

Walking to the plane

Danger sign on my back!

Awesome view of free falling!

Liz jumping out of the plane

Action Shot of Liz free falling

Me in the air

Landed!

Sky Diving Crew

Bling'n-Up in all it's glory :)

South Africa Video!

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

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!

He Is FAITHful

Wed, 5 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

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 is truly 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 every good work" 2 Corinthians 9:8. So keep fighting the good fight! ☺

In da bush....(and a video on the side)

Wed, 5 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

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 11^th 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!

Lynne's Pride

Mon, 3 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

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!!! :)

Get Ya Preach On.....

Sun, 5 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

This past month team Bling spent our time in Mozambique. Our original plans for Mozambique were that we would be tenting and roughing it in a town called Gorongoza. However, plans fell through and God led us to work with a base of Iris Ministries (Heidi Baker ring a bell?) in a town called Chimoio. This blog is dedicated to the great memories of my first weekend in Chimoio, when Kara and I traveled to preach at Pastor Amos' (pronounced Amosh) church ....

Memories of my first weekend visit to Amatongas:

Kara and I arrive with Pastor Amos in the marketplace waiting for our choppa (pronounced shoppa), a public transportation van. We head into the packed van filled with bodies, groceries, a baby crying, odor, and music blaring. We were crammed in the van in a way I cannot describe. Bodies are money, no matter how illegal the amount of people in the van would be in the U.S. As I bob my head to the beat, I see a Snoop Dogg look a like (truly wish I took a pic) standing outside our van. He was literally bobbing his head to the beat and swaying in the oh so cool and only way Snoop does... so I waited patiently for him to drop it like its hott, but unfortunately our encounter never got that exciting.

The ride in the cramped van to Amatongas from Chimoio was about a 45 minute ride. Speaking to Pastor Amos during the ride was also an adventure within itself. Mind you our conversation consists of him speaking in Portuguese to me and then me responding in Spanish- with a few English words intermixed between the two of us when no matter how many synonyms we use to explain something, comprehension is beyond reach. As I sit here mid conversation, I think...wow this is my life. (And sidenote- while talking to Pastor Amos it dawns on me why he looks familiar...I'm talking to an Eddie Murphy look alike!...well only when he smiles, but still....

During my conversation with Pastor Amos he asks me about demons manifesting in people. He inquires...if that happens at church...you guys will pray for them? I stutter thinking, I never took "How to Cast out a Demon 101" class but all things are possible with Christ. I smile and say yes, but admit it's not something I've done before...ready for whatever adventure was in store for the next day.

When we arrive to Pastor Amos's village I see chickens, roosters, goats among the people of the village bustling around. As dusk falls, children surround Kara and I interested in the foreigners. One 14 year old girl that I met, Sophie, was so excited to introduce us to her mother that she literally runs away in laughter and excitement that then I can't stop laughing either. Kara then proceeds to teach the children the "Gloria a Dios" (Glory to God song- that we taught the children in the Dominican Republic) and eventually the song turns into an all out jam session of beautiful young voices singing praises to God. And once again I think...wow this is my life.

The next morning we start the 5 minute trek to church from the Pastor's house. We walk the dusty trail and pass straw huts, curious faces and species of duck I've never seen before in my life, we then soon arrive to the small church building centrally located in the village. We wait 25 minutes and only about ten small children are present within the small church. As we wait, we watch a woman pour water on the dirt floor of the church. The pastor explains that it is to help keep the dust down when people start dancing. A smile spread across my face with anticipation of the dancing to come. Pastor Amos along with his accordion starts the service with 10 kids in the audience under the age of 5 and Kara, I, and Sebastian (our translator and friend from Iris Ministries). We are told more people will come but for now it's us and the accordion. Soon, truth be told adults and more children start piling in until the small church is packed. This is when Kara leans over to me and whispers, "you notice how I'm the brightest and the whitest of the bunch?" With her bright green shirt, technicolor sarong and creamy complexion, I think to myself, dang gina you're right! :)

As church continues the music is lively but I can tell that it is only the beginning. As I turn in my seat, in walks a young man with a drum slung around his neck. He saunters down the middle aisle, walks up to the front, releases a war cry and starts beating on his drum. Then his twin walks in with drum in tow and they go at it. When the beat drops and everyone begins getting up from the benches and dancing and singing praises to the Lord, tears came to my eyes. I was so happy and I wish in that moment that so many people from back home as well as my other teammates who were visiting other churches could have been there with me to experience the joy I felt. And I thought once again...wow this is my life! Thank you Lord for Your blessings.

After our praise jam session, and a few sweaty foreheads and shirts as well as a blanketed atmosphere of body odor, it was time to bring the word. Kara preached a message on temptation and I piggy backed off of her message and spoke for a few moments about the promises of God and trusting the Lord. Mind you while we were preaching, Sebastian would translate our English into Portuguese, and then Pastor Amos would translate that into a dialect of Portuguese spoken in his village, so speaking was a fun time. After speaking we then had an opportunity to lay hands on people and pray for them. Granted there were no demon manifestations, but God was present in that place.

