To voluntarily ostracize oneself from their own culture and tradition is to embark on a journey of discovery. Discovery of self, and divine purpose but more importantly the discovery of a realm outside of the norm, a Kingdom crowned with The Glory of God.

By coming on The World Race I have somewhat conscientiously asked God to set the bar higher for me, to call me to uncommon levels of communion with Him, His Kingdom and His people. When my airplane departed from Canada taking me to the starting point of this trip, I had a vision. I saw myself standing at the edge of a plank on a ship. The blueish, green sea was sparkling at the reflection of The Lord's Glory all around, occasionally directing the rays onto my face. I felt compelled to leap from the ship. I stood at the farthest edge of the ship and was ready to be released into the vast waters. I felt the Holy Spirit speak to me, showing me that this was a picture of what the Father is doing with my life. He is taking me to the edge of MYSELF, to the edge of MY desires, motivations, hopes and dreams. To a place where He submerses me unto Himself, bringing order to my character, personality and purpose. Experiencing a freedom from selfish ambition knowing that He wants my heart positioned in such a way that He can walk on Earth.

This was an exhilarating and yet scary moment. I knew it would entail sacrifice and devotion, but I had no clue to what extent. I had hoped that just being willing to go on the journey would be sufficient grounds for all this to automatically take place. I mean, wasn't the hard part over? Leaving home, friends, family to live with strangers, sleep in tents, eat foreign foods, hold filthy children and catch every virus and bug known to man? As I am learning, these were the easiest of all the decisions and sacrifices needing to be made. The reality of this vision manifests as this; I no longer am entitled to things such as the right to be heard, or the right to favorites, personal space, clean body or clothes, healthy food. Living in community takes away all rights to be private about matters. On top of that I have "enrolled" myself into an intense discipleship lifestyle of learning Godly character, meaning to put everyone before me, preferring others rather than myself, choosing to love through all circumstances (note, there is supposed to be a point where there is freedom in preferring others, I haven't fully experienced it yet but I hope the day comes soon) ... have you tried that lately? Not an easy thing to become natural at. In essence I am being re-ordered on the inside to a better state of living in tune with The Holy Spirit.

I have wanted to keep friends and family up to date through my blog with what The Lord has been teaching me, but I am realizing that the timing is not right. I have tried to talk and write about all that is happening on the inside and find that the bulk of my vocabulary mysteriosly disappears, this happened for about the first 7 weeks of the trip. I was extremely frustrated and even began to wonder if this was a physical ailment manifesting and that I should seek medical attention. I eventually gave up my desire to have to share all that I feel or think. It's been hard because I value sharing what The Lord is doing, but He's not finished. Even since learning that this is how God is doing things right now, I have slipped up and tried to write a blog or two about me, and just before I am finished writing, the page will freeze or go back, or connections die, losing all that I have written. So, I really get it now. I have chosen to be set apart to Him only. So what I am about to say may really only affect my immediate family, but I feel that I need to "disappear" for a short time, not attempting to write blogs or emails (hopefully just for my time in Bolivia). This includes skype and msn (besides obvious and urgent matters, don't worry Mom). I have come to the point where it's all or nothing. I can't keep my foot in the door of familiarity and comfort while trying to understand all that The Lord is teaching me. If I want to live a radical life for Jesus Christ than it requires radical changes and sacrifices. I believe this blog is a success today because I have not attempted to reiterate the CORE lessons I've been "taking". ha ha

God Bless you all, we'll talk again soon.

This video is an expression of the past two months of ministry with the people of Peru. The Desert Coast where an 8.0 magnitude earthquake hit in Aug. 2007 and demolished homes and lives. The Amazon Jungle where children and youth are searching beyond the norm for purpose and destiny. My urgent need for continued support.

*If you are trying to access this blog through The World Race home page and the video does not show up, click the link below which will take you to the original article

Today is a good day. For 1, It's my birthday, and 2, I am seeing the goodness of my Creator all around me. I would have never imagined that i would spend my 25^th birthday in the Amazon Jungle of Peru. Praise God for He never ceases to amaze us.

This morning, I was awakened by the sun beaming on my face at about half past 6 am. When I sit up on my bed I have a panoramic view of the Amazon River. It looked especially beautiful this morning. I have to admit that life on a barge, stationed at a village in the jungle has been much more pleasant than I expected. No roosters, dogs, or goats to break the morning silence, even though space is cramped for sleeping and eating, it has truly brought the team closer together in our hearts. I experienced this love first hand this morning as I turned from my panoramic view of the river to a sign hanging on my tent that read "Wake up sleepy head, it's your birthday!" and then more so when i found that the entire boat was decorated with signs, ribbons and balloons expressing pure excitement for the celebration of the day that I was born 25 years ago. How great is my family of 27 racers??. Today is the day that I found that unique family connection with my team mates, and oh how I love them!

