Hey Y’all!
It’s me, Hunter, and I just wanted to share a fun little reflection of my experience with the World Race. In this reflection, we’re keeping it light. Here I’m just going to be sharing some of my favorite little moments from each country and what I miss from each country. So put on your summer swim trunks/bathing suit and let’s jump on in.
Kenya! While it was probably one of the harder countries to begin with, it was such a cool country to start with. From riding camels in Mombasa to performing skits at a school, it was such a way to start! The people of Kenya are so hospitable and welcoming! One of my favorite things that I took away from their culture is the importance of greetings. For Kenyan people, greetings are huge, especially with people that you know! You are loud and proud in acknowledging your friends, even if they are far off; you are making it well known that you seem them and that you notice them (Wafula and Emmanuel). Did I mention that we legit stayed in a mansion for our debrief in Kenya (Thank you Sharon). And last, but not yeast, we can’t forget visiting an actual bread factory!
Uganda was a really restful place for me! But it was also such a great place to experience new things! In Uganda, we lived with a baker (miss you Momo!) who made AMAZING food! With her and her husband (Charles) and her family, we got the opportunity to go and see the Nile River (where I lost one of my headphones) and visit the most powerful waterfall in the world (located at Murchison Falls National Park). We also got the opportunity to attend an authentic Ugandan wedding! And thank you Sandra for the awesome opportunity to teach abroad in a Ugandan classroom (a variety of subjects ranging from English to Math to Science, etc.).
With Nepal, it was love at first sight…. and at first bite! The houses there are so beautiful (to the point where I actually inquired how much it would cost to buy a home there) and don’t get me started on the momo dumplings! 🥟 In addition to getting to hike through the Himalayas, I also got my second ever tattoo!!! (See pictures below). Did I mention that I also got my head shaved rode an elephant? But honestly so grateful for the relationships we made there (miss you Deepak, Commando and Rajito)!
With India, it took a bit of time for it to warm up on me, but once it did, I was sold! For starters, I got to see one of the seven wonders of the world – The Taj Majal. In addition to that, I also got the chance to get connected with a church there in Chennai (which was a mirror of what the church was like in the Book of Acts; thank you Joshua, Abilash and Dishan). I also had the wonderful opportunity of getting to see the St. Thomas Cathedral Basilica and visiting the sites of where the apostle Thomas was killed and then buried. In addition, I also got the opportunity to go indoor rock-climbing and travelling by train where I got to meet so many great people (such as Jaiwanth, Visha, and Mayank).
If I’ve already met with you, you’ve probably already heard that my favorite place was Turkey. Turkey was so beautiful and one of the places where I felt I made deepest connections. Not only did I get the opportunity to host an English club where I got to meet and hang out with some wonderful people (Bartug, Nil, Roshbin, Kalin, Simge, Al Ihsan, Cicek, Omer, etc.) but I also got the opportunity to find my hidden passion for relational ministry. From making small talk at the train station with Atakan, to visiting Dica Cafe to meet with Doruk and seeing Selhan at the local store, I enjoyed getting to meet new people and build relationship with them. In addition, I enjoyed getting to visit the different places of Turkey such as the ancient city of Troy (Assos) and the ancient church of Ephesus. Trying Persian food for the first time was amazing (thank you Asel and Sara). Finally, getting the opportunity to take a ferry to the Greek island of Patmos where John wrote the book of Revelation (Emir) was so cool!
And finally, the country of Georgia. While I wasn’t a fan necessarily of all the hiking and trekking, I did enjoy the opportunity to meet all the different people and make all different sorts of friendships with people from around the world (so many people, but just to name a few: Mohammad, Gianmarco, Theo, Onur, Stanislav, Roman, Tem, etc.). I think that was honestly one of my favorite parts of Georgia was getting to meet so many people from around the world (Sweden, Japan, Germany, Ukraine, Brazil, etc.) and getting to hear their stories. It honestly such an eye-opening experience that can teach you so much! I strongly recommend that if you haven’t travelled out of the United States, to do so in order to learn about the differences of life that one can experience around the world.
Overall, the World Race was such an amazing experience! While it’s been filled with challenges and struggles at times, it’s been such an amazing experience that’s also been filled with joy, laughter and fun! So grateful again for this experience and for all the people that God had me cross paths with. Love you all!
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