After church we had a wonderful lunch of goat, rice, and beans with Pastor Amos and his family. He then bode the three of us farewell as we began our journey back to Chimoio. We were able to catch a ride in the back of a pick up truck (still considered public transportation). As we are traveling we learn that most of the people jam packed in the back of the truck are Christians, which sparks a variety of conversations. Our driver, who oddly enough was an Ice Cube look a like (a rapper for those of you who do not know) turned off the car after dropping off a few people and strides towards the back of the truck and in a mix of Portuguese and English says I have a question for you...was Jesus was white or black? He then proceeds to say to us, "discuss it, figure it out, and I will come back for my answer after the next drop off. Laughter and chatter fills the back of the truck as the driver walks back towards the driver seat. The overall concensus of everyone in the truck was that Jesus was Jewish...however most people state they believe Jesus was only a little bit lighter in complexion than me.

As we get dropped off at our stop I think back over the weekend...the crammed travel style, yummy goat and rice meals, my first African church service and preaching session in Mozambique, the look-a-likes, and the infamous question that plagues so many..haha. I think once again...wow this really is my life...and even with the good days and the hard ones...I thank the Lord God Almighty for it. :)

Poetic Travels

Sun, 5 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

At the end of the month of June Team Bling left our ministry in Mozambique to head back to South Africa to enjoy a few days of debrief with our squad coaches as well as other members of our squad. We were only an hour outside of the border of Mozambique and Zimbabwe so we headed to Zimbabwe to meet up with another team, the Gentle Warriors, and make the long trek to South Africa. My teammate Blair wrote a poem to regale the adventures of our 27 hour trip from Chimoio, Mozambique to Nelspruit, South Africa. Enjoy!

Waiting on our ride, it's half past ten
Fifteen more minutes and we'll try his cell again
Over an hour late, but we know that is the norm
And just when doubt sets in, that's when we hear the horn
Excited for some travel we grab our bags and head outside
To find no luggage rack or trailer in which our bags should reside
This is a minor problem, you see our bags are quite big
The driver says, "More money, you're taking half the seats up in my rig"
Oh communication barriers are something we do love
So after friendly negotiation we receive some grace from up above
We're headed to the border of Mozambique and Zimbabwe
To meet the gentle warriors and to debrief make our way
The first leg of our journey is not so bad at all
Stamped out of Mozambique, man they're really on the ball
Just across the border our squad mates wave with such delight
Even though we can see them, it's still an hour til we truly unite
As we must purchase our visas and allow them to check our bags
No one gets in a hurry as time continues to drag
Then there's a quick and nasty run in with the Staff Gents toilet
And most of the girls say forget it, they'd rather just hold it
Finally across, all 14 girls share a quick embrace
As we see the "Prince of Peace" a smile sweeps across our face
The "Prince of Peace" is the name of the maroon van on which we all must fit
And to say it has seen better days is quite the understatement
But it's all laughs and smiles when you travel with this crew
Besides it's the World Race what else can you do
Travel's going amazing, the roads are actually paved
We're all so proud of ourselves and the money in which we've saved
That is until we stop and the inevitable is asked
Only to be informed that we ran right out of gas
So Silas our dear driver hits the road with empty gas can
And soon a car pulls over to lend him a helping hand
He's off to the nearest station, for that we thank the Lord
The stars and moon shine with such beauty this stop feels like a reward
It's actually much warmer with no wind seeping through the cracks
Still the night is cold so we grab our sleeping bags from our packs
All cuddled up together drifting in and out of sleep
Two and half hours later is seems we've finally got this beat
Silas' journey was successful, the van cranks on the second try
So we hit the road again, only one more border to cross by
We arrive right at midnight and had heard this border is no game
We're on the road again about 3 a.m. from the details I'll spare you the pain
Of course we fill up with gas and grab ourselves a little snack
Then we hit the ground a running, the rest of this journey's ours to attack
Yet all to soon the sun is up and we find ourselves again at a stop
And Silas wants to know "Where can this group be dropped?"
We look around uncertain, this can't be the right place
We see a sign with Naboomspruit written on its face
While Naboomspruit may be similar, Nelspruit is specifically what we said
And our driver looks unpleased as he begins to scratch his head
We call our beloved contact and find we are still far away
While our driver's only response is "More money or here you'll stay"
After another friendly negotiation we're seemed to work out a plan
Yet another two hours later and we're having to use the gas can
But by the skin of our teeth we pull into the station
Now we're just ready to get there, so we throw some money into the equation
Of course we head the wrong way and bust a U-turn in the middle
A sign to Nelspruit, a few more hours, by now that's just a little
So we sputter up the hills, doors and windows all off track
Our eyes are fixed ahead, there's no more looking back
The kilometers tick away and finally we do arrive
With praises to our Heavenly Father who kept us smiling and alive
It may have taken over 27 hours, we know that much is true

But when you just need to get from Point A to Point B the "Prince of Peace" is sure to pull through

Mozambique'n It...

