The World Race - Carmen Record

On To New Things...

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Hello Friends! I first want to thank you SO much again for following me during my World Race journey!! Like I said, "It was the worst yet best year of my life!". Of course it was hard, but that's what made it so great. I have learned so much from it and am excited to see how God is going to use this experience for the rest of my life!

I would also like to personally invite you to continue to follow my life's journey through a new blog that I have created...

http://carmenrecord.wordpress.com

I am so excited for all that God has in store for both you and for me!

With Love,

Carmen

Great is Thy Faithfulness!

Sun, 8 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

If there is one thing that was stressed at the Passion 2012 conference that I was privileged to attend this past week in Atlanta, Georgia; it was the WORD OF GOD. The WORD was spoken over and over as 40,000+ young adults gathered in the Georgia Dome. And let me clarify...it was not just read in a sermon here and there; no, for example we spent an entire "main session" reading the entire book of Ephesians together. It was stressed that these words printed in these leather-bound books we have is the WORD of GOD... He spoke to us and He still SPEAKS to us!

"For the word of the Lord is right and true;

he is faithful in all he does."

Psalm 33:4

And if we can believe that this WORD of the LORD is true to us today, then we can undoubtedly believe that He is STILL faithful in all He does. But so often, I forget of His faithfulness. Until, of course, He proves Himself faithful yet again and allows me to fall at His feet and apologize for my disbelief. Sometimes I think He enjoys that though... seeing His children, who are of sinful body, humbly come before Him to praise Him for what our minds can't always conceive. Because He is a GOOD God and His faithfulness continues forever!

"For the Lord is good and his love endures forever;

his faithfulness continues through all generations."

Psalm 100:5

God has been so faithful to me. I can list hundreds, most likely even thousands, etc, of examples of how God has been faithful to me. And a million more (non exaggeration) reasons of how He has been faithful to my family and my friends. Some examples including my time in India when sickness came over my body and God provided an amazing woman named Anita to walk alongside of me through it all. He was faithful when I had to stand in front of and speak His Words to His people all around the world. He was faithful when I was sprawled out on the floor of my college apartment wondering what to do next. Ahh, this doesn't even scratch the surface!

He has been SO faithful and is still faithful TODAY. ...and tomorrow! etc etc..

He is faithful even when I worry about tomorrow. And I know He will stay faithful to me through all of the rest of my days. He knows how it will all work out and work together. All it really requires of me is to TRUST that He will remain faithful. Because He will. Although I might not understand why I am not moving to California this week, or taking a science class to "move me further and faster along", etc, etc...He will still remain faithful. He knows why He has kept me in Kernersville, North Carolina and He knows all that He has in store for me. Praise Him for His continual patience and love and of course His great faithfulness to me!

"Not to us, Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory,

because of your love and faithfulness."

Psalm 100:5

Seasons of Change

Sat, 10 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

I have really been struggling with how to write my next blog, and here I am, still struggling with words. My life has changed so much even within the last 4 months since being home. And it not only changed once, but I have gone through multiple changes...over and over and over. And maybe I am just scared that everything will change once again after writing this blog. Some of you know part of the story, others know none of it, while some of you are lucky enough to know all of it.

So here goes. My best solution that I have came up with to tell you how my plans have changed since I got home from The World Race...

While on the WR: Plans to move back to Indiana to finish my Math degree at Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU). Slowly things began changing a lot, and...

August: I was called home. I loved catching up with family and friends. I also had plans to transfer and attend NC State in January to finish my undergrad degree, studying Meteorology.

September: I heard God telling me that I just needed to MOVE. I took that literally and through an interesting and awesome series of events, I started planning to move to the San Diego, California area this coming January.

October: Continuing plans to go to California.

November: One afternoon, I finally had the privilege to take a tour of my dad's new hospital, Kernersville Medical Center (shout out to dad!). I went back home that day and sat on the couch with my mom, completely broken and confused why God would give me so many passions; none of them seemingly going together. When all of a sudden, it felt as if all of the universes aligned, and tears began streaming down my face. Yeah, I started laughing, screaming, angry, excited, bawling my eyes out, etc ...all at the same time! I'm sure it was an odd string of emotions -just ask my mom, ha- but I finally had the feeling that THIS made the most perfect sense I have felt in the longest time.

What's "THIS", you ask? Well, that leaves us at December, where obviously plans have changed since August but have also come full circle...

Looks like I'm not really going anywhere. I have mixed emotions about that, of course. I haven't actually truly lived at home in about 5 years. I've changed, home has changed, and just trying to live in the midst of all of that is very different. I kind of have a love/hate relationship with it right now, but I'm coming around. ;)

As to school, I have plans to finish my undergrad degree online (since I took a year off to do the WR) starting in January via IWU. I will also be taking some science classes at a local university to prepare for my future in medicine.

Whoop, yeah, I said it... MEDICINE. Yeah I never really saw that coming, yet I totally did. And from what I've heard, a lot of you have always seen that as well. If only you had told me this 5 years ago...!! Haha.

All throughout my time away at college, I was always pursuing Math or some sort of science. I had even made a lot of preparation with professors to make sure I could fulfill all my pre-med classes that I would need before graduation, "just in case" I ever decided to go down that path. All of it was just really bad timing. As you can very well guess, I was just WAY too social in school to want to spend all of my time with my head in my books. But maybe that's why God took me away for a year.. So I can get my head on straight and realize how much I actually do love using my brain in this way.

Yes, I am definitely terrified of it all. It's that bittersweet feeling that this is what God is actually calling me to. I never really wanted this path, yet it makes the most sense with who I am and how God has crafted me to fit into His Kingdom. I always thought being a doctor would put lots of limits on me, but my eyes have recently been opened to what this could look like for me in the future with my knowledge of medicine and this vast world full of beautiful people!

There and Back Again..

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Honest Truth #1: When I came home from The World Race, I didn't want anything to do with it again.

Honest Truth #2: I didn't want anything to do with it because I had built up a lot of bitterness in my heart that I chose not to deal with before I got home.

Honest Truth #3: Since being home, I have somehow ended up back in the backwoods of Georgia TWICE...and have loved every single moment... :)

I fought it so hard to not go to The Awakening back in September. I really didn't have to either...I wasn't forced or anything. But something inside of me told me that I needed to go, even when I was SO tempted to turn my car back around and head home where things felt "comfortable". You see, The Awakening is a gathering of World Race Alumni and friends to remember where the Lord took us and where He is taking us. Understand why I wouldn't want to go? ...BECAUSE IT MEANT I WOULD BE SURROUNDED BY THE VERY THING I DIDN'T WANT TO DEAL WITH. Ha!.. God is funny isn't He?!..and He knows just what we need. ;) So, well... long story short, that weekend was the very thing I needed to give me the momentum and confidence to continue on my journey. And well, I'll fill you in on all of that later ;)

For now, what I really want to share with you is about this last week of my life. I found myself in the middle-of-nowhere Georgia yet again for a World Race Training Camp for 3 new squads heading out in January. It was awesome to be at the same location as my Training Camp last year, watching new Racers stand in the shoes I used to stand in. Before I left home, I had been joking with friends that my duty was going to be to "laugh at the new Racers crying in their tents at night.." (you know, to 'pay them back' for making me cry in my tent during my training camp, haha). yeah, I'm cruel aren't I? ;) But instead of watching them cry, I found myself the emotional one! Remembering how far God has brought me in the last year and watching new Racers find freedom that they never thought they would ever encounter! Wowzers, God is AWESOME!!

