This month we have partnered with Campus Crusade at Cape Coast University in Ghana.  Our ministry for the next three weeks is basically to build relationships with the students and share the gospel with them.  Hanging out with college students.  Fun, right?  Knocking on doors and starting random conversations.  Awkward, right?  Making new friends that are hospitable, engaging, smart, and speak English.  Worth the trip, right?

Today was our second day on the campus.  Josh Woodmansee and I first checked in on our new friends from yesterday-they weren't home-before knocking, entering, and meeting Emmanuel, Darius, and Holy.  Ghanaians are so hospitable that we were seated and engaged in full conversation within a minute.  Our discussions ranged from talking about being justified by faith to challenging each other to a game of table tennis.  We conversed about the prayer life of Jacob one moment and in the next laughed about how the bracelets I received as gifts while in Nicaragua are interpreted in Ghana to mean that I am mystical or magical.  Overall it was encouraging to discuss deep, complex Christian topics with solid believers raised thousands of miles away from the US borders.

Emmanuel was the most impressed with our journey demonstrated through his questions regarding the difficulties of the Race.  He also asked us if we had faced resistance when sharing the gospel.  We told him that while not everyone has been receptive, they have been respectful and extremely courteous all over the world.  After it was clear that something was building inside of him, he asked us the question:  What is your motivation for going on the World Race?  Josh and I both shared why we were on the Race, but then I stopped and made something clear to him.  The cost of following Christ for us is well-worth the sacrifices of comfort and separation from family and friends for a period of time.  Meeting "Emmanuels" all over the world has encouraged our faith and is payment enough.  After our responses he told us that he wanted to support us financially.  It might be a World Race first that a youth we were ministering to desired to support us.  We told him that instead it would bless us to be able to hang out with him and his friends over the next few weeks.

After exchanging cell phone numbers our time in G-213 came to an end because I was scheduled for a haircut.  The day before we had spent several hours with Frank, Bruce, and Gideon just down the hall.  In order to understand our time with them yesterday, think back to freshmen year of college hanging out in the dorms.  In between playing FIFA-soccer video game-looking at pictures, joking around, meeting multiple visitors interested by the white people, and laughing more than I had in months, we talked about our faith, asked about theirs, prayed with them, and invited them to a Crusade going on that evening on campus.  (Two of the guys that came with us accepted Christ as their Savior that night.)  Yesterday Frank offered to cut my hair and tonight I was taking him up on the offer.

Frank is one of those unique characters that tells foreign visitors that he supervised Obama during the presidential visit to Ghana, and that he is personal friends with John Grisham.  He knows how to joke, but when I approached him today for my haircut he stepped into my personal space like Ghanaians do and asked, "Are you serious?"  For the next forty minutes the air on the 2^nd Floor of G Block was filled with laughter and my hair particles.  As for the crowd, let's just say the spectacle didn't go unnoticed.  Frank used a box cutter blade pressed on top of a comb to give me a buzz cut that I was told looked "cute."  (I explained that guys don't call each other cute in America, nor do they hold hands.  They found that odd.)  Near the end of the hysterics one guy asked if we were going to invite them to a program now.  When we told them, "No," and that we looked forward to seeing them on Monday, their facial expressions showed they understood that we truly desired to build relationships with them.  Our new friends are fun, inquisitive, and gracious.  (They offered to fetch me a bucket of water to wash the hair off with since the water had gone off, which it does sporadically, sometimes for days, throughout the city during dry season.)

In the book of Matthew Jesus talks about the cost of following Him.  His first response is, "Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head."  Leaving home and relocating every month for a year definitely has its negatives.  Persecution and Christianity are practically synonymous.  (Have you seen the news about Nigeria recently?)  Christ even says that a prophet is not welcome in his own town, but following the Great Commission is not an unfulfilling path.  There's a cost to following Jesus, but there's also huge rewards along the way.  Step out.  It's so much more than just being "worth it."

I wrote this blog while on a flight from Nairobi, Kenya, to Accra, Ghana.  But before reading, here is a quick update:  I am in Ghana, serving with Campus Crusade at Cape Coast University with teams New Song and Team 180 and loving it.  It's hot, but Ghana already has a sweet spot in my heart and I've only been here five days.

The in-flight movie, The Blind Side, featuring Sandra Bullock, just ended.  I can be quite critical of "feel good" movies, but while this is still idealized, it is legit.  The Kenya Airways movie pamphlet describes the movies as:  "The remarkable, true story of Michael Oher, a homeless African-American youngster with a tragic past who is adopted by the Touhys, a well-off white family in the American South.  With their help, the out-sized Oher begins to excel in school and discovers the extraordinary athlete slumbering within." 

While it is moving for the masses, this story hit especially home for me.  As I mentioned before, I had the opportunity to teach in a St. Louis inner-city school before going on the World Race.  While I do feel like I have more of an understanding because of my relationships with my students, I still have no idea what it's like to live in the ghetto, wear through my wardrobe in a week, have a crackhead for a mother, or hardly know a distant father.  Throughout the entire movie I kept thinking of one particular student I had.  He reminded me so much of the main character in the movie.  A soft-spoken, gentle giant whose ticket out could easily have been football.  The end of the movie-I'm not spoiling anything, I promise-features newspaper clippings showing boys that had been murdered from the place where the main character had grown up.  Many of the articles ended with the clause that the deceased boy had been a good athlete.  In this movie, Michael Oher was the exception. 