Sun, 5 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

This past month was both a wonderful but difficult one for me. The first half of the month I struggled with homesickness, physical sickness, battling lies of the enemy, etc. Needless to say I allowed negativity to take over me instead of allowing God to move in my life.

The awesome part about God is that He is continually faithful. He restored my joy this month in a way that I can only say thank you over and over again. I'm hungry to know Him more and excited and honored to be "chosen". My motto is "Go big or go home"..lol literally. If I'm not gonna do it big for His Glory while I'm here, I might as well go home. I'm not sure if my excitement is trasmitting through this blog...but it is such a blessing to know our Lord! So get excited! I've learned no matter how hard some days may be or seem..."Consider it pure joy my brothers whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know the testing of your faith develops perseverance" James 1:2-3. I know that my God is still and always sovereign. Lol I get chills just thinking about how good He is! :) Which is my challenge for you...if your not doing it big for the Lord in your own life...then really...what are you doing???? And if something is holding you back from doing it..then put on your armor of God, and pick up that shield of faith in order to thwart the enemy's flaming arrows, so that no lie of the enemy can hold you down but that you will stand firm on the truth and promises of God! His promise to us is to give us a hope and future...so walk into your hope and walk into your future and live out your life in such a way that it can only be seen as a worship offering unto our Lord. I'm just sayin is all.....

Hehehe but anyways back to Mozambique....

This month I was also able to experience an awesome month of ministry including a few days visit to another town to participate in a food distribution to hungry orphans, preaching at a women's conference at Pastor Amos's church, praying for the sick and dying during hospital visits, as well as praying for the salvation of men during prison ministry, as well as ministering at the Iris base in Chimoio.

This month team Bling also took a hit of sickness for almost all of our members, so I ask for your prayers in our time in Africa for excellent health. We will be traveling to Botswana to rough it in the bush for the month of July. I do not know my internet situation, so it may be awhile again before I can post how I am doing....but know that I love and miss you guys!

Also...Hopefully I will be able to post some more blogs soon with pics of the month and of my recent safari!

Below is a video my teammate Shannon created about our month of ministry in Mozambique. Enjoy!

P.S. This blog may be a lil scattered but its 2:30 in the morning...so forgive me :)

Goodbye Asia....I'm coming Home!!!

Mon, 1 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

This past month Team Bling spent our time on Batam Island in Indonesia. We worked with Pastor Johannes and his wife Tia with their church Promised Land Ministries. During our stay in Indonesia we also taught at Elsadai School (a school that offers a Christian education to children of different backgrounds, i.e. Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu, etc).

Please check out the video below created by my teammate Shannon, which highlights fun times as well as ministry opportunities during our time in Indonesia. There is an embarrassing video clip of me on there...lol so enjoy!

As I am sad to say goodbye to Asia, I am excited to finally be heading home! And by heading home...I mean to the MOTHERLAND...lol! June 1st, Team Bling as well as the rest of H squad will be flying to Johannesburg, South Africa from Bangkok, Thailand. We will then take a bus to Vilankulo, Mozambique where we will be ministering for the month of June. More than likely I will not have internet access this month..but if so, I will definitely try to post something to let you know what's going on.

We need your prayers this month. Please pray for safety as we travel and that God will go before us and be behind as we minister. Also, pray for me specifically...that I will keep my eyes on Jesus and I won't stumble will all these beautiful men around me! hehe... I love you guys and thank you for all your support, encouraging words, emails, facebook messages, etc. It is needed and greatly appreciated! Love ya! :)

To My Momma...With Love

Sun, 10 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

This blog is dedicated to my mother...and all the mother's on their special day. Team BLING created a video to send a lil love to our mothers...soo mama enjoy!

I love you soo much and know you are appreciated...even many miles away.

Also, I want to give a shout out to my lil sis, Andrea, and wish you a Happy Mother's Day! Give Jada kisses for me.....I love you all!!!

Cambodia Video

Mon, 4 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Here is a lil video Shannon created about our time in Cambodia during the month of April. Enjoy!

Thailand...in Photos

Sun, 3 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Here is a lil overview of ministry and fun times during my month in Thailand. Tomorrow I am heading on a plane for Johor Bahru, Malaysia, where team BLING will then get on a boat for Indonesia. Please pray for safety and no obstacles getting through immigration. Also, thank you again for all your blog comments....they really mean a lot. Love you guys!