I had the privilege of praying over and watching God break the chains & pour His freedom into some of the most amazing people on this planet. Men & women who are just beginning their journey around the world to pour into broken women & men who need their encouragement. Ahh, I am just SO PUMPED for these new Racers!!! And of course I am super pumped that I now have plenty of new blogs to stalk over this next year! woohoo! ;)

So, first on the list is a blog by a girl named Leah from one of the January 2012 squads. She described this whole 'World Race life' perfectly and I'd love to share it with you::

"Training Camp takes place
in the woods of middle-of-nowhere Georgia
where you're kindly fed fish head soup, ugali,
and a grilled tomato banana and cheese sandwich.
Where you sleep in tents,
then on a school bus,
then under a tarp.
And you go to bed after midnight
only to wake up a few hours later,
before even a hint of the sun rise,
to freeze your buns off at morning exercise
running up and down the hills of Georgia.
Yep, these people are crazy.

Some of these people are alumni.
People who flew, drove, and hitchhiked
to spend the week at training camp
sleep deprived.
Serving us by scrubbing toilets,
waking up at 4am to cook our food for the day,
and praying life/truth into us
over and over and over again.
Their clothes never match
...I'm pretty sure they've forgotten how.
They saw greatness in me and pushed me towards it.
They're ALWAYS either-
a. dancing
b. laughing or
c. praying.
These people are crazy!

Speaking of prayer-
Its like the real deal for these people.
~~Rarely~~ ...never... did I hear prayer start with
"Dear Heavenly Father".
Usually it started more like
"Hey Daddy" or,
"Its me again Papa" or,
"Abba we love you" or simply,
"Hi!"
...It's almost like they KNOW this guy.
These people are crazy.

They stand on chairs
Or in the middle of the woods on chairs
And yell things.
Declarations they like to call them.
These people are crazy.

During worship there are people
laughing,
dancing,
praying,
sitting,
and standing.
Some people have their hands in the air,
and others have their faces on the ground.
Yikes. These people are crazy.

These people dream about
shutting down every brothel,
ending the AIDS epidemic in Swaziland,
getting clean water for African villages,
seeing Haiti restored,
and finding a loving home for every orphan.
They dream about these things
because they're actually living to make them happen.
I'm telling you-
these people are crazy.

Everyday normal conversation
consists of things like-
fire tunnels,
feedback,
declarations,
poop problems,
and ridiculously awesome
workings of the Holy Spirit.
These people are crazy.

And apparently,
after traveling the world for 11+ months
it becomes difficult, if not impossible,
to speak in full sentences.
Because of this,
everything is shortened by an acronym.
ATL,
OES,
TIA...
I guess I should start practicing!
These people are crazy.

These people actually believe
every word of the Bible to be true.
They believe healings are possible. Now. Today.
They believe that God breathes and life happens.
They believe we are no longer slaves to sin.
They believe that the power of Christ is IN us.
They believe and pray the same prayer Jesus did-
"on earth as it is in Heaven".

And you know what...
I've started praying that too.
Because I actually really, really like that idea.
On earth as it is in Heaven?
Absolutely. Bring it on.

There's no doubt in my mind
that those strange Kingdom minded people
who I met this week in the woods of Georgia
are absolutely CRAZY.

But what I decided this week is,
I'm ready to be crazy too!
The Kingdom of God is worth my abandonment. "

**********

MMM...awesome, huh? I'm so thankful to be considered a crazy one!! ;)

Share Time!! :)

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Hello everyone, Carmen here! :)

I just wanted to inform you all that I will be speaking about my World Race trip this Sunday (Sept. 25th) during the evening service at Kernersville Wesleyan Church in Kernersville, NC at 6pm!

I will be "premiering" a longer video of my World Race that night, but for now, here is a short video to interest you...

Enjoy!...and see you all Sunday! :)

QUESTIONS [finally] Answered!

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Well, it is the blog most of you have been waiting a whole month+ for. Haha, well you asked and now I am [finally] answering! :]

For your [easier] reading pleasure, I have divided up the questions into 5 sections...

A. Personal. My opinion about things, etc.

B. Spiritual. Getting a little deeper on the issues here.

C. Practical. Things I have learned, etc.

D. Future. I'm sure you're all wondering "what's next?"

E. Dad. Well, because he just earns his own spot ;]

Enjoy!...

A. Personal (Opionions, etc)

1) How was the food?

Well, we had a lot of "cheap" food due to our tight World Race budget, but it was still good...most of the time. We had a LOT of rice and other carbs..., which helped add to the extra pounds I came home with. ;]

2) What was the best/worst foods you ate?

a) BEST: Our contacts in Uganda fed us soo well, with lots of fruits and goodies.

I also definitely had a top 2 favorite beverages list... 1) cha nom yen (iced Thai tea) in Thailand & 2) Kbac in Ukraine (6^th floor cafe in the mall downtown had my favorite, if you care to know)

b) WORST: "yellow sauce" in Nepal? Haha. Just really all of the bland food we ate. The World Race has definitely broadened my taste buds!

3) What was the craziest thing you ate?
insects (grasshopper, tarantula spider, etc). Chicken heart.

4) What was your most embarrassing moment?

Oh man, that's a hard one, do I even have "embarrassing moments" anymore??? But if I had to think of one right now...it was probably a moment when I was trying to speak another language and completely mixed up words and such...hahah

5) What was your funniest moment?

That's hard to pinpoint any exact moment, but I definitely laughed a LOT! That's what you have to do to stay positive and enjoy yourself on the WR.

6) In your opinion, what country had the best-looking guys?

Hungary... at least that's what a man told me when we were visiting,haha ;]

7) Which team was your favorite?

Hephzibahhh!

8) Where was the most interesting/weird place you used the bathroom? :)

Squatty potties..? On the side of the road..? Oh here's one!...On the way home from rafting the Nile in Uganda, a lot of us had to relieve ourselves, so they stopped the bus on the side of the road and we just walked behind someone's house. Hilarious. I mean, what would go through your head if 30 white people popped a squat in your backyard? haha!

9) Where was the most unusual place you slept?

On the bus from India to Nepal.. It was supposed to be a 13-hour ride and ended up turning into a 46-hour bus ride! Awful. Yeah, and we also got in an accident with a truck...the glass in the back window shattered & bags were thrown all into the street... Fun & interesting times, for sure, but no worries, no one was hurt!

10) Did you have any near death experiences?
Rafting the Nile...and bungee jumping, I suppose. And a random amusement park ride with Bethany in Vienna, Austria on vacation...I thought I was going to fly out from under the safety bar!..Ahh, I'm pretty sure we were both on the verge of tears :P haha

11) Were you and/or the team ever fearful for your safety anytime during the trip?

No, definitely not. Even being on an all girls team the whole race, I always felt safe... Daddy God was always looking out for his daughters! :] The only time I worried a little bit was more for my parents when they were on the phone with me when I told them we were going down a dark alleyway in India to find our hostel...and then I hung up on them, haha. No worries though, the people at the hostel looked out for us the best of the whole trip! :]

12) Will you remember how to drive?

First time driving was a 2 hour trip to Charlotte/Gastonia...I survived :]

13) How many annoying questions have you ever gotten?

So many...that's why I asked you to ask me now, so I don't have to answer so many later! :P

14) Besides your parents, did you miss me (Ana) the most?

Well, Ana, you know that I can't be completely honest about this question on here since the whole world can see this & wonder why I didn't miss them the most.. ;]

B. Spiritual/ a little Deeper

1)What location out of the 11 countries do you feel the Lord used you the most and why?

WOW. That is a tough question. When I look back through our ministries, I want to say Cambodia. We were able to build deeper relationships with university students every day and share with them about Jesus through our own testimonies, etc. This is even an ongoing process today via our friendships through Facebook.

2) On a spiritual level what was your high & low?

a) High: The first 2 weeks of Kenya (Month 5). I had no desire to do anything (shower, eat, etc..) besides worship God and get to know Him more. It was crazy. But after those 2 weeks, my 'desires' hit me again like a brick, all at once. That's when I knew for sure I had a calling to work with women in some capacity though. During the end of Kenya, I was at some of my most vulnerable and broken spots while on the Race. Yes, I even thought about coming home.

b) Low: Well, those last 2 weeks of Kenya...but also Malaysia (Month 2) & Romania (Month 11). My team was attacked collectively in Malaysia. Romania is a close second though, if not first...I was personally attacked in all areas, a huge one being physical and that definitely effected me emotionally and spiritually.