There's the popular tale about an incident in which thousands of starfish washed up onto the beach.  A little girl slowly walked along the sand tossing them back one by one.  A wise, worldly adult went up to the girl and in a frustrated tone stated, "There's thousands of them.  You'll never be able to throw them all back!  What you're doing doesn't matter."  While picking up and tossing yet another starfish into the water she said, "It matters to that one."

It matters.  We hear all the time that we're blessed, but how much of that are we willing to sacrifice?  I do not think it would be wise for every person to adopt an orphan, but I do know that we are called to do unto others as you would have them do unto you.  What does that look like in application?  That could be buying a little more cookie dough than you'd like to help fund your neighbor's trip or volunteer to teach at an after-school program.  Maybe it's inviting a young couple out to lunch after church or donating blood.  Maybe it's finding out who in your church has a need and meeting it or meeting your neighbor for lunch.  Be an organ donor, leave a big tip the next time a waiter is clearly having a bad day, write a letter to someone who's now distant, or go to a random Little League game and compliment the players after the game.  Whatever.

Do I do all of this?  Heck no.  But something we are striving for as a squad is to be the church.  It's easy to say, "The church should be doing this and that," until we hear our own voice echoing with the reminder that, "You are the church."

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PS:  If you have a few more minutes, here is a video called "Miniature Earth" that is fascinating, challenged my understanding of the world, and enlightened me to what is reality.  Enjoy. 

Burned out.  Disillusioned.  Grown cynical.  These words might be associated with a once-loved sport turned full-time commitment or maybe marriage vows that seemed to have ended at the altar.  Could it be that the political passion of your youth comes to mind, or quite possibly your experiences with the church and God?

Teaching resonates for me.  My two years before the World Race were spent educating the malleable minds of high school English students in St. Louis through a non-profit organization called Teach For America.  The cause was noble: Eradicate the achievement gap that exists in America's classrooms, while simultaneously raising awareness about our failing education system.  The organization had a vision and a vehicle:  One day all children will have the opportunity to a quality education because of the lifelong dedication of service-oriented leaders.  The result was shock and awe:  Shocked newbie teachers in awe of the realities of the classroom.  Students were utterly blind to what greener grass even looks like.  Teachers were not teaching due to a combination of apathy, incompetence, and low expectations.  School administrators were trying to manage, not lead.  Long-term gains and integrity were sacrificed in the name of mediocrity, compromise, and paychecks.  Never intending on making a career out of teaching, my final action as an educator was to flick off my empty classroom before walking out the door and into a summer break far longer than three months.

Now, about nine months later, I sit on a log under a tree canopy in Kantharalak, Thailand, making lesson plans for my evening class of English students.  As educational methods, strategies, and activities flood my rusty synapses, the opening words to this blog have been replaced with those of "joyful," "hopeful," and "optimistic."  My teaching style, preparation, and subject matter has not changed, but my motivation has.  Now, the gospel is my motivation.  Now, demonstrating the love of God is my mission.  I still plan objectives revolving around teaching vernacular vocabulary, implementing role-play, and using questions to spark discussions, but my heart has changed.  My goal and perspective has shifted from being data and task-oriented to finding a healthier balance including more relationally-oriented desires.  The unhealthy evangelistic expectation that I had put on myself over the years is being pushed aside to make room for love, grace, and hope.

The art and practice of teaching is being restored for me throughout this journey as I strive to understand more of how God sees me.  He is a loving Father that restores what has been ruined, redeems what has been lost, and reenergizes where passion has left.  My former occupation is not the only beneficiary of this divine interjection.  Relationships with friends and families are being deepened.  My growing understanding of the church as a beautiful bride is captivating to my mind, heart, and soul.  Implementation of known and new strengths is invigorating yet humbling.   Here's the encouraging truth of the matter.  It's not the World Race.  It's not me.  It's His nature. 

PS:  Admittedly, it  also helps that sometimes when we visit elementary schools in the mornings we are treated like soon-to-be celebrities.  

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A friend once told me that his friend is underway in his pursuits to eat a wooden chair over the course of his life.  His method is to grind pieces of it off into saw dust, collect the remnants in a shaker, and add a little extra fiber to each of his meals.  Honorable pursuit?  Probably not.  Memorable?  Let's see how many people you tell this story to in the next week.

Several months ago, while contemplating this individual's determination, I tried to come up with a longitudinal goal for myself, preferring one that did not involve physical consumption, but still a pursuit that would take me years and years to complete.  I never settled on a particular idea, but one possibility I've considered is to write a book.  (My belief has always been that an author should be at least 25 years old to pen a literary work.  Now that I'm 25, 26 is looking like a more accurate number, and I'm realizing that the minimum age will probably always be one year out of reach.)  My potential book idea is based around the premise that you can learn something from everyone, or that everyone has a story, or that...see why I'm still undecided.  Please consider the following as a practice Chapter 1.  And, "Action."