Group picture of Siesta Sisters with SHE

SHE Girls baking cookies with Bekah

Team Victory with Liza

This pic kept uploading sideways..but check out the connect 4 game

Playing Jenga with Jeap

Bowling with the Bangla Girls

Siesta Sisters at dinner

Team Victory

Model show after getting caught in the rain

Taryn and I kayaking during the water festival

Sunset in Phuket

How we got our name!

Sunrise service for Easter Sunday

I had more pics of the girls at SHE and other ministry pics, but the internet won't let me upload anymore! Hope to get some more up soon...

Siesta Sisters take on Bur/ma- Border run baby!

Sun, 26 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Here's the deal. When we entered Thailand we were only given 15 day visas instead of the usual 30 day visas. As we are crossing the border from Cambodia to Thailand we learn there is a new rule: 30 day visas are only given when you fly into Thailand, not when simply crossing the border.

So what does that mean?

It means visa runs for the entire H squad. While I was in Phuket, the Siesta Sisters, as we like to call ourselves, (Di, Taryn, Holli, Kim, Bekah, Rachel, and I) made a border run to Bur/ma. Here's a lil video about our border run adventure to acquire another 15 day visa for Thailand. Enjoy and love ya!

V.I.C.T.O.R.Y.

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The spiritual atmosphere at the bars is thick.The first few nights we went out, I felt the dark spiritual climate so strongly it brought tears to my eyes, along with a range of emotions. Walking down Bangla Road we see bars with flashy signs, loud thumping music, half naked girls dancing on poles on the bar tops, while others are beckoning for us to come and sit down for a drink at their establishment. We are harassed by both men and women wanting us to read their signs listing different options we can choose from to have our own personal peep show.

Walking the streets, I also see foreign men locked hand in hand with young Thai women as if they were in love and married for many years instead of just the girl they bought for the night or the week. I also see ladyboys (men dressed in drag) who quite frankly look better than I do on any given night. Seeing young children (some as young as 2 and 3) out and about with their parents late into the night, exposed to things some adults have yet to experience is probably the most disturbing sight.

And with all this said.. we say speak Lord. Lead us where you want us to go....speak through us to those who are lost. We meet new girls each night, but we always make sure to stop by our bars where we've really begun to establish relationships. The girls we've made some leeway with we've invited to SHE for lunch to check out the digs, fun outings in town, as well as dinner dates.

A week to the day we started ministry in the bars, God started shaking things up. As we made our rounds to our favorite bars, we made our way to Bangla Sexy 69 bar to see some of our friends. One woman we had been building a relationship with, Ice, whispered to Holli as we arrived to her bar that she wanted to come work for SHE. Permanently? was our question. "Yes, I want to leave here and work at SHE", she said in a hushed voice. Excitement washed over our faces as the reality of her words set in. ICE IS LEAVING THIS LIFE FOR A NEW ONE! I wanted to scream this, but refrained until a more appropriate time. But alas...can I get an Amen anyone? Please read Holli's blog -an exceptional depiction for a more in depth explanation of Ice's departure from bar life to SHE life.

(ICE is wearing the red shirt in the pic to the right)

If I haven't already said it, I am not with my normal girls, TEAM BLING. This month a lot of teams were seperated to accomodate the different interests in ministries. Before leaving each other for the month, Blair presented little bracelets to each member of BLING so each time we looked at it, we would remember to pray for each other. Each bracelet had a different word on it....i.e....pride, guts, heart, etc. I chose the Victory bracelet. It seemed fitting for the type of ministry this month...and how true it is!

Despite Satan's hold over the bars in Patong beach (section of Phuket), victory is a sure thing for all of us who are fighting the good fight. The exciting part this month is that no matter how much darkness seemed to be lurking, we've already won. We are not fighting for victory, but from victory in Christ Jesus. There is power in that statement, so let me say it again...there is VICTORY in Christ Jesus.

God is moving over Patong beach. Over the past few weeks we have felt a noticeable difference in the spiritual climate as well as visably...the area just seems to have more light...and at night! It sounds funny but that's the best way to describe it.

Tonight was our last night visiting the bars in Patong. Team Victory (Holli, Di, Taryn, and I), as we like to call ourselves, are still processing the last few weeks of ministry. Saying goodbye to our girls was by far the hardest to do this month since I began the World Race. Not only was I able to participate in a ministry I was truly passionate about, but prayerfully through I and the rest of my teammates, we were able to be used as vessels for the Kingdom. I believe God will continue to move in these girls hearts even after our departure.

"Thanks be to God! He gives us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." 1 Corinthians 15:57-58

Throwing up the Victory sign :)

Do You Wanna Get Wet?!?!

Sat, 18 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

SONGKRAN: A nationwide water fight for the Thai New Year.

April is the hottest month in Thailand... So what better way to cool off than to have an all out water fight!

I had a fabulous time participating in Songkran this year. Can you imagine the entire USofA in a water fight, let alone just your town? :)

Lol...well if you can't, check out this video Di Dinnis of Team Spectacle created aboutour adventures during Songkran this year. It is definitely something I will remember for a very long time. Enjoy!