3) Whose testimony impacted your life the most?

Probably my teammates for sure. Coming from different backgrounds and walks of life, it was awesome to hear how God has been working in all of our lives and transforming us into hearts like His.

4) What was the country or experience that most left you broken hearted?

Probably Thailand. Those women don't even realize that they don't have to be working in the bars. My heart also broke for all of the women who are actually forced to work in the bars. My heart also broke for the men who are so broken and lost and searching for something to fulfill them in all the wrong places.

Or the street kids in Ukraine..and especially that older couple I met in the park! I fell in love with them so much and it just hurt to find them on the sidewalks begging for money while I was on my way to the grocery store. I really really have a heart for the homeless.

5) What was the most challenging moment?

Ummm...ALL of it???! Close community life was really challenging... spending 24/7 with people that you don't necessarily choose to be with, really pushes you...but that's also what speeds up the whole growing process.

6) What is one face you will never forget of those that you ministered to?

You mean "one face in every country"...?

1, The teen girls in the Philippines who would write me sweet letters all of the time

2, Ming, the little Chinese boy I met at an orphanage in Malaysia. There is just something about little Asian boys that I just never forget.

3, The bar girls I got to spend 30 minutes with each night before some man would come steal their attention.

4, The university students in Cambodia.

5, Daniel, the orphan boy from Kibera slum in Kenya.

6, The kids in Rwanda that I taught songs to one sunny afternoon.

7, Pastor Joseph and his loving family in Uganda.

8, Julie, a little street girl in India. We wanted to adopt her.

9, The orphans in Nepal.

10, The precious elderly homeless couple in Ukraine.

11, My "Bridge to Terabithia" girl in Romania.

7) WHO do you think you impacted the most over the last yr? Was it a fellow racer, contact, random individual or people back home?

I really think people back home as well as my fellow racers. I am convinced that The World Race is mostly about making me more into the woman I have been created to be, all while placing me in a ministry setting each month. In turn, I have stories to share with those back home in order to influence them.

8) Follow-up question---WHO impacted YOU the most??

My teammates/squadmates definitely did because they were the ones who lived with me constantly and were brave enough to call me into greatness. But, I can also think of people in each country who encouraged me in soo many ways and helped give me the strength to keep moving.

C. Practical (Things I have Learned)

1) What advice would you give to someone thinking about doing a mission trip with WR?

DO IT! I can't promise you that it will be easy, but it's worth it. You're going to grow & change in ways you never thought you would.

2) With the lessons you've learned how will you use them in America?

You know, I'm not exactly sure. I'm not really the same Carmen as when I left. After a trip like this, that is just impossible. I think I am going to use the lessons of "no shame" and remember how unimportant insecurities really are... I am Carmen. God created me to be Carmen, so I am going to live her out the way He intended Carmen to be. Amen.

3) How do you feel leadership on the race will help you in your future ministry?

I was on an all women's team the entire Race, if you didn't know. :] I was the finance leader for my team the first 7 months of my WR and then led a team of women during our last 3 months. I feel like I have gained confidence in leadership and have been given a wonderful opportunity of realizing the different kinds of leadership that women of all types and ages want and need.

4) How has your paradigm shifted in the past year?

FREEDOM! I spent a lot of time focused on the legalistic side of things before the WR, but I have just realized how much more we need to just focus on love and loving others. Did I mention I got a tattoo? ;]

5) What was something you thought you were sure of but now are surprised you believe the total opposite?

I thought for sure I was the only one who was crazy...come to find out, at least 33 other people were too! haha. We all left our lives back at home to go befriend the world. We all hear the same lies from the enemy. We are all unique yet so alike in our hearts when it comes to love. And so much more. The world is a very small place and we are all alike more than we think...we're never alone even when we "think" we are....

6) How will you adapt to a "traditional" life back home?

It's not really that different. Because The World Race isn't some crazy, off-the-wall adeventure (well, it is), but anyways, it's pretty much living life...just in another country.

D. My Future

1) What has God revealed to you about your future through this experience?

Women's Minstry. ...and somehow letting Meteorology fit somewhere in there too. God has it all worked out so I'm not too worried...just taking one step at a time. :]

2) How do you think the World Race has prepared you for the next chapter of your life?

Marriage haha. For real though...I probably lived closer to these people than I will even be with my husband; because with my husband, I will most likely at least be apart from him for at least an hour of the day, haha.

3) What's life look like for you after the race?

Well, I thought I had that planned out once again, but looks as if God could be switching it up. I do know that I have a year left of college and I want to finish that. Where or how I do that?..that is still in the workings. I'll let you know when I know..which should be soon. For now, I'm living at home in NC with my parents and taking each day as it comes. :]

4) What country would you visit again and why?

Out of the 11 (well 14, if you consider "vacation" times)...it would have to be Ukraine! I loved living in Odessa for the month. ..and they speak Russian, which was actually the one language I had a strong desire to learn. Aunt Ernie should be proud! :]

5) How long until you get married?

You tell me ;]

6) Do you have any plans of visiting the Midwest in your future?

Now which "friend" was it who asked me this, and I could give you a better approximation? Haha. Otherwise, I plan to visit the Marion/IWU area a few times over the next few months. Actually, I am headed up there now... Will you be around?

7) Would you do the race again?

Heck NO. But if I had to rewind time & do it all over again, would I? YES. I wouldn't have traded this experience.

E. DAD

1) Do you want your dad to cry when you first see him, as he hugs you, or for the next few days (as he is glad you are home)?

Oh dad, I love your crying :]

2) Does your dad have to fight everyone off, or does he get the first individual or "first" group hug w/ your mother? (your mother and I may have to compromise on the group hug)

Well...Brooks beat you all to it ;]

3) What is one of the first dishes you want to eat at home (potatoes and hot dog soup, or Rice-A-Roni)?

Well, the first meal that mom actually made was potatoes & hot dog soup.... Hahaha. And you thought you were joking!

4) Do your mother and I have to buy you a new mattress or can we place an air mattress on the floor in your room?(we have been using your bed in the guest bedroom over the last many months).

Beautiful new bed! Thanks dad!

5) Will you remember my name?? (DAD---sniffle, sniffle)

Daddy! I will always remember your name! :]

My World Race Best

Mon, 29 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

So I've been home for about a month now and one thing that I have still yet to figure out fully, is putting together the perfect outfit.

On my first day home, I remember walking into my closet (yes, I have a walk-in closet!) and feeling overwhelmed by all of the clothes that I have. Was I ashamed of it all? Heck no! Haha, 1, I am a girl and 2, I just came home from a backpacking trip where all I had was a small packing cube to fit my selective amount of clothes into. OF COURSE I was excited about 'new' clothes to choose from each day!!!

But I also had my first mini culture shock/breakdown that day when I looked at all of my many options to choose from...different colors & shades, an array of neckline cuts, cardigansss, etc! I quickly gave up and ended up with just khaki shorts & a very simple tank top. I can't wait for my fashionable college roommate to visit me soon so she can go through my closet and put together some outfits for me (yes, that's a shout out to you, Ana!). :]

But for now, please ENJOY just a few of my "horrible" outfit combinations on The World Race. We definitely had the best fashion... ;]

And if you see me walking around Kernersville with fashion similar to these pictures, please please PLEASE love me enough to tell me to go home and change. ;] Love you all!

Q Squad Flash Mob :]

Tue, 2 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Mhmm...what would you do if it was your last day on The World Race? Well, Q-Squad thought we would "Go Big & Go Home" and go out with a bang!!...

We flash mobbed the city center in Brasov, Romania!

..One of the coolest moments of my life ;]

Enjoy the video & spread it to all of your friends!... We're looking for thousands of hits on YouTube! :]

A Whole New Worrrrld [VIDEO!!!]