Remember all those truisms plastered on classroom walls and high school hallways?  As the World Race continues and I'm taken farther from "reality," the time away seems to provide me more of an unattached, objective perspective.  The idealist sayings of the past ring truer today than ever before.  For example, "Life's not about the destination; it's about the people you meet along the way." Case in point:

Her name is Aum Ksjdflasfjsdlffalkdfafkljafa.  I had her tell me her name every day that she was translating for us just for the fun of it, but I still can't remember it.  Aum is vibrant and energetic.  She is Asian yet has an American sense of humor.  She speaks six languages but only four fluently.  (Slacker.)  She sings, dances, dominates Sodoku, and does more than dabble on the guitar.  She embodies a servant's heart and leads by loving.  Aum was our translator during most of our time in Kantharalak, Thailand, and she was a joy to be around.  Aum was that cool breeze of life that blows in when you least expect it.  She was refreshing.

Aum was born in Myyanmar (Burma).  At the age of five her parents gave her away to live with her aunt in Thailand.  By the age of seven the aunt could no longer take care of her or her sister, so they were both put into an orphanage.  It was during this part of Aum's testimony that she purposely left out details, expressing that it was not a good place to grow up.  She did say she loved when teams came because they played games and had good food, but life was different when visitors weren't around.  After being separated from her sister around the age of 12, Aum ran away from the orphanage when she was 18.  She made it back to Myanmar only to realize that she spoke a language foreign to her mother.  After months of being unable to communicate to those around her, she returned to Thailand to pursue her education.  She had no money but humbly asked her aunt for 2000 baht, about $70, to start school.  Her aunt gave her 4000 baht.  Eventually she ended up working in the office of the nearby Youth With A Mission base in Bangkok while attending school.  Currently, Aum is 25 years old, she is a university graduate, and her occupation is a translator for YWAM.  Yet, her life resonates with so much more purpose than that. 

Aum walks, talks, works, serves, dances, sings, prays, and lives life as love in motion.  I have been sent to "bless," but constantly leave feeling abundantly full.  Aum has risen up from the worldly lows, but she lives in the understanding that she is a daughter of the King.   If life really is about who you meet along the way, my life just got a whole lot better. 

Note for Aum:  When you open that resort you've been dreaming of, send me a Facebook message so I know where your refreshing wind blows.  Always grateful, Weston Belkot.  Khap Pun Khrap.

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**Special thanks to Aum's camera for the photos.

In honor of Mr. Foxworthy and his redneck jokes, here's a short list of recent experiences that complete the phrase, "You might be in Thailand if you..."

1. Taught English class on a concrete slab.  (Every weekday night.  I'm growing attached to kids by the name of Thax, Noon, Din, and Kitty.  It's confirming my desire once again to teach ESL-English as a Second Language-part time when I'm in the States.)

2.  Sat on the floor of a convenience store and prayed for the owner.  (She's a friend of our pastor and loaded us up with goodies on my birthday.)

3.  Ate a filling lunch of duck, rice, cucumber, and soup for $1.

4.  Almost floated on an inner tube to another country.  (It was while on some lake dividing Thailand and Cambodia.  Imagine the potential disaster of floating up to the border of Cambodia without a shirt, let alone any sort of visa or passport.)

5.  Have swept a dirt floor in order to make it cleaner.  (It really did look less leafy and, I guess the best comparison is to those lines that the vacuum cleaner leaves.)

6.  Was stared down by a water buffalo.  (Lucky for the buffalo I didn't charge.)

7.  Sustained an injury from a 95 year old woman.  (What's there to explain?  She intentionally massaged some deep tissue in my forearm until I winced in pain.)

8.  Counted six geckos on the wall during our nightly feedback time.  (Truly amazing creatures.)

9.  Saw a dog enter our church service and bark at the feet of the pastor during the offering prayer.

10.  Put my hand in a low-lying ceiling fan with metal blades, causing three lacerations all on my middle finger.  (Not as bad as it might sound, but not as good as I would like.)

11.  Handed out Gideon Bibles at a military run camp.  (Think mandatory Boy Scouts for high schoolers.)

12.  Shared a shower with a frog.  (It was on the hose not causing any problems, so who am I to start a conflict unnecessarily?) 

13.  Continued to brush my teeth even though I saw a spider the circumference of a peach hanging below the sink mirror.  (To be honest, I paused, showed a friend, then continued brushing hoping it wouldn't pounce down onto my hand.)

14.  Teethed on a chicken's foot.  (I bit down, met more resistance than I desired, and bailed.)

15.  Ate an ant in my soup.  (It must have fallen in from one of the branches overhead.  I moved it around with my spoon, then figured, "Heck, I might as well eat it."  Not sure what came over me-or what logic left me-in that moment.  It had a slight crunch.)

16.  Had my hair braided and secured with obnoxiously bright bands.  (I've been growing my hair for months in anticipation of getting something done in Africa, so this was a practice run.  It's difficult not to look at, but also so loud you want to look away.  Catch 22?)