She is MY Beloved

Thu, 16 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Amidst the crazy nightlife lights and mayhem, as I approach the bar I see a bubbly young woman, excited to see us. She gives each one of us a big hug, always with a smile on her face, yet sadness underlying in her eyes behind the smile. I then think about what her lifestyle means. It means using her God given beauty to lure men to her place of business. It means being bought by a man for roughly 300 baht ($8.50) to hang out exclusively with her at the bar, or 2000 to 4000 baht ($60 to $115) to have her for the night. Some girls even have "boyfriends" (men who pay a certain amount year round), so when these men visit Phuket, they have exclusive rights to the girl, whenever and however long they please.

I then think of the young woman with the laughter and big smile, but sad eyes....and wonder, how hard is it to keep the act up, after giving her body to a man God has not said, "This is the one I've created for you". I wonder if she knows there is One who loves her...for her, nothing more, nothing less. If she would only love HIM and give her all to the Great I AM, and not "him" with the fast money.

For the month of April I am living on an island in Thailand called Phuket (pronounced Poo-ket). Phuket is a touristy town that attracts people from all over, not only for its beaches, but the plethora of "I am here to please you" women. This month, I, as well as 6 other girls from the H squad are working with an organization called SHE (Self Help and Empowerment, www.shethailand.org). SHE offers an outlet for women who want to leave the bars and prostitution. SHE offers free housing to the girls as well as a way to earn income through making jewelry and chocolates. Ninety-eight percent of the women staying at the SHE center have come to know the Lord already. (Chea!)

We are staying at the SHE center to minister to the girls (and help make jewelry), as well as going out each night to the bars to meet new girls and build relationships. Through these relationships we pray God will work through us to get some of these girls out of the bar scene, learn a new trade, and ultimately come to know the Lord.

Prayer requests:
Please pray for clear communication as we go out each night into the bar scene to meet the girls.
That the Lord will cover us from any attacks of the enemy and that we put on the armour of God each night.
That the girl's hearts will be ready and open for us.
Also, that we will see the men in the bars through God's eyes, and have compassion for them.

"Let the beloved of the Lord rest secure in him, for he shields him (her) all day long, and the one the Lord loves rests between his shoulders." Deuteronomy 33:12

Cambodia...you have my heart...

Fri, 3 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Ok first can I say that I looovee Cambodia. Team Bling arrived in Cambodia on the eve of my birthday (March 7th) :). This past month we lived in Phnom Penh (the capital city) and ministered and lived with Pastor Keat Cove and his wife Sally at New Life in Christ Church (http://cambodiachurch.weebly.com/). Our main ministry was teaching English at Pastor Keat's New Hope School. We alai gave testimonies and performed dramas to the youth group. Pastor Keat has a great way of getting young people plugged into Jesus....if students want to learn English for free they must attend the youth services on Saturday night and/or the church service on Sunday morning. Otherwise...no free teaching!

Team Bling shared responsibilities teaching the English classes throughout the day. Preschool started at 8 in the morning and classes went until 7:30 at night. We also taught a bible class to students who were interested.

3 of my team were able to also work with a great man of God named Randy for half the day each day. As Liz would say Randy is the Mary Poppins of Phnom Penh. He has his hand in any and every type of ministry you can think and he couldn't be more in love or willing to serve God.

Working with Randy was an absolute blast. I was able to meet some incredible people through him and really see another side of Cambodia. Some ministries we did include: every Friday helping with the school and medical clinic by the dump. The dump is the area of town where all the trash is disposed of (food, hospital needles, waste, everything)....mountains and mountains of it. People live on or near the dump and survive by rummaging through the trash all day searching for recyclables to trade in for money.

Water of Life (Randy's organization) School and medical clinic was created to provide medical care to expectant mothers living in the dump as well as a manners school for young children who live in the dump. Many kids who are from the dump are not allowed in regular schools b/c they usually do not have the best of manners. Water of Life School teaches the children about good hygiene (they are given a shower each day), a nutritional meal, lessons about Jesus, as well as
classroom etiquette. Water of life School has been able to transfer 7 kids so far into the regular school system.

On Tuesdays we would attend the Relocation Center. The Relocation Center is located near one of the slums outside of the city. The Cambodian government set up housing for women coming out of prostitution, but after moving them to this area of town, they abandoned them. The Relocation Center is through an organization called YWAM (Youth With a Mission). At the Relocation Center they offer a medical clinic for pregnant and expecant mothers and preschool lessons for young children. I'm not gonna lie, I was hoping to see a birth or two, but sadly it didn't happen...sigh.