Fri, 29 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT

I had no idea what to title this end-of-year blog until "A Whole New World" (Aladdin) just came on my iPod. AND it seemed to fit perfectly with the fact that as a team leader, I nicknamed all of the other leaders of The Q by Disney characters in my phone (Abu, Buzz Lightyear, Tinker Bell, etc). Go figure ;]

Anyways....

Yes, it's true. It's the end. The end of The World Race. The end of everything that I have known and grown accustomed to over the last 11 months of my life.

I currently just finished packing up my 75 liter Osprey pack for the very last time on the WR. Oh man. Yeah tell me about. See if what I am going through doesn't give you anxiety attacks too.

A little over one year ago, I was just meeting the other 33 family members of The Q. At that point in time, I didn't even know their names. Now, I probably know most of them better than I know some of my close friends back at home. We are family. I have been around them more than I have ever been around anyone else in my life...from sleeping to using the bathroom, I never [get to] leave their side. I am actually quite dependent on them as well. 'Do I want to go to the grocery store on the way home from ministry today?' ...well hopefully everyone else will agree that it's a good idea too or else I'm out of luck.

Hephzibah on the beach in the Philippines (Sept '10)

But it's that time... I am going home and will soon have to make all of my own decisions. I can choose if I want to run by Starbucks on the way home, and/or even spend an hour in the aisle at Target picking out what type of shower gel I am going to use without anyone else caring how long I take. ;] Sounds amazing. But it also scares everything out of me.

These people have walked through some of the hardest times of my life. This year has been the best yet worst year of my life. Who will ever understand that? The people that do won't be next to me for the rest of my life. I finally understand why so many WR alumni end up living together after the Race.

Cambodia (Dec '11)

I feel that going home is almost scarier than when I left on The World Race back last September. Back then, I knew that I wasn't supposed to have any expectations. I really had no idea what this year would look like for me. Yes, I should probably take that same advice and not expect anything of going home. I could dream of the party that will be happening when I arrive at the airport, what my room looks like at home (mhmm), and how things are going to play out for me over this next season of my life.

The Q. Final Debrief (July '11)

I am leaving all that I know.

I'm not really the same Carmen that left on the WR last September, yet I am totally the same Carmen. I have just been through some tweaking and revising sessions for the last 11 months. Hopefully I came out a little better than when I went in.

But still, just bear with me. Be patient with me. Don't have expectations of who I will be when I get home.

Thailand (Nov '10)

Other than that, I'm coming home tomorrow!!! Until then...

ENJOY THIS VIDEO OF THE SQUADMATES THAT I HAVE COME TO LOVE SO MUCH MORE THAN I EVER DREAMED I WOULD!!!......

See you sooooooon! :]

End of Romaniaaa [Video Included!]

Sun, 24 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Wow, I can't believe that it's the end of our last month on The World Race!

I just wanted to share my team's Romania video with you that Samantha lovingly made...

Enjoy!

We're off to Brasov for The Q's final debrief! I can't believe I just met them one year ago today...and now I have to say goodbye. :[ Life is so crazy!

Be home in a weeeeeeek!!! :]

World Race Cribs::Romania Edition

Sat, 23 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT

A glimpse into our life in Timisoara, Romania at The Potter's House...

I'm a Mom!

Thu, 14 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT

As a woman, I am convinced that there are 2 "phases" that all females go through during the course of their young, pre-marital life. And she could go between these 2 phases multiple times...back and forth or stuck on one for a few weeks/months/etc. Perhaps all of this could even continue after she is married, but I have no grounds to test that, since I am both single and only 21 years old, and have no time to send out a survey. ;] So anyways...2 phases...

We have the "man phase" ...and the "baby phase".

The "man phase" describes the phase in a girl's life where it is all about wanting a man. She sits around all day and talks about wanting a husband. She can't wait for her wedding day. She just doesn't want anything else but a man. Could come across as a little boy crazy..yep, only a little.

Then there's the "baby phase". This is the phase where she could really care less about the search for a husband, and really just wants to go straight to the baby. During this phase, she wants to be around babies all of the time. It makes her life so much happier to have a baby in it than she would feel if a boyfriend was beside of her.

So you might be curious as to what stage I am in? ...Well, I currently I am in the "baby phase" this week! Yes, yes, this week...I'm sure I'll be back in the "man phase" tomorrow ;] ..or perhaps after writing this blog.

But praise the Lord that I am in the "baby phase" because I get to pretend to be a mom for ministry this month! The first part of our ministry this month was putting together a daily summer children's program for about 25 kids. And actually, that made me not want to be a mom because the kids were so crazy. But my "mom life" got better this week because we have the opportunity to hang out with a group of beautiful special needs children at the children's hospital.

walking with the kids in the park one morning

One day, we took the toddlers out to the park to hang out and eat snacks. We held their hands and pushed them in strollers down the sidewalk of the city. I felt like a mom...and loved it! Especially when I picked up a little girl and she wrapped her arms around me and laid her sweaty head on my shoulder. God's so cool. :]

Another day, we took some of the older kids to the zoo. Did I mention I love zoos? Yeah it's true. And it was a perfect picture of me taking my kid's to the zoo. ;] Loooved it! ...minus the fact that I had to stress about 'my' kids possibly running over to the exposed electrical fence all around the zoo...mhmm.

I'm really excited that we get to do all of this again next week!

Thank you, Jesus, for allowing me to be in the "baby phase" this month [or at least for part of it].... Taking 'my' kids to the zoo, the park, the pool, and holding their hands all along the way. Gotta love the mom life. ;]

A Dangerous Prayer

Wed, 13 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Last week was a really rough week for me and my team. I actually thought Romania was going to be my least favorite country on the World Race because of it. Ouch.

I was completely exhausted.

On Monday morning, after waking up and actually being joyful to hang out with kids all day/week, I dislocated my big toe right after breakfast. It was the worst pain I have felt in a long time. It was put in a cast, where it has been since then.

Because of that, "I couldn't feel good about my body" because my toe forced me to stop participating in the Insanity work out we had been doing. But God is teaching me a lot about myself and once again about true beauty. Praise the Lord.

I was lacking sleep.

Mostly because it was so hot and flies and mosquitoes were swarming me every night while I attempted to sleep.

Yet it was also so cold during the day (the weather can't make up it's mind...on July 1st, I was in every single layer I have with me and still froze. Yesterday, I was drenched in sweat.)

And just plenty of other random ways the enemy has been attacking me.

BUT God knew (DUH!) what was going on with all of us, and provided a wonderful American woman named Dawn, to invite us over on our off day last Saturday. She gave us each our own rooms and own beds!..a true rarity on the WR. She also cooked an amazing breakfast and Taco salad for lunch. And of course we had ice cream! Ahhh, it was soo refreshing!

I also came across a song called "Dangerous Prayer" by Kathleen Carnali, which has actually inspired me to write this blog because I want to share it with you.

It reminded me of why I appreciate moments when people are completely broken. Sadly, I just forget to recognize that I should appreciate them too when I'm going through "dark times" myself.

Because it makes us DESPERATE for Him

a backpacking adventure through the Grand Canyon '09

"Jesus, rain on my parade

Strip me down again

So I'm desperate for YOU

Jesus, whatever it takes

Bring me to my end

So I'm desperate for YOU

Amen"

Are you willing to let Him bring you to your end? So you're desperate for Him. Are you willing to allow Him to rain on your parade?

It's a dangerous prayer, but in the end, JESUS was desperate for you!!!

He thinks you're worth it! ...is He?

I Needed That

Sat, 9 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Do you ever have moments when all you can say is, "Wow, I needed that"? Especially those moments that you didn't even know you really needed them until after?

Maybe after a long day of work, you run to the grocery store and you run in to someone who just wanted to give you a hug.

OR maybe on a visit to the park one day, a little girl runs up to you and offers you a beautiful handpicked flower.

We all have unique moments like these.