I'm off to take some Advil.  A tightened scalp doesn't exactly relieve cranial pressure.

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As promised, here's a dissertation's worth of Birthday responses. (Longest World Race blog ever?)  Thank you so much.  I really did enjoy taking the time to think, process, and answer your questions.

Best Way To Approach This:  If you don't want to skim, press Ctrl and the F key at the same time.  In the box that appears, type a word that is in the question you are looking for, and then search for it. 

Thanks again for giving me the one gift I asked for this year.  A complete success in my eyes.

1.  What has the World Race exposed about you thus far that you don't like/that you do like, about your character? 
It's showed me that I need freedom from my own expectations, but also that I have lot more confidence in my identity than I realized. 

2.  Why did you not mention that you never asked ME if I'd be your Valentine's? (Will Jung)

For the same reason that I will ignore this question, it's embarrassing.
3.  What has been your favorite ministry so far?
Man Month in Thailand.  It was only the guys-girls were working in bars in high tourist areas-in the jungles of Northern Thailand.  Freedom, fun, and lots of sweat.

4.  What has been your least favorite ministry so far?

Probably last month in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.  I actually loved hanging out with the kids at the orphanage and teaching English, but the month itself was a time of transition and I wasn't able to fully appreciate Cambodia or delve into the people as much as I would have liked.

5.  What would be a common theme emerging from the hearts of those you have been privileged to interact with?

Smiles.  Call it love, hospitality, friendliness, or whatever, their faces reflect their hearts.  A smile has the power to defuse a bomb, figuratively speaking, so why don't I do it more? 

6.  Since you often don't speak the language of the people you meet; do you sense a lack of trust on their part....or on your own? What is it like when you can't really "hear" or "speak" with people....especially when you are in a foreign land?

This actually has never crossed my mind.  A lot of smiles are exchanged-it's just the natural reaction when you have no idea what is being said-but it almost feels like there is more trust.  As if the benefit of the doubt is given because there's no reason given not to.  It really is amazing how well charades work.  Truly.  (The only time it's been awkward is when Will McRae and I had about two hours with a man in Guatemala who started the conversation with, "I speak no English."  We made it work and the time flew by, actually.)  It's amazing the grace that they extend to us mono-lingual foreigners.

7.  What's the one thing you wish you had brought from home that you didn't?
Before today, nothing, honestly.  It really is true that whatever you want, you can find all over the world, so I definitely over packed.  (My beard trimmer died today, so not exactly sure what I'm going to do the rest of the Race.  Buy a new one?  Probably not.)

8.  If the World Race were a Cosmo Quiz, how would you characterize the three types of personalities on the World Race (so that you could strategically make questions that allow you to cheat when answering them so you come across as "normal") and which would you be?
(This is a hard question because it concerns others and not just myself. Hmmm...)

A.  Individuals that come on the Race ready to change every community and person they encounter during ministry, and then are quite taken back when they realize that THEY change a lot in the process when they come face to face with covenant and community.

B.  Those who understand the necessity to having layers torn away of pride, expectations, rights, independence, etc. before they can really choose to love those around them as Christ calls them to.

C.   And me!  (Now you have to figure out where I fall in this spectrum that I'm trying to create.)
9.  What is the most beautiful thing that you have seen?

The view over Lake Atitlan in Panajachel before running, jumping, and parachuting off a ledge.

10.  Are you sad that you couldn't shovel around 30 inches of snow over the last few weeks?

Actually, yes.  I get excited when we have to do physical labor on the Race, because I've come to miss it.  (There's extremes.  Month One we had a ton, but Asia seems to be "teach English" overload.)

11.  What are the most items on the smallest vehicle that you have seen so far that was still moving? 
Not sure how many, but there were bags and bags full of aluminum cans-I guess to be recycled-strapped down to a motor bike.  It's amazing what they can move with those things.
12.  What has been your biggest personal struggle? 
Being poured into.  So much of my focus, especially now as a squad leader, is to pour out into others, so I often don't take the time to allow God to jack me up and fill me up.  (My prayer from the beginning was to be "wrecked."  I'm still waiting for that, but also recognizing my role in that process as well.)

13.  Do you have a new favorite food, and can I have some sent to me?

Mangostines are amazing!  It's a fruit, so I probably can't mail it.  Most Karen food, especially the eggs-they use fish oil-and this curry potato over rice-everything is over rice-concoction.  Oh oh oh.  I doubt it's Thai, but in Thailand this woman made us these deep fried potato sandwiches.  Check it:  Slice of potato (it was soft, so may parboiled?), spicy minced chicken mixture, layer of potato, and the whole thing batter fried. 

14.  What is one or a few things you miss from America?

(I'm assuming this is excluding human beings.)  Literally, all that comes to mind is that I miss driving and having a couch to sit on. 