We also washed all the children's hair each week with regular shampoo and lice shampoo. After washing their hair we would comb and style for the boys and give cute pigtails to the girls. YWAM specifically wants the young girls to know their body is a temple and to treat it as such. I had a great time loving on the children, holding absolutely adorable babies (at least 3 peed on me) and spreading God's love.

Other days consisted of visiting orphanages. I think my favorite orphanage was the Cambodian Hope Orphanage. These children may have been some of the most well behaved and loving children I've ever met in my entire life. Their faith in God was soo encouraging bc they litterally are never sure when and where their next meal will come from.
These children spend an hour a day praying to God to meet their needs...and He alway does even in the final hour! Forget faith as small as a mustard seed, these kids could literally move mountains with their faith.

One day we were also able to visit a village about 3 hours outside of Phnom Penh and help out with a medical clinic, hand out rice, share the Gospel, and pray for each sick patient. It was great to be in the middle of nowhere and still feel God's presence. Buddhism is Cambodia's main religion and you can only go a few miles before seeing a Buddhist temple. But these people were eager and open to listening about Jesus and some even gave their lives to the Lord!

So what have I learned in Cambodia thus far? My prayer this month was that I would see God's people through His eyes and not my own. I was able to see his beauty in the small things and be utterly amazed at how much He loves me. I am His chosen and He prepared this path for me for such a time as this. So AMEN that we serve a God who is forever worthy of our praise. :)

You know You're in Cambodia When...

Fri, 3 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

These are just a few things I've noticed while in Cambodia...so you know you're in Cambodia when....

-Drinking an ice cold Zenia green tea with pomegranate is delightful.

- You can choose from a delicacy of teriyaki roasted tarantulas, beetles, cockroaches and grasshoppers admist your other groceries in the open market. (I've tried all of these..yum lol)

-When you order a large cambodian pizza...which really is a small in Amercia...confirmation that we are a fat nation.

-When barely escaping with your life after traveling on a took took (moto with a carriage hooked on the back) or moto. Click here for a fun perk of moto travel

-When everyone calls you sister....and it has nothing to do with the fact that I am black.

- When the power goes off at the most inopportune times..especially at night when my body wakes me up out of my sleep to keep from suffocating from the thick blanket of heat in my room.

-When someway, somehow I am mistaken for a Cambodian....a really dark Cambodian with crazy hair... or so Ive been told...

- You are able to immediately fall in love with people...both young and old.

-When a squaty potty is the bathroom of choice (a squatty potty consists of squatting over a hole in the ground...and yeah..) Haha think of the antics you can get into if you miss the hole...

- Mystery meat...truly is a mystery. I've eaten a few pieces of meat that I honestly couldn't tell you what animal I thought it came from.

- When I no longer wear a small/medium but a Cambodian large or extra large.

- When you can ride an elephant in the heart of the city...an elephant that is capable of following traffic patterns.

Haiti Wrap Up Video!

Sat, 21 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Hey guys! I wanted to share another awesome video my teammate Liz created about our time in Haiti during the month of February. Internet has been a little sparse, otherwise I would have put it up sooner.

Please note: Sister Gladys is the woman singing in the video. Also at the end of the video you will see Blair and I talking about playing human blow darts with another team, Tikvah. Fun times, lol!

Please enjoy the pics of the children, the medical clinic crew, and funny video clips. Blogs coming soon about my time in Cambodia.

P.S. I love it here in Cambodia!

Goodbye Haiti....

Mon, 2 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Closing out Haiti is difficult for me to do. It was an awesome month not only working in the clinic, but also loving on the kids at Canaan. Canaan is a beautiful place with the ocean as our front yard (not really but we had a great view) and the edge of the mountains as our backyard. Yet with all the beauty around me, my favorite thing about Canaan was the community. Sister GIadys (founder of Canaan) provides a safe haven and opportunity not only for an education for children in Haiti, but an opportunity to grown up in a Christ centered environment. I have to admit I am sad to leave the Caribbean, but I am ready for the upcoming 3 months in Asia. The next country we will minister in is Cambodia.

So with that said our journey begins tomorrow morning, March 3rd, at 4:00 AM. We are currently back in the DR for debrief and as a squad of 54, we will head to the Santo Domingo airport. Tomorrow morning we fly from Santo Domingo to Miami and then Miami to LA. Praise God to be back in the states! Lol, it will only be for a night but my team is already plotting on the array of restaurants to choose from for our feast.

On Wednesday we have a 21 hour flight from Los Angeles to Bangkok, Thailand, however we will make a stop in Tokyo, in order to stretch our legs for a few moments and refuel. Once we get to Bangkok we then stay over night there and the next morning hop on a bus for 12 hours to Phenom Phen, Cambodia, our next destination of ministry.

Sooo of course I have some prayer requests. Please pray for no delays in our flights, no sickness during these next few days as we travel, as well as protection for our luggage (don't want to lose my luggage again!)

I love you guys and appreciate all the comments, messages, emails, etc. It really helps...I will write again when I'm situated in Cambodia. Miss ya!