Well my month in Ukraine was definitely a "I needed that" kind of month. I absolutely loved and it and actually miss it more than ever! It was by far probably one of my best months on the World Race. Probably because each day was a "I needed that" kind of day....

Every morning in Ukraine we woke up bright and early in a room full of windows (God knew I absolutely love tons of windows = tons of natural sunlight). I needed that refreshing wake-up call.

Did I mention that I got to check off one of my goals on my bucket list (of course I want to do it again in another city!), but God gave us the awesome opportunity to rent a very affordable apartment in downtown Odessa!!! A beautiful historical city on the coast of the Black Sea. I needed that! :]

fun on the walk home from First Step

We took the same exact 45 minute walk to ministry at the First Step center across town. Along the way, we ran into an older man playing the accordion on the street corner. One day we even stopped and danced along to the tune he was playing. I needed that.

adorably cute accordion man on the street corner. I hope he misses us now ;]

We then passed through "art park" where tons of beautiful artwork was displayed. It added such a beautiful touch to the beautiful park. I needed that.

I definitely needed those moments when Costea, a worker at the First Step center, pulled out his acoustic guitar. God knew how much I missed the sounds of strumming.

First Step center

Or stopping to buy the $0.50 soft-serve ice cream cone from McDonald's on the way home on a hot afternoon. I needed (or wanted, hehe) that.

But my absolute favorite "I needed that" moment came one afternoon when my original plan was to head back to the apartment. I had been going through a phase of feeling like I had no "God story" to share with you...which was a little bit discouraging. I grew so accustomed to my "normal" life on the World Race and forgot how so not-normal my life really is. But when you are living in the midst of it all, you just become "used to" it.

Jenny wanted to take some bread to an older homeless couple in the park on the way home, so I volunteered to go with her. My original reason for going was honestly out of obligation (to share a key to the gate to our apartment), but as usual, God had other plans for me.

We found the older couple on the other side of the park, sleeping in each others arms. We woke them up and as soon as Jenny handed them the loaves of bread... the woman reached up, grabbed my neck and pulled me down on to her and kissed my cheeks over and over again! I was overwhelmed with emotion as both of them cried and thanked the Lord for the gift.

samantha, me & bethany outside of the opera house

I totally needed that! :]

What About Them?

Sat, 9 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Ok, so let me preface this blog with the fact that I didn't follow the Casey Anthony case at all. But with my passion of ministry for females of all ages, it's hard for some thoughts to leave my head and I want to share them with you. My thoughts really have nothing at all to do with the case, yet everything to do with it.

Now, as I said, I don't know much about this case except for my Googling efforts after my Facebook "news feed" was exploding with newly updated statuses about the Casey Anthony verdict. There were so many comments in outrage about the injustice of the situation, fighting on behalf of a cute little girl named Caylee Anthony, whose life was so sadly taken from her way too early.

Now please do not read me wrong when I say this, but I was kind of in shock that everyone was so wrapped up in the story of one little girl. Not shock in a bad way, I actually thought it was beautiful. I have been traveling the world for the last 11 months and seeing snapshots of the injustice all over this world. I've been traveling the world fighting on behalf of all the little girls in this world where justice is not served on a pretty silver platter for them. I've been able to see the little girls who want and need (even if they don't even see it for themselves) people to fight for justice on behalf of them.

So what about them? Why don't they each get any of our updated Facebook statuses??

Maybe because we don't wrap up our emotions in stories about them because we don't hear stories of them. Because I'm quite sure that Caylee Anthony is not the only case like this. She was just lucky to have her story on the national news in America.

But still, what about the others? What about all the other little girls that need people to fill their Facebook statuses with comments outraged in anger about the injustice served everyday for them?

What about the beautiful little girls in India?

Did you know...

More than 50% of India's children are malnourished.

Of the 12 millions girls born in India, 1 million do not see their first birthday.

Every sixth girl child's death is due to gender discrimination.

Amongst married women in India today, 75% were under age at the time of their marriages.

1 out of 4 girls is sexually abused before the age of 4.

Children form 40% of the total population of commercial sex workers in India.

500,000 children are forced into this trade every year.

(statistics found here)

a private Christian school in Bangalore, India

What about the little girls who grow up in Thailand?

Most of which grow up and are sold into prostitution in order to provide for their families? Sometimes, and actually most of the time, they don't even know that this is the "job" they signed up for.

Walking Street in Pattaya City, Thailand... known around the world at Thailand's number one sun, sea and sex destination. It is home to at least 20,000 male, female & child prostitutes.

What about the little girls in Africa?

What about the ones who have to grow up living in the world's largest slum in Nairobi, Kenya?

Did you know that there are more than 100,000 orphaned children living there...the majority orphaned by the AIDS virus?

Most will die early in life due to lack of nutrition, clean water, adequate shelter, etc.

a young girl in Kibera slum

Or perhaps the ones who do make it, will be sold into prostitution in order to provide for their families.

...Or just raped by some drunk, HIV-infected man who will in turn infect this little girl who will now have to grow up living with the possibility of AIDS.

a young girl in Kibera slum

Can we seriously let this happen? Can we seriously go about our everyday life without one thought (or an emotional Facebook comment) about the injustice that is going on with the little girls all over the world?

What about them???

Worth a Million Questions

Sat, 2 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The World Race.. 11 countries. 11 months.

Yep, and it's insanely crazy for me to believe that Month 11 is finally here! ..meaning my World Race is soon coming to a close.

I will be spending the next 3 weeks here in Timisoara, Romania... then we'll head to Brasov for our Final Debrief with The Q (aka my squad, if you didn't know that by now)... then we're flying home where I will be landing back in North Carolina on July 31st! :]

As I'm thinking about coming home, I am quickly realizing that I need to [at least start to] prepare for the billions of questions I will be asked upon arrival. So to alleviate some of the overwhelming stress of it all ;] and to help me process what all happened over the past 11 months of my life, I have a little [fun] project we can all participate in! yayyy...

((**side note: This is not my original idea. I stole this idea from a teammate who stole it from a previous racer. ..just wanted to give them the credit, ha!))

So this is how it goes...

If you have a question (or multiple questions!) for me, either post them on this blog OR send me your questions via email through this blog!

They can be funny, serious, random, obvious, etc etc! Anything from "What was your favorite food?" to "How did the Holy Spirit lead you in each country?" GET CREATIVE!!! ..and participate! ..or else this will be really boring! ;]

I am looking forward to posting all of your questions in a blog closer to when, if not when, I return to the USA! :]

With Love,

Carmen

World Race Cribs::Ukraine Edition

Tue, 28 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Here's a look into our apartment in downtown Odessa, Ukraine...

Ukraine Vid

Tue, 28 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Here's a glimpse into Team WO[men]'s life this past month in Urkaine.... Thank you goes to Samantha for putting it all together! :]

Happy Father's Day, Daddy!!!

Sun, 19 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Happy Father's Day, Daddy!!!

I just wanted to give you a blog of your own to tell the world how much I LOVE YOU! :]

Life for me wouldn't be the same if I didn't have a daddy like you...

loving me the way you do
reminding me how much you love me the way you do
letting me hold your two fingers because mine weren't big enough to hold your whole hand
taking me to Disney World
reminding me that I'm a princess and that I can be any Disney princess I wan
t to be! ;]
letting my buy a new dress...or two...or three.. ;] hehe

and the list could go on and on and on... BUT it wouldn't even give anyone a hint of what you mean to me! I love you daddy and I appreciate everything you have ever and always done for me!
Life really wouldn't be the same without you!!!

And sorry we didn't make you a more "personalized" video for Father's Day (similar to the q-squad Mother's Day one), buuuuut I thought this funny video your sister posted on Facebook could possibly suffice... :]

So for all you dad's out there...the world really wouldn't be the same without you! ;]

Taking Care of the Chickens

Wed, 15 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Well that blog title sounded better in the moment than when I actually have it written out. ;] But there's no better way to describe my Saturday than that. I am convinced my job that day was to take care of the chickens...