15.  Why do you think God chose you? 
Amazing question.  I will provide an anecdote to answer.  Back in Guatemala we were in yet another church service spoken in another language.  These times I typically use to journal, although I make it look like I'm taking notes.  One particular evening I grew more and more pissed.  How was it that I was chosen, but so many others weren't.  How is that just?  How is that a demonstration of love?  How isn't that just a product of my cultural and familial upbringing?  We all stood up for some worship at the end and as these thoughts were racing through my mind I felt as if I was bopped over the side of the head.  It wasn't physical, but something changed.  In that instant the answer came to me.  Grace.  The point is that I can't explain it and I do not deserve it.  It sounds simple here in writing, but it was one of those moments that true "understanding" seems to reside in your soul for a passing, yet overpowering, moment.
16.  Who in the world convinced you that it would be a good idea to pose for a picture with a pink teddy bear?

Their names are Jessica Johnson and Nicole Ricketts.

17.  If you could choose one, what would you say has been the most life-changing experience for you thus far on the Race?

It occurred while visiting two women that were unable to leave their homes, let alone go to church.  One woman had polio and her sister had some stomach ailment causing her to swell up,  and the man-who looks like Mr. Bean-on staff with In His Steps ministry in Cambodia said to me the words, "You are the church."  No walls.  No praise music.  No offering.  I am the church. 

18.  Thing you miss most about the States?
(See #14.)

19.  Thing you miss the least?
The prices.  Cambodia was really expensive and it was like $2.50 or $3.00 for a meal.  Unfortunately, I now eat way more sugar than ever before considering ice cream costs like $0.30 for a scoop.

20.  Has the World Race made you consider long-term overseas missions?
Yes, it has made me consider.  Do I think I will?  No, probably not.  More than anything it has exposed me to what "long-term overseas missions" really even means.  It's not preaching the gospel all the time.  Heck, you can't even do that in some of the places we go to.  It's so much more about using the gifts you have-whether that is business, sports, organizing, music, etc.-to empower the locals wherever you're at.  It's all about raising up indigenous leaders so that the foreigner can eventually not be in the spotlight at all. 

21.  Most fun/hardest moment you've had on the World Race?
Most fun:  Probably riding my $15 (net price after selling it back) bike all over the capital of Cambodia on the craziest streets I've ever seen. 

Hardest:  Getting Facebook updates of friends getting engaged and/or married while I'm away.  The count is at four.

22.  How has the World Race affected your view on short-term missions (positive and/or negative)?

Wow, a zinger of a question.  Undoubtedly, it's given me a more negative (less positive) point of view on short term missions in the traditional sense.  I've heard and seen how the "wham-blam, here's Jesus, door-on-the-way-out-Slam" plays out.  Life is about relationships, and that's hard to do in a month.  Now, short term missions are incredibly important for encouraging and spurring along the mission if they PARTNER with the vision of the mission and not just "bless" the community with gifts and prizes.  Cool dramas are great, but eating, sleeping, praying, serving, and working where they do goes a lot farther than choreography.  If the participants are aware that the "change" that will likely occur is in their own life, then I'm a fan.  The question becomes, what about the World Race?  Honestly, I believe we have a long-term mission's mentality that happens to be repeatedly put into effect each month in a new location.  We don't have space to carry goodies to give away, so all we really have is love and truth.  We understand the importance of blessing the missionary contact/pastor, and not just their flock.
23.  If you could list them, what books have impacted your life/heart/worldview the most (so far)?

Surprise of the night...I don't read all that much, especially typical Christian literature.  I'm much more into the, "Here's a story.  You do the analysis and application yourself."  Therefore, books that come to mind include To Kill a Mockingbird, The Shack, Life of Pi, and Animal Farm.
24.  Has going on the world race, thus far, given you any clarity on what you're supposed to do when you return home?

I apologize for slightly avoiding this question and I recognize the intention behind the question, but this has really been on my thoughts and heart so I'm taking advantage of the opening.  The wording of this question said, "What you're supposed to do."  I'm being swayed more and more that there isn't a "Weston is supposed to do ________."  We are free.  There is so much freedom in Christ that I do not understand, and as long as I am delighting in the Lord, I can do whatever I want.  But no such clarity.  I'm purposely avoiding this question not out of fear of the unknown, but in order to stay focused on the present and really, actually trust God to provide.

25.  Is there one scripture that has stood out as your source of strength and encouragement throughout your journey on the World Race? If so, what is it and why?
Isaiah 61.  I found it because part of my personal goal this year is to learn to be "captivated" by God.  Read it.  I'm not just saying that.  It's like the World Race put into a chapter of the Bible.
26.  How much do you miss me? (Holly Belkot)

Remember when we cried in the parking lot at your school before I quickly drove off to avoid, I don't know, just to avoid?  That much sissy.  (And you saw the video I put up online for the family, right?)

27.  Are the people in Cambodia shorter, as tall, or taller than you?

I was surprised by the height of the Cambodian men, but here in Thailand I'm closer to normal than ever before.