The Clinic

Fri, 27 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

This past month was spent in Haiti by Team BLING and Team Koinonia. We stayed at an orphanage appropriately called Canaan. I spent the past month working in the medical clinic that also serves the surrounding community. So here is a day in my life (Monday through Friday) at Canaan.

Around 8:15ish AM, I start walking towards the medical clinic situated at the bottom of the hill on the grounds of Canaan. When I, Elsie, (the head nurse and long term missionary at Canaan), and Jenni Rose (member of Koinonia) arrive, people were already waiting patiently to be seen. The Haitian nurses, Ms. Maurice and Ms. Elise, usually were already checking in patients. Before starting the day all of us (including Fabian and Carlin, our translators) would convene in the backroom or pharmacy and say a prayer of blessing for the upcoming day.

After our morning prayer, I then would take a seat in my office (slightly imaginative office) and with a smile call for the next person in line. It took about a week to learn the few Creole phrases to properly check in a new patient. I may even say my knowledge of those few phrases may have even fooled some patients into thinking I was a native Haitian. Of course this ended when they failed to stick to my structured set of questions and ventured off on a tangent about who knows what, my secret was then revealed and a look of confusion and sometimes astonishment would wash over their face. But thank God for my trusty translator Carlin who was ready to bail me out of any jam I got myself into.

After checking in a new patient or locating a regular patient's file, my next duties consisted of taking their temperature, blood pressure, and weight. After checking in all the patients I would then re file the files of patients from previous days and then offer any help I could to my medical clinic buddy, Jenny, in the pharmacy.

Each day was different at the clinic. Some days we were able to finish up with patients a few minutes before lunch, while other days the clinic didn't close until 5:00 PM. One day we had a record number of 50 patients, which may or may not seem like a lot to those of you in the states, but it was pretty impressive for our little clinic. The patients varied also...old, young, just born, sick, maybe not so sick, and some sad stories.

This month I was also able to participate in the program run through the clinic, called Medica Mamba. Medica Mamba is a medicated peanut butter offered to malnourished children (mamba means peanut butter in Creole). Children age 6 and under needed their height and weight to be in the "red" in order to qualify for the program. Measuring the height and weight of the children was no easy task. For one, in order to measure the height of most children, we had to physically hold the children down on our measuring board, which did not bring ease or comfort to them. Although some children disliked the process, I saw some awesome success stories. Each week we would track the childrens' progress. If they weren't gaining weight at the appropriate rate, the parent or guardian was given a scolding, and if too many offenses occurred, some were kicked out the program altogether. This was a difficult thing to do, but it usually meant that the child was not the only person eating the peanut butter, and sometimes they did not receive any at all. Fortunately there were many more success stories than offenses.

Some of my most unforgettable memories this month at the clinic and Medica Mamba:

*Louisa: Louisa is a sweet girl I met in the Medica Mamba program. She has some form of down syndrome or other mental condition. However, Ms. Louisa was the life of the party and a true blessing from God. (Her belly is so large and round from parasites)

*The motorcycle accident- One day a boy around the age of 12 came into the clinic with a large corroded hole in his right leg. We were told he had been standing by a motorcycle when it backfired and blew a hole to the bone in his leg. Unfortunately, the boy waited 2 weeks before getting any medical attention. Because of this, Elsie had to perform a mini surgery (ok, maybe not so much, but it was exciting!).

*The day I was able to intermix my Creole and Spanish speaking skills while checking in a patient. Im not gonna lie, I was pretty proud of myself.

*The almost daily sweet serenade Carlin and I gave to the patients as we checked them in...my favorite probably was our rendition of Celine Dion's "My Heart Will Go On".

*The day a sweet and innocent baby peed on me as I measured her height during Medica Mamba. I guess I should be glad that's as far as it went.

*My last day at the clinic a young boy, not more than 1or 2 came into the clinic. He had sad sunken eyes, as well as black circles under his eyes. His legs and feet were so swollen that his feet turned out in an awkward manner. What I remember most was his constant moaning from the pain in his body. Before he was seen by a nurse, the mother allowed us to pray for her son. Which thankfully, our prayers seemed to ease his pain, even if for just a moment. His possible diagnosis? His body became toxically swollen from malnourishment.

This month I was truly blessed by working at the clinic. I was able to meet people from all walks of life, and love on them through my prayers and sometimes just a simple smile or kind touch was enough to calm their discomfort or pain. It was an honor to serve the people of Haiti and I've established memories that will last for a lifetime.

(Top Left to Right): Ms. Elise, Fabian, Shannon, Jenni Rose, Rocio, Elsie, Me

(Bottom Left to Right) :Liz and Carlin

Wrap up Video of the DR

Sat, 31 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Hola mis amigos! My teammate and fearless leader Liz created an awesome video to sum up our experience this past month in the Dominican Republic. Please watch and enjoy!...:)

Farewell DR...Hello Haiti!