On Saturday, we (well the rest of my team) helped the Hope House make 46 jars of jam. To give you an idea about the jam, and to save me time hehe, my teammate Bethany put it in her blog best...

"Part of the garden at Hope House is filled with strawberries, fruit pectin has been donated by people who visit and the jars are re-used from before. The only cost in making the jam is about $60; I think that is for the sugar, and maybe the lids. This summer the plan is to make a total of 200 jars of jam to last them throughout the next year. Making the jam instead of buying it at the store saves them about $1000 (USD); so yesterday we saved them about $230."

Of course I did get to help with part of the jam making process, but I mostly had the lovely job of taking care of the chickens.

While the rest of my team was mashing strawberries and stirring the jam over the stove, etc, Aimee and I were positioned by the sink outside cutting off the "bad parts" of the strawberries.

I personally think we had the best end of the deal though, because you see, some of these "bad parts"

weren't even that "bad", they were just "bad" for the jam but were perfectly edible. Yep, it was the life :]

After we cut up the strawberries, we ended

up dropping all the leftover pieces of them on the ground. Ooops! So we scooped up all of the gooey leftover pieces of strawberries and threw them over the fence to the chickens. They went fanatical. Check, our first job of taking care of the chickens was completed.

After we finished with our input on the strawberry jam making process, Aimee and I were put in charge of painting the ceiling of the chicken coup. That was actually quite fun! Some of the chickens would even come in to the coup and stare at us to make sure we were doing a good job on their house. I personally thought we were.

But I'm thinking they should have given a little more attention to us though... because I ended up getting paint all over me. When I went to wash the paint off in the sink and quickly realized that it was oil-based paint and wasn't going to come off with just water!

Kerry had quite the laugh though!...as he had to practically pour gasoline over our bodies to get the paint off!...dabbing it all over our arms & even in our hair! It was quite the sight to see and I'm actually sad that I didn't get a picture of it.

Oh well, I still think we did a great job at keeping the chickens happy!

Especially when a thunderstorm rolled up and all of the chickens scrambled all over one another to get into their home. It was quite the site to see... me and Aimee and the chickens. :]

I Kidnapped a Grandma!

Sun, 12 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

I kidnapped a grandma. Yep, you heard it right. Never would I have thought I could ever say that!... But it's true!

Her name is Bibi and I met her on the way to the top of a mountain in Nepal.

Let me tell you about it...

It was a beautiful day in Nepal and we didn't have any ministry planned until later in the afternoon at the leper colony. So Jenny and I decided that we wanted to hike to the top of the mountain and perhaps find ways to minister to people along the way.

So off we went on our adventure for the day...

(the top of the mountain we made it to is that top peak on the left)

We hiked down into the valley from the hill that we lived on. Soon after we crossed the suspension bridge at the bottom, we came upon the leper colony that we would be hanging out at later in the afternoon. We passed some people who were gathered around just smiling and staring at us. So why not, we stopped and prayed for them. And then continued on our journey.

But before we made it out of their site, a random elderly lady walks around the corner & starts speaking in Nepalese and is really concerned about trying to tell us something. We just stared at her and shrugged our shoulders. She looked as if she gave up, shook her head, grabbed Jenny's arm and pulled us in the direction that we were headed.

So off we went up the hill with the random old lady...

One guy we passed along the way yelled, "Hey!..that's my grandma!" ...but Bibi kept walking with us...

We had a few momentary stops with Bibi... One to give her some of my water. We passed many people who just laughed at all of it. One guy gave her money. Another tried to interpret what she was trying to tell us, but that failed too because he didn't speak any English himself..ha! The best part was singing random songs to her...I think she liked that a lot!..she kept giggling and smiling. I think it made her day ;]

After walking for at least an hour (not even a mile either probably) with Bibi, we finally made it to a nearby town. I bought her a coke, and as awful (or as funny) as it sounds, we ran off without her. We were running out of time and we needed to make it to the top of the mountain...a few miles to go with only a few hours left to make it there & back! :P

So after more hiking...and more hiking...and just a little bit more hiking... we finally made it to the top and enjoyed the amazing view!!!

On the way back down the mountain --after more hiking and a bus that drove way too close to the edge of the cliff!-- we once again passed by the supposable grandson(s) of Bibi...

"HEY WHERE'S MY GRANDMA??!!!?"

My heart stopped.

It had been hours since be had left Bibi at the nearby town... Were they expecting us to bring her home? Did they think we had kidnapped her & done something with her?? Oh man...

After suffering for a little bit, they finally gave ease to our minds and told us that Bibi often runs off like this and no need to worry...she'll make it home someday. Haha! Gotta love Bibi! ;]

Also, soon after I said, "I will never ever hike this mountain again..!" ...we (my team + Team Tetris) hiked the mountain again only a few days later. This time we brought our tents and camped up at the top! It was sooo worth it!! :] ..even if watching the sunrise failed. ;]

Dancing on the Rooftops

Wed, 8 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

I love rooftops.

I remember waking up early every morning with Amy Heiser in Cambodia to go sit on a rooftop to worship together and ask for more of the Lord.

Africa doesn't have many rooftops, but it was redeemed in India when we basically did our ministry on a rooftop. Capstone Ministries was on the top floor overlooking Bangalore. Stunning.

Capstone's rooftop :]

In Nepal, we were also thankfully blessed with a rooftop. I loved going up there during the day and basking in the beauty of all of the mountains that surrounded us in all directions. One day (which actually turned into many days), I saw the Himalaya Mountains in the distance from a rooftop. I started crying at the beauty of them. How marvelous and majestic they were, towering over the "Himalayan foothills" in the foreground!

the snow-capped Himalaya Mountains in the distance :]

I also loved going up on the rooftop during the night. It reminded me of being home during the summers and laying on my family's driveway to watch the stars each cloud-free night. So peaceful.

One of our last nights in Nepal, I couldn't really sleep and so I turned my iPod on and listened to it for a little while. A song called "Dance with Me" came on and I knew that I needed to be on the rooftop. I walked up the spiral stairs to the roof and could see about a billion stars. The moon wasn't out yet so it was a perfect night for stargazing. But God didn't want me to just lie there on the roof and admire them. He wanted me to dance with Him under them. "Dance with Me"..."Dance with Me"..."Dance with Me" kept ringing over and over again in my head until I finally stood up and danced.

Remember my blog post before the Race about "Beautiful Ballerina Toes"? I have walked around on the World Race twirling little girls around in each country in every city in hopes that I would see that Training Camp vision come to life on the Race. But it hasn't happened yet...until that night at least. You see... I have been sharing with other people about how much God wants to dance with them. I have been almost pushing that vision that was for myself onto other people, forgetting that God had that vision for me in the first place.

But I want to dance again. I want to learn what it means to [literally] dance with my Prince.

In the meantime though, as I figure out this whole 'dance' thing, you should watch the video of The Flaming Zoo Animals (Aka, Team Eleutheroo + Team Kindle) rock at the Dance Off at our last squad debrief. Yep, we won too!!! ;]

Ministry in Ukraine :]

Sun, 5 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

So I have officially lived in Europe for a week now and I am still experiencing culture shock. Ridiculous. But I guess that is what living in Asia and Africa for 9 straight months does to you. Funny story to tell you first... my team and I were waiting for the bus to come yesterday and I saw a man stop next to us and fix his camera. I stood there just waiting for him to take our picture so I could give him a "are-you-kidding-me" kind of look. He then fixed his camera and went on his way. I stood there so puzzled and confused. Then I realized.... We don't stand out in a crowd anymore. We aren't the only white people around anymore. People don't just want to take our pictures anymore. People don't actually care. Yep, that actually hit harder than you think...mhmm.

Anyways... Ministry! This month we are mainly working with World Hope Ukraine's Hope House & the First Step Center here in Odessa. When I heard it was connected with World Hope, I became really emotional because I had actually looked at possibly helping with the Hope House before I came on the World Race. And now I am on the World Race AND helping with this organization. How awesome God is?! He just can't stop showing His wonders, can He?! I love it!