28.  We here in the United States have so many "things". The people you are meeting have very few things but have so much "faith". How do we become more like these people when it comes to faith?
Hard but true answer:  Get rid of the things.  (That's biblical.)  Their faith is large partly because they've been in situations where God had to provide or they die.  They truly believe in prayer as powerful and not just as a ritual.  I'm 25, I don't know, but it does seem that American culture is blinding.  Find a way to remove the blinders whatever that looks like personally.  Donating until it hurts?  My mind has reduced it to this:  What's of greater priority:  comfort or faith? 
29.  Did you or Adam shoot the Van with the arrow when you were about 10 years old and put the hole in it?
I DO NOT KNOW.  I mean, I know it wasn't me.  I promise.  Adam is the one who lied to you about scraping the hood on the silver car until you offered him a bribe for the truth.  Maybe you should retake this up with him.
30.  When are you going to get a real job?
How about this.  You go teach in St. Louis for two years and then we'll revisit this question. 

31.  Do you have plans for after the race?

Yes.  Have kids, not retire, get married, see the Canadian Rockies, buy a car, and shave, but not necessarily in that order.  (Sorry for the sarcasm.  Please believe me when I say I haven't spent longer than 123 consecutive seconds thinking about this.  I'm trusting.)
32.  How much support do you have left to raise?

I think about $135 dollars, or something close to that. 

33.  What have you learned about God's love while you've been on the race? How have you seen God's love revealed to you in new ways? How about to your team, squads, contacts?

How do we love with the love of Jesus to the nations?

God is love.  No no no, please don't roll your eyes or shut off your brain to revert back into "I've already heard this" mode.  I had one of those "I UNDERSTAND" moments for about 3.1 seconds about this topic about three weeks ago, and it rocked me.  God is love.  Every characteristic that we use to describe love, that is God.  I know it's broad, but it's so clear how we are supposed to love.  We are to be patient, kind, not self-seeking, and I Corinthians 13 explains further.  But that's it.  That's the love I am to have toward my wife-whoever she is-my team, my contacts, my enemies, my parents, my friends.  God really is simple and straightforward.  Is this difficult and complex in practice?  Yes, but my most recent blog argues that God is an idealist.  It's so funny how I'm realizing that everything goes back to Scripture.  It's all in there.  Everything you really need.  How can we possibly love others?  Only because He loved us first.  It's earth shattering, yet so ordinary.  (Ordinary Christian living is actually pretty darn earth shattering once all the religion is removed out of the way.) 
34.  What is one thing you would have told the Pre-race Wes just before departure?

Start going by "Wes" now instead of "Weston" because it's a lot easier for people around the world to say.  (or)  Pursue love.  Everything else will fall into place.
35.  What is the most dangerous thing that you've done?
Riding those streets in Cambodia by bicycle.  Traffic was slow enough that I was confident the entire time, but before I would take others with me I asked, "You are pretty confident on a bike, right?"
36.  What was the scariest thing that you've done?
I wrote a blog about this, but when I tumbled out of control while trying to unplug an electrical wire it really shook me.  Even since then I've had chances to climb through the woods, which I used to love to do, but now I become minorly freaked out and have backed off twice.  The honest truth is I hope I can get over the feeling of not having control over my body.  It's a borderline "fear" now.
37.  If you could ask Jesus one question, what would it be?
How old is the earth?  (or)  Why did you allow Paris Hilton to become famous?
38.  What are 5 songs that go on the playlist of this amazing journey so far?
New Soul- Yael Naim

Life in Technicolor- Coldplay

Captivated- Shawn McDonald

Happy Ending- Mika

I Walked On the Moon- Brian Regan
39.  Of all the incredible people you have met so far, who has impacted you the most and why?
Either Sopath (blog called "The Boy Who Would Not Smile") or Pastor Benjamin in Panajachel.  The latter is a man of faith like I've never met.  He had a radical transformation seven years ago from the deepest, darkest crevices of sin to leading a spirit filled church.  He takes in teams and equips them to do "even greater things." Knowing that a man of that caliber is spending almost every moment working for the Kingdom is inspiring.
40.  Have you wiped your butt with your hand yet?

Yes.  (I appreciate the bluntness of the question.)  Refer to #54 for more information.

41.  Scale of 1 to 10, how much do you miss me? (Bree Burgess)
8.3  It would be higher if you weren't from Texas.

42.  How can you be 25 and not know what conversation hearts are? 
Let me paint a picture of what you are doing.  You are taking about a pound of salt and rubbing it into every Valentine's Day wound that I have.  I'm kidding, I just didn't recognize the title "conversation hearts," but that didn't stop me from guessing the correct answer.

43.  Were you ever able to recover the painting you bought in Guatemala and then left it behind at the hostel? What was the subject of the painting?
Wow, great memory.  That must come in handy for bridge.  I did recover it.  In an ironically sad twist of fate, a friend of ours got food poisoning the night before, so three racers in total did not travel on to Nicaragua with us.  Instead they returned to the hostel for a couple days until our friend could recover.  Therefore, they picked up my painting for me, which is a dominantly purple painting of Lake Atitlan in Guatemala. 
44.  What songs do you listen to the most to get you through everything?
Wow, I failed as a writer somewhere painting a picture that there was stuff to get through.  I mean, I love this life.  There's conveniences and people that I miss, but nothing that I would trade.  To answer the question:  Matt Kearney, OAR, and Need to Breathe.  (Also refer to #38.)