Sat, 31 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

It's the final day of our stay in San Juan, and I'm sitting on my sleeping pad going over all the wonderful memories of my time in the Dominican Republic. This month has been filled with memories of both young and old laughing, singing praises to the Most High, and simply loving those around me.

This month we have been able to minister to the elderly in the nursing home, and our final day, (this past Tuesday) we were able to distribute bibles to not only some of the members of the nursing home, but also the staff. It was exciting to see them express interest in having their own personal bible.

Our final day of Vacation Bible School with the children in the park was an extremely fun day. We performed the parable of the Prodigal son and then explained the Gospel to the children. Afterwards we opened up time for the children to ask questions and we ended the day Carnival style, with face painting, coloring books, balloon animals, and other games.

So what have I learned in my first month on the World Race? Lol, well for one I have a lot to learn. And I'm ok with that because God is always in control even when I can't see two feet in front of me. Plus, I can't even explain how much weve been blessed by some of the people here in San Juan. We came here to bless others and in the process ,I was touched...It truly is better to give than receive.

On other note...a huge area in my life I know God wants to break is my ability to vulnerable. Which right now is at about .05%...but I have an awesome team of girls that will hold me accountable to grow into the person God has called me to be no matter how hard it will be. Our God is great and even in the most uncomfortable, not so pretty, hot and sticky, and then some moments, I have peace knowing I have a relationship with the God who created the entire world. Smile.

So onto more pressing issues....we are getting on a bus early tomorrow morning to head to Haiti. This month Team Bling will be paired up with Team Koinoinia to do ministry at an orphanage in Canaan. Internet may be sparse, so I will post a blog when I can. Please pray for safe travels as well as safety for the entire H squad during our stay in Haiti.

P.S. On a funnier note...

You know your in the Dominican...

When the electricity and water are never on at the same time.

In a city like San Juan, I guess I would assume they'd have some sort of gang activity, but I never would have thought they'd be of the canine persuasion.

Bucket showers (Fill bucket with water, soap up, pour bucket over your head, repeat if necessary).

We also have bucket flushes...but I really dont' feel the need to explain what that's about.

Scooters are the main form of transportation. Even for a family of 7...all on one scooter.

Keeping to the schedule listed for hours of operation is optional for businesses.....

Hehe love yall!

Hey Dominicana!

Tue, 20 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

When we first arrived to the DR, we had a week long training session to get us prepared to be open to what God had for each and everyone of us for this upcoming year. During this week, each team also learned what ministry opportunity they would be doing in the DR. This month, my team and I are doing Vacation Bible School for the children in our neighborhood as well as visiting a nursing home. Its crazy to think we have a little less than 2 weeks left in the DR, and were just getting started!

Out of all the teams, it seems my team has gotten the most chill ministry this month. It took awhile for me to adjust to our ministry.....which is simply to show Gods love, and that is exactly what we are doing. We are loving on the children in our neighborhood by playing games with them and sharing bible stories with them, like David and Goliath (I was David :), as well as loving on the elderly in the local nursing home. The local nursing home is filled with people who don't have anyone to take care of them and are basically left in the nursing home to die. Even though only a few of us are able to speak Spanish, (and may I say, Dominican Spanish is crazy!) We still are able to show Gods love without using words.

If I were to be honest, I came here to shake things up for the Kingdom of God. I always knew I would be changed from this experience, but Im learning its not how I expected. I am learning that even though God will use me for His Glory, this trip is also about the change within myself. The funny thing is I thought I had it figured out how I would change, here I am ready to cast out some demons, and God gently lets me know I still I have so much more to learn. In a way this year isnt about the countries we go to, but the change that will happen in me. I am glad God has provided this opportunity for me, but God is making me face everything that is not of Him that is in me...and it is not easy!

On another note...a funny fact is that here....I am a Dominican, not an American, but a Dominican. Not one day has passed that I havent been asked, ``Why are you hanging out with the White people, ``You are American?, you dont look like it! One of the kids we do Vacation Bible School with stated, ``Well if youre not Dominican, then youre Haitian. Yet, once people are able to wrap their minds around the fact that maybe I am an American, the response is, Well ok youre American, but still, a black American.

It almost seems fitting that today in the United States, we will hold an inauguration for our first Black President. Hmmm, I wonder if their responses will change a few years from now.....but alas for now, I, Ashley Danielle Harris, although a proud American, am just another Dominican girl walking down the street.

PS....I will put up more pics later...I cant upload them at the moment. Love yall!

I made it to the DR!

Mon, 5 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Hey everyone back home, I just wanted to send a quick note to let everyone know that I have made it safe and sound to the Dominican Republic. However, my luggage didnt! The airline wont be able to get my luggage to me until Thursday, but all is blessed otherwise.

Love yall!