So what is this Hope House & First Step program I am talking about? Well let me tell you a little bit about it...

Here in Ukraine, children have to leave the interlocks (aka orphanages) at the age of 16, or at least when they reach grade 9 in school. When they leave the interlocks, they have no documents, no life skills, and little to no education. Because of this, they are left without jobs and therefore can't make any money. This leads them to turn to stealing, prostitution or even being trafficked in order to survive. A lot of times, the girls turn to guys for help. Most of them end up pregnant, alone and without any money in the end. This just starts over in the same cycle when their children grow up, and so on and so on.

Hope House and the FirstStep Center provide the help these youth need. These programs help the orphans obtain an identity and all of the paperwork needed to allow them to get a job, as well as other life skills and an education.

The Hope House is a safe house for the girls once they leave the interlocks and/or girls who are in risky situations and need emergency relief. Currently there are around 14 girls who are living at the Hope House. The Hope House provides them a place to live, teaches them how to cook and have responsibilities, and learn English.

This month we will be gardening, painting, cleaning out the chicken coup, making jars of jam (that will be fun!), and other various activities around the "house", as well we loving on all of the girls and spending time with them at the beach. ;]

Yesterday, we helped the girls clean out the basement at the Hope House. We scooped up dirty water and dumped it outside, power washed the floor, and then did it all over again. We also moved some bricks and other random things. And after all of the work was finished, we went to the beautiful Black Sea shore and spent some time in the sun with the girls. :]

I'm totally loving Ukraine! :]

ps_ i will more than likely be posting some blogs this month from India and Nepal that I haven't done yet. Just wanted to let you know, so you aren't confused or anything as to my location in the world. :]

Breast Cancer??

Sun, 5 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

I'm not sure how many of you know about this, but I wanted to share with you something really personal that I went through back in April of this year.

At the beginning of my month in India, I discovered a small mass on one of my breasts after a shower one day. I didn't think much about it, but rather mentioned it to my teammates and went on my way. Through all of the changes of the move from Chennai to Bangalore, I realized it had grown even larger to the size of a [flattened] golf ball and hurt a lot. I was losing sleep at night from all of the pain.

One morning, when we went to spend time at a park with handicapped children, I shared with Anita (the wife of our contact Paul) what was going on and she told me that she would go with me to the doctor that afternoon.

While waiting for my appointment, I had a few of my squad-mates pray over my body. One of them had me pray aloud over myself as well and, something I wouldn't normally ever do, I put a time limit on it and declared that in 30 minutes my body would be healed. I became really distraught after that, wondering why on earth "30 minutes" could out of my mouth. So I spent the next 30 minutes in prayer and worship.

As the minutes ticked on my watch, I became more and more nervous.

I was scared what people would think if my body wasn't healed after the 30 minute time frame.

The lump hadn't gone down though, so I held my breathe & humbly admitted that I "wasn't healed" and headed back over to Capstone that afternoon so Anita could take me to the doctor.

The hospital she took me to just so happened to specialize in women too...perfect. After an anxious wait in the waiting room, I finally met with the doctor. After she examined my breasts, there was an awkward tension that arose in the room.. The doctor seemed unsettled and told me that I would need some other tests run by the surgeon.

Yep, my head went spinning.

Initially I thought, "I have heard that mammograms huuuurrrrt."

My head kept spinning...

"I am only 21 years old, why in the world do I have to be dealing with this right now?!"

and

"whyyy do I have to be dealing with THIS on the World Race in India annndwithout my mom and 'doctor dad'???"

But let me tell you about Anita...

She held my hand through everything.

She prayed for me constantly.

She never left my side and never gave up hope with me.

She was my mom.

She was my best friend.

She was my sister.

She was everything I could ever want and need during those moments and God knew it.

That's why He gave me her.

I wouldn't have chosen to deal with this issue at any other place or any other time than with her right there in the middle of India.

After the meeting with the first doctor, I remember sitting out in the waiting room again and Anita handed me her cell phone and told me to call my mom. I didn't want my parents to find out about this because I didn't want them to worry. But when Anita handed me her phone, I knew they deserved to hear what was going on with me on the other side of the world. I went outside to call my mom and when I heard my mom's voice over the phone line, I broke down crying. Luckily she was at a conference surrounded by women who were amazing prayer warriors. Isn't it funny how God takes care of you and your family when you need it the most?! :]

I was quickly filled with peace that all was going to be OK.

I had some tests done and soon left the hospital with some medicine to help reduce pain so I would be able to sleep at night. I was also given another appointment to come back after the pain had hopefully subsided to have further tests run.

At church on Sunday, God brought another woman into my life named Julie [an American, by the way] who just so happened to be a nurse and had a better clinic she wanted to take me to.

The next day, before Julie even picked me up to take me to the doctor, I woke up to realize that the lump had shrunk to the size of a pea!

When I made it to the doctor this time, she looked at my breasts and gave me a quick sigh of relief that everything was "A OK" and no need to worry.

I can stand here today to tell you that the mass is nowhere to be find on my body anymore!!! :]

If there is no other reason for this incident to happen to me other than the face that I got to spend extra quality time with Anita, then so be it. I would do it all over again just for that. I love that woman so much and am excited how God joins us together somehow in ministry to women in the future. :]

I am also convinced that God brings me so far into situations that women get into just so that I can experience the emotions, the feelings, the hurts, the joys, etc etc, in order to only empathize with other women even more. And the good thing about that is that He only allows me so far into situations as to not be completely effected by them. Incidents such as this and other "womanly issues" involved in my testimony are only preparing me and leading me into my ministry to women today and in the future.

God's so good to me. :]

From reVolting to Vogue

Sat, 28 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Alas, we have made it to Europe after another fun "World Race travel day" (chh chh)! :]

My last morning in Nepal consisted of waking up and finishing packing at 4am in complete darkness due to a power shortage. We left our ministry site for the airport at 4:30am, arriving there just after 5am--even though our flights weren't until the afternoon--to avoid the riots and transportation strikes going on throughout the city due to some political situations.

But it was all worth it when my flight from Kathmandu to Delhi came with a spectacular view of the snowcapped Himalayan Mountains out my window...it was beautiful! and for the sake of my mind, I am going to claim one of them to be Mt Everest, haha ;]

We landed in Delhi, India a little before 5pm. By the time we reached the International Transfer area, we were told we were going to have to wait until 10 or 11 that night to be issued our boarding passes since the airline office closed at 5pm. What?!..we just missed it by 10 minutes! So the four of us (me, Amy H, Ashley, & Jenny) set up camp and waited for the last Q-squad flight to arrive, only to share the happy news with them too. But praise the Lord, Ryan worked his usual magic & was able to pass us some pizza through the security checkpoint so we could have some dinner!

After a fun game of cards, reading, journaling, and sleeping, we were finally issued our boarding passes a little after midnight and were able to join the rest of our squad at the gate.

Our flight left Delhi at 4am to fly to Moscow, Russia and I attempted to sleep through it all. When we landed in Russia, most of us trudged to go blow our money at the TGI Friday's a few terminals over. Nikki and I shared a cheeseburger and fries.. It was totally worth it !

We left Moscow and arrived at our final destination in Kiev, Ukraine around 4 in the afternoon. Culture shock at its finest...cars that drove within the lines, trash cans, and tons of white people all around who weren't tourists but actually citizens of the land. It was hard to realize [yet amazing at the same time] that we weren't going to be stared at anymore. ..Unless of course it is because of our revolting World Race attire that doesn't even compete with the European dress here. :P

We soon arrived at our hostel, which just so happens to be in the middle of the beautiful historical center of the city, only to be greeted by the sweetest family ever who have taken very good care of us. We were offered hot showers, a hair dryerrr, a western toilet, and the most comfortable bed & pillow that I have used all Race. I feel so spoiled!!!