45.  What characteristic (good or bad) do most of the people you interact with around the world have in common? 
People like to have fun.  Subconsciously I had this idea that poor villagers are poor villagers all the time.  Nope, I mean, yes, but people are people no matter where you go.  (If you've seen Apocalypto, remember the opening scene where they tease the big guy?  Same principle.  Even people thousands of years ago, no matter the living situations, I'm sure enjoyed a good laugh.)

46.  When can we finally have a full TFA reunion and hear about your tales!
I'm a much better story teller when it's in writing, so get your fix now.  TFA reunion?  I have no date, but I really really want to visit St. Louis before 2010 is out.  Maybe late September, early October?
47.  What's the one thing that you thought you understood but that God has re-defined for you as you've been on the WR?

The terminology we use on the World Race is "feedback," which basically includes speaking words of life to someone and resolving any offenses or frustrations in a way that builds the other person up.  Every day on the Race we have an opportunity as a team to share what is REALLY on our thoughts and mind, whether that is what we're learning or something constructive for one our teammates.  I don't know many families that sit down and work out their crap at all, let alone provide an opportunity to do so every day.  I thought I understood how to address conflict and speak works of encouragement to someone, but I was way off.  There is something honorable and character-exposing when people are willing to put others before themselves and talk about things that might come between them.  At home we've learned ways to avoid confrontation or not truly address it, but there's no avoiding on the Race.  Finally, every time somebody brings something to someone else I get this huge smile on my face because that shows so much about that person's character and willingness to fight for community and covenant.

48.  What is the greatest revelation that resulted from your journey?
This line has resonated with me for a while now, "God's power is demonstrated through love and grace in relationship."  Also refer to #33.  Ok, here we go.  The Holy Spirit that is a part of every believer is the same Holy Spirit inside of countless Christians across time that have prophesied, spoke in tongues, healed the sick, discerned, etc.  It's the same!  (Go back and read I Corinthians 12 and 14 again.  Seriously, there is so much more that God has planned for us.  So much, and it's like we go up to God and ask him for a nose bleed ticket to watch the show when he desires for us to be a participant, not just a storyteller.)  Two more things taken from praise song lyrics:  The line "Freedom reigns in this place."  What does true freedom from guilt, shame, fear, self-condemnation, peer pressure, etc. really look like?  It's rare-I haven't seen it-but it's definitely worth pursuing.  Also, "Refiner's fire, my heart's one desire."  The fire does purify, but it also hurts like hell.
49.  There are two shepherds walking down a road and they meet in the middle. Both of the shepherds have the same amount of sheep. If shepherd one gives shepherd two (1) of his sheep then shepherd two would then have double the amount of sheep that shepherd one has. How many sheep did each shepherd start off with? 
Three.
50.  Your mother recently told Adam (the eldest) that he was her favorite son (while I was in the room) how does that make you feel?
I feel bad for you that you were so gullible to fall for such an act.  It's ok Tracker, I mean Spencer.
51.  How has the soccer been in all the countries you've seen so far? Increasing your skills?

I've gotten to play once in Guatemala, twice in Nicaragua, a lot in Thailand, zilch in Cambodia, and this month isn't looking promising.  The Thai impressed me, but fancy footwork only goes so far.

52.  If you could have any God given power to cure anything what would it be?

I would want to cure the effects of low self-esteem.

53.  As of this point in time, in fifty years when you are asked about the world race, whose face will define the people you served?

Mary Lacy.  You never forget the first, right?  That cute little bugger.
54.  What is the most interesting place you had to use as a bathroom?

I've done the whole dig a hole in the ground in Thailand, but I've done some hiking and running in the past so odd stop off points don't bother me.  Here's the story.  It was the only time at debrief I made it to the beach in Hua Hin, Thailand.  After a 5+ mile run along the beach, everything inside of me was all garbled up.  It's a touristy area so there was a public restroom.  After giving them my 2 baht-few free restrooms in Asia-I used the facilities.  It probably was a squatty potty, I don't even notice anymore, but of course it didn't have toilet paper.  (Note:  I would say only about 50% of public bathrooms have had toilet paper available.)  In short, I was already wet from the water, so you make do with what God's given you. 

Questions from Emily's Students:  These are a few questions from one of my friend's students in her middle school class.

Can anyone do what you do? - Luis (Mexico)

Have you seen any wild animals -Irving (Mexico)

Did we live in forest in Taland - Ali (Iraq)

How is it travling around the world?   - Ms. W's student Mason (US)  

Weston, How do you feel when you help kids and people?  - Alexus (US)

What is it like to be away from your family for a year!  - Lakeisha (US)

do you like liveing and a tent 

What your favorit food aroud the wold?   ali (Somalia)

Do you love what you do?  

Yes, I do.  I really do.