Hilton is not the only one benefiting from our presence in Nauta. The children and teenagers are getting most of our attention. As in every culture, every nation, and every village, children need to be loved, built up, accepted, and nourished. Here we have an incredible opportunity to strengthen the hearts and souls of hundreds of children. Daily we hold a program called "Fiesta Con Dios" which translates, "Party with God". I would bet almost 200 kids come out for the fun! We do things like singing, dramas, games and just all out getting silly. Our team has really come to life with this group. I have seen my team mates jumping in with all they have to make these kids laugh till their bellies hurt. Laughter is healing to the soul. Most of these kids suffer from the same problems kids in North America face, dysfunctional homes, abuse, bullying and most of all the effects of an impoverished economy. I can't change a government and I cannot tell a community how to live but I can bring laughter and love on the scene just when someone may have thought the world has forgotten how to smile. The same goes for our teens, we have created a Youth Group type of event that goes on daily with games, teaching, and outreach. Nauta has our undivided attention and I believe hearts will be softened and turned toward the love of Christ that they feel flowing through our hearts for them.

In the same way that I have been keeping you all at home up to date with the exciting God stories out here on the field, AIM has given me the recent update on my financial status for my support account. Here is what it looks like;

I currently have $5178 in my account.

AIM has given me the goal of $8280 by March 1st.

To meet that goal I will need $3102 by March 1st. This goal is very important for me to meet, if not it could put me at risk for having to go home.

In total the end goal is $13,800, I still need $8622.

I am reminded constantly of a verse in the Bible that the Lord spoke over me back in October. Philippians 4:6-7 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

I am bringing this request before God. I have faith in His intentions for bringing me on the race and that He will provide for ALL my needs. Please take the time to consider supporting me. Join with me in prayer. Your prayers for us racers are being heard, and it is evident in little Andris smile and the overwhelming response to baby Carol. God cares for the needs and requests on our hearts and He loves it when we unite together in prayer for His grace and mercy to abound.

Please also check out Magen Bradleys Blog. An incredible woman with indefinite purpose here on our squad. She is in the same position financially as I am. We are praying together, and are excited to see God move in mighty ways over the next 2 weeks.

I want to specifically encourage my home town of Porters Lake to unite with me on this incredible cause and ministry. Like when our beloved Chad Duecette worked his way throught the ranks of Canadian Idol, the entire Eastern Shore cheered him on made it possible for him to see it to the finish line, I am asking that my friends and family on the Eastern Shore join in and see the difference you can make through supporting me and making it possible for me to bring hope and love to strangers in need around the world. I also encourage you to leave comments on my blog. I want to know my supporters, i want to bring you as close as posibe to whats going on! So drop a line with your name and any questions or encouraging words!

Thank you so much to those who have already been supporting me through every means possible and thank you in advance for those who will take this to the Lord with me. We have reason to rejoice, for our God is good, all the time.

You can give online through my website. It is the quickest way to get funds into my account. There is a link to the left that says "Support Me".

I LOVE YOU ALL!

Tip #2;  Know that there is hope after the fleas bite!

Last Monday, our time in Chincha, Peru came to an end. We have spent the past few days in debreif. Which meant no internet to keep you all updated...

Saying goodbye was difficult. I have built relationships with quite a few people in Tambo De Mora and the reality is that I will`probably never see them or hear from them again. There is not even a chance of writing letters , as they have no home address. It was definitely bitter sweet and I will write more about it when I have time to process it.

Debreif was at a retreat center in the mountains just outside of Lima. Beautiful area and what was even more beautiful was the presence of God calling us all to rest. itīs exactly what we did, what we all needed, and what has prepared us to keep moving.

Today we have left debreif and will be flying to Iquitos, Peru, in the Amazon Jungle. There we will drive a couple hours to a village named Nauta. We will be there for 2 weeks. Our ministry there will be relational and possibly helping to plant churches. In Nauta, we may not have internet access and we will be living on boats on the Amazon River. Pray no one falls in and gets face to face with crocodiles, or eaten alive by paranas! haha. After Nauta we will then return to Iquitos for 2 weeks, the ministry in Iquitos remains a mystery to me as of right now.

Some of you have emailed me with random questions not yet answered in my blogs... some I can quickly answer like, how about my spanish? hahaha, what spanish?? I actually have picked up a few things like numbers, asking where things are, right and left, greetings, asking names and ages, a couple other random words that i throw out there to make it look like I know what Iīm talking about. But usually my attempts at spanish are accompanied by lots of dramatic hand and body gestures, occassionally dancing. Other questions will be answered in due time, just know that my team has been getting along well. we have learned a lot from and about eachother and itīs only going to get better. For the most part we are all willing to walk through uncomfortable situations and conversations for the sake of our friendships and preserving what Christ has brought us on the World Race for. It really has been great.

Sorry no pictures today, I dont have my camera with me and I am at a internet cafe, although I had to get my "cafë" from McDonaldīs and all the letters on the key board are written in sparkly nail polish... itīs all good!