Especially our trip to McDonald's for dinner. It is Kiev Day (the city turns 1,500 this year) this weekend and so a lot is happening all around us. McDonald's was super packed with people all dressed up and even on dates...it was such an overwhelming experience. I felt I had just landed on a different planet. I never realized how much "out of civilization" I have really been in for the last 9 months of my life.

I am just so happy to be here in Europe now though. :] I am already in love! Not just because I am back in the "western world" surrounded by people much more like me. Well...that could be part of it, but it just feels so good to be here! I love the hustle and bustle of the city life here in Kiev, the people, the fashion (even though nothing in my WR wardrobe compares to this Vogue city), and especially the accents. ;] I personally think this is the perfect way to spend the last 2 months of the World Race. I'm pretty sure it will help so much to "slowly" accustom us back into civilization and culture of the US of A. Because personally, I am very much ready to throw away all of my clothes and buy a complete new wardrobe. ;]

We are leaving tonight on an overnight train for Odessa, Ukraine. It is on the coast of the Black Sea. I'm not really sure of what our ministry will look like this month, but whatever we do, I'm sure I'm gonna love it! :]

I took a walk through the park today to experience the festivities for Kiev Day

World Race Cribs::Nepal Edition

Sat, 28 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Want to know where we lived during our month in Kathmandu, Nepal??

My new teammate, Bethany has made a World Race Cribs video that gives you a little glimpse into our home in Nepal...

India video!

Fri, 27 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT

My friend Sarah (from Team Kindle) created a video of our time in India so you can catch a little glimpse of what life was like for us in Bangalore, India.. :]

Happy Mother's Day, Mama!!

Sun, 8 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Happy Mother's Day, Mama!!!

...and all you other wonderful mother's out there! :]

Sorry I haven't been with you at Mother's Day for the 3rd year in a row (at least), but I promise I'll be around next year! ...well, maybe I shouldn't promise because who knows where God will take me next year..?! ;]

I love you millions and can't wait to have a girls day with you in less than 3 months!! yeahhh!! :]

LoveLoveLove,

Carm

PS_ here's a video for you to enjoy some Q-Squad lovin'......

(and if I decided to redo my part, I would have blown you a big kiss at the end! ;] )

Man, I feel like a WO[men]

Wed, 4 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Dear friends, a lot has happened in my life over the past few weeks that I haven't had the privilege of sharing with you yet.

I would love to update you on all of my life happenings, but for now I first wanted to inform you of the most recent change that you all might like to know about... :]

During our Month 8 debrief in India last week --which was a such a refreshingly amazing time spent getting to know more of the amazing men & women on my squad!-- we had team changes. Woot Woot! During this time, God raised me up as a team leader to lead a team of 5 beautiful women during our last 3 months of the World Race. I am really excited about this new "challenge" that God has set before me to grow and reach new heights with Him and serving my team. So, without further ado, *drum roll please* let me introduce to you my amazing team of women...

Team WO[men]

Bethany Eason. Samantha Allen. Aimee Holladay. ME. Jenny Ellis.

And I am in love with these women already! Each day, God reveals to me more and more confirmations of why the 5 of us have been placed together during the last 3 months of our Race. It gives me chills each time I think about it. :]

We decided to choose the team name WO[men] because for one, we are a team of women, and two, well, when you look at us you just HAVE to say "WOAH!" ;]

We believe that we are a powerful group of women and when we are fully united in the strength that the Lord has given us, we are going to have many "Woah" kind of moments!

God has placed the 5 of us together for these last 3 months of the Race to push each other, encourage each other, and just love each other extravagantly.

I am really excited to see what "Woah" moments God has for us!! :]

In factual news, Team WO[men] is currently in Kathmandu, Nepal serving alongside of Team Tetris. We have been involved in a variety of ministries already which include (but not limited to) Bible studies, prayer walking through Buddhist and Hindu temples, spending time with the adorable children that we live with, and using our prayers to heal a paralyzed woman on day 1! God is incredible and I'm already loving the beautiful mountainous country of Nepal!

Because she left me...

Wed, 20 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Because she left me... I am able to dedicate a blog post to her. ;]

This blog post is specially dedicated to one of my best friends, Kelly Brooks, whom I miss so much! She was there through some of the crappiest times as well as some of the most joyful times. She for sure deserves this.

Here's a snapshot of our friendship that just so happens to revolve around The World Race (go figure)... :]

[[Side note: I would put more pictures up, but it's already taking foreverrrr to load up what I have now. I just picked some of my favs. Enjoy!]]

*_ Hey Kelly... Remember when we first met at your house to drive down to training camp in Georgia together? I never knew we'd have a friendship like this! By the way, can you find that picture??? haha!

*_ Remember when we cried everyday in our tents at training camp, which just so happened to be set up beside each other on a slanted slope. Yeah, it was awful. But I'm glad I wasn't alone! ;]

*_ Remember when God put us on the same team?? I remember the surprised, ecstatically, happy look on our faces as we internally wondered why we ever doubted that God wouldn't put us together in the first place.

*_ Remember walking/running to the beach many evenings in the Philippines just to admire the sunset. Beautiful.

*_ Remember when Malaysia was such a hard month for all of us, that even our friendship had it's difficulties. I'm glad we fought through that and came out even better friends!!! :]

*_ Remember eating at random "restaurants" on the side of the street corners in Thailand? I can't believe we made it out alive! If only my dad knew.. :P

*_ Remember Thanksgiving dinner together at a Mexican restaurant? We got to "dress up" and put make-up on! Such a wonderful evening.

*_ OH, do you also remember when you held my hand the entire time when I got my TATTOO after our Thanksgiving meal?? OOOPS!!....I guess this one deserves it's own blog post! I'm thinking not many of my readers were informed of this news. [coming up soon.]

Well now that I have lost the attention of my readers, or perhaps gained their attention --depending on if they are distraught over my comment or are more interested in what I am going to write next-- , I will still continue on because our friendship definitely didn't end after month 3.... :]

*_ So anyways, Remember when we got Starbucks even though it was so hot outside already. I'm glad we could share in the sweating together ...not like any other day on the Race has been any different, Ha!

*_ Remember how excited you were when we found Dr Pepper in Cambodia?? I was super excited for you. God does love us. ;]

*_ Remember when team changes occurred in Cambodia and we ended up on the same team again? Praise the Lord! God definitely does love us together. ;]

*_ Remember "our boys" from Cambodia? Especially all those funny emails you and I still get from Philip!?

*_ Remember your crazy hair on the bus ride back to the Thai border? I'm sure you'd kill me if I posted this picture, so I'll save you from that. ;]

*_ Remember the mini-van safari in Kenya? I'm glad we got to sit in luxury with foot rests, reclining seats, and spacious room while watching the wildlife... I guess sometimes it pays to show up "fashionably late."

*_And last but not least, Remember when I cried my eyes out when we dropped you off at the airport? Ok, so that's not the most glamorous of shots, but it confirms to me that we had such a great friendship that it STINKS to let you go so soon! I'm at least glad that I at least got to sport the purple dress and carry along the yellow cardigan one last time just for you. ;]

Wow, I could go on forever about the most random moments of our lives, but I don't have time, annnd I'm sure others would get bored because they just wouldn't understand us. ;]

I MiiiiSSSSS yOUUUUUU, KEL!!!

Too bad we couldn't wear our saries together anymore. You're totally missing out. Actually that's a lie...we haven't worn them since Chennai! ;]

I'm also sad you won't get to see the end of the purple dress and/or the yellow cardigan (oh man!). Or maybe just because you left, I'll just save them and wear them home with me. Bahaha... nah, I'll just be livin' it up in my new dress from Paris that you were supposed to purchase with me. Too bad! ;P

I'm so glad God made us friends. :] And I am especially looking forward to a sweet tea in your hands waiting for me at the airport when I get home in 3 months! ;]

i Love you,

Carm

And PS, Thank you for leaving your shoes and purse behind with me... I've been using them both almost every day. So convenient! :]