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I have spent the first 24 years of my life becoming a realist, yet I've been learning over the last four months that God is an idealist.  The truth of the matter is that I have not lived a hard life.  Nevertheless, I've been exposed to enough to know that the black and white world that I grew up in contains more grays and hues than I want to imagine.  (If you haven't read To Kill a Mockingbird, or don't remember it that well, I highly recommend you take the time.)  Decisions are rarely a clear "yes" or "no."  Integrity is often compromised for the sake of convenience and self-preservation.  Cultural conditions and belief systems provide alternate perspectives to the same situation, allowing for two or more completely logical conclusions.

My two years in an inner-city classroom changed my understanding of how difficult progress truly can be.  I have a deeper appreciation of the advice not to "bite the hand that feeds you," now.  I entered teaching with the goal to help change the nation's education system, but now I look back and question whether or not I helped change an individual child's future. 

The words, "I'm not a pessimist; I'm a realist," have exited my mouth before.  I walk this earth with an optimistic attitude, giving people the benefit of the doubt, but too many doubts piled up over years have not benefited me.  Even outside of my life, older more experienced, enlightened, and aware realists cast shadows and darken my dimming horizon with their nuggets, dug from the hardened soil of life.

I'm doubtful that he's Republican, American, white, or private-school educated, but could it be that God's an idealist?  Could it be that He is the hope when all else is lost?  Could it be that He sees the redemptive qualities in every situation?  Could it be that with God I have the permission to dream?  I don't mean dreams out of alignment with the delights of His heart.  I mean dream without apprehensive clauses such as, "But if that doesn't work out, I'll settle for less."  I mean dream casting aside the logical lessons of the past, and trust the heart of God more than the mind of man.

I'm a doubter.  My Myers Briggs result of ESTJ is heavy on the T(hinking), so I've anticipate the retorts.  But what if?  What if we prayed for the best? What if we dreamed for the ultimate?  What if we lived with a firm hope in the ideal?  Yes, we are human, but we are also the bride of Christ.  The church that the darkness recedes from.  We are light.

The more I see and experience, the less I understand.  So much of this temporal journey seems to prod, pull, and persuade us to harness our passions, reevaluate our hopes, and lower our standards.  How fitting, then, that our counter-cultural God would encourage the complete opposite.

Comments:  What do you think?  Is God an idealist?  If so, does that give us free reign to think so as well?  What about when the realities of life smack you upside the head?

**Thanks extended to DJ Kelley for the lovely photographs. 

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Over the river.  Through the woods.  We had the morning and afternoon off, so after a few hours my body was getting restless.  I needed to do something.  Since I'm officially old now-25 years-I decided to go for a walk.  Being surrounded by fellow World Racers 24 hours out of the day, minus bathroom and shower time, hasn't caused me to crave alone time yet, but when those brief slivers of freedom do come about I cherish them.  I popped my iPod into my ears, turned on Kim Walker, slipped on my sandals at the doorstep-remember it's Asia-and began my stroll. 

It's ironic how the calmness and tranquility of dirt roads, local farms, and trees shake what I know to be reality.  How can it be that when we seem to have nothing, it's so clear that we have more than before?  Lost in thought I almost missed the "Jungle Bar" sign at the crossroads.  Curious, I entered the restaurant.  Surrounded by bush, alongside a river, and without any other building in site stood a jungle retreat.   Behind the bar reclined a man smoking a cigarette and drinking the local brew.  I introduced myself to the man who was also the owner, an Australian named Jeff.  He showed me around his personal bungalow, explained how the business came about, and shared with me his vision.  It was lovely.  All of it.  The smell of fresh cut lumber, the straw thatch roof, the extensive menu, the vision, and the lifestyle.  All of it, lovely.  We said our goodbyes including half-hearted conditions to see each other again.

I was returning on the same road when it didn't seem right to listen to music anymore.  I shut it off.  Suddenly I felt the urge to stop walking.  I stopped.  Was God speaking to me?  Heck if I know, but as I continued walking again, perspective collided with my reality.  Is life's ultimate pursuit a jungle bar?  Maybe, who am I to say, but I'm hoping my dirt path through life leads to something more. 

We are told in Scripture, "What does the Lord require of you but to pursue justice, to love mercy, and to walk humbly before your God."  My generation has put such a heavy emphasis on "calling" and "purpose" that the simplicities of life have become muddled with complexities of God that we've stumbled upon and over.  It seems common practice now to pursue God as if He leaves hints and clues scattered throughout conversations and pages of texts that will direct our steps on the one path designed for our feet. 

I don't know much.  I don't know how to build a jungle retreat in Thailand.  I don't know anything about Jeff's past.  I don't know what the theme of this blog even is, but I do know that the dirt path I walked on that day was wide, clear, and even though it didn't have an end in sight, it was saturated with God's presence.    That's where I want to be every day.  Pursuing justice.  Loving mercy.  Walking humbly. 

Does that sound too simplistic and ideolistic?  The opening line to my next blog is, "I've spent the first 24 years of my life becoming a realist, yet I've been learning over the last four months that God is an idealist."

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PS:  I'm going to test out a function on this blog site, so hopefully you won't get another blog for couple days, but if it doesn't go according to my plan you'll have two on your plate.  Sorry.