G42- BE the generation. - Di Dinnis

10 things about leadership from David

Sat, 13 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

One of the overlying themes of G42 and my life the past year and a half has been what it means to be a leader and how to effectively lead other people. I believe I am called to be a leader, which is why I am here gaining knowledge and wisdom from rock breaking men and women who have done it. This week was no exception as George Ridley, founder of NGO Light Force International came in to shake up our visions and teach us to how to be leaders in our own organizations.

On Thursday, he gave us a teaching about leadership from David in 1 Samuel. It was really good, so I'm passing it on to you, with my own emphasis added. I know I post a lot of silly, fun blogs and videos, but 80% of what I do here is serious and I wanted to show you that side also.

10 Things about Leadership from David:
1.    HE SHOWS THE HEART OF A SERVANT. Andrew always tells us that a lot of times we need to serve someone else's dream before we can serve our own. Servanthood is the ultimate characteristic of a leader and should be exemplified through us before we can ask anyone to follow.
2.    HE SET OUT EARLY IN THE MORNING. David didn't waste time and we shouldn't either. I may have a few years to bum around do what I want, but the 25,000 children that die each day due to poverty and the 27 million women being trafficked around the world that need me. They don't have time for me to waste my life.
3.    HE SET OUT. He went. So often it's the start that stops people from achieving their dreams. We need to wake up every morning and have the attitude that today is going to count. We don't get yesterday back and tomorrow's not here yet
4.    HE GOT THERE. It took work, but he finally got to where he needed to go. We should never despise the day of small things because the big things come out of that. I may start out by going to University and waiting tables, but that will build my character, teach me hard work, and lead me to where I'm trying to go.
5.    HE JOINED THE BATTLE. We need to fight for what we believe in and for our dreams and visions even if we're the only one who thinks we can do it (while listening to council of course). That doesn't mean leaving behind your present responsibilities, but taking care of them so you can go to battle. How you handle what you get today will determine how much you get tomorrow.
6.    HE SHOWS ENTHUSIASM. He ran to the battle line. Andrew always says life is 10% about your circumstances and 90% about how you handle them. It's about perspective.
7.    HE WASN'T AFRAID. Enough said.
8.    HE'S READY TO FIGHT. If I decide to grow a garden, I want to eat everything in it except the weeds. Consequently, there are more weeds in the garden than anything else. We need to keep the weeds out so we can keep the things we want to grow growing.
9.    HE GOES FOR THE GIANT. The things in our life that are the hardest are sometimes the things worth fighting for the most.

10. HE USED WHAT HE HAD. We were all given different talents and abilities. Don't wish you were someone else. Use what God has given you.

So go for it. Become undignified every once in a while. So many times we don't go for our dreams because we're afraid of what will happen if we do (failure, looking stupid, too much work, ect). The question really should be: what if we don't?

What is G42?

Sat, 6 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

A lot of people have been asking me "What are you doing in Spain? What is this G42 Leadership Academy?"

This is a short video I did for Dave Fredriksz's church in Holland a couple months ago, about G42 from the interns perspective. It's a look into our lives and what G42 is to us.

I hope this answers a few of your questions but please let me know if you have more!

Have a fantastic weekend :)

DI's Dairy- February 2010

Sun, 28 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Dear friends and family,

Thank you for supporting me this past year, and for continuing to support me during this new year. It is truly a blessing.

I have been off the World Race for three months, but I'm continuing my work in Mijas, Spain. My newsletter is attached and as always, you can read my blog.

If you wish to be removed from this list now that I am no longer on the Race, please let me know.

It's still raining in Spain...

Sat, 27 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

In honor of the rain tonight I thought I'd post this video Becky and I made last week.

6 weeks later and it's STILL raining in Spain. Becky and I document our walk to class.

You think you know, but you have no idea...

PS- We both really love it here and are happy to be at G42. We just like to have a little fun too :)

My Vision...

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

This semester at G42 we have been learning a lot about leadership and vision. Leaders cannot be effective unless they know how to cast vision, and so Dave Hearn has challenged us (and assigned us) to ask God for our vision and write it out. We will also have to present our vision (with multimedia) to the class next week. Our vision projects include our dream/vision, how we got there, other organizations (good and bad) who are already doing what we want to do, and how we plan to execute our vision.

So here is my vision project! It's long, but it's my heart.

I'll also be posting a video version of my vision next week.

San Sebastian CRIBS

Wed, 3 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

CRIBS is back Spanish style!

Check out San Sebastian...the coolest house on the block!

Note: this was filmed two weeks ago. Our hot water was fixed for a week, but is currently not working again and Josh Markland has safely arrived at our casa.

Bring on the rain video

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

I arrived in Spain about a week ago and it's beautiful here! I'll write more about it this week.

It's been raining since we got here- the most rain in 50 years in fact, ending a 5 year drought. Andrew says rain brings new life and we're bringing life to Spain. That's great news, except we have to walk in it to class everyday...

So here's a video about the rain in Spain! Look out for a CRIBS video this week too.

Spectacle end of the year Video

Thu, 24 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

So it has come to the end of the Race and an end of the year with the fabulous Team Spectacle. We've gone through rough times and great times this year, and I'm proud to call them all family.

Darci, Dave, Jenn, Anna, Zach, Rachel...this ones for you! It's a little long, but it captures our year!

Spectacle Does the World!

H-Squad 3-minute look at our year

Tue, 8 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

This is the final segment to the H-Squad end of the year video. It's a 3-minute look at our year. I love you guys!

H-Squad Favorite Memories 2009

Tue, 1 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Here are the favorite memory videos from the H-Squad end of the year video. There are videos from the Caribbean (January-February), Asia (May- March), and Africa (June-August). Most of the interviews were done before we went to Europe so there isn't a Europe segment. Caribbean will be up soon!

Thanks for the memories H-Squad!

What God Has Done- H-Squad 2009

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

I made a video for the H-Squad for the end of the year, and this is the segment on what the Lord has done in our lives this year. It's to a song recorded by Holli Lewis, Kristen McKee, and Darci Simpson.

When 54 people with willing hearts get together God can do great things. This was proved time and time again this year. Enjoy!

Roaming Rome. A photo blog.

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

I'll write a blog about being blessed in Rome later this week, but here are some pictures of Spectacle's time in Rome. We spent the week at the hospital, going to a conference, and doing prayer and intercession for the city. Going along with the cheesy themes for the week, we were Roaming Rome!

At the Coliseum...it looks like I photoshopped my picture in. I didn't. Dave got in the way so I had to crop out the bottom...haha.

Two paintings inside St. Mary's Cathedral and one from the Art History Museum at the Sistine Chapel.

Rome by nighttime. The Coliseum, Trevi Fountain, and the subway.

The jail cell of Peter and Paul where Paul wrote the books of Colossians, Philemon, Ephesians, and Philippians.

At the Coliseum. I like the height difference in the first picture...

At the Art History Museum at the Sistine Chapel. Those are painted ceilings...they're not 3D!

Since I don't have a Race birthday, they made my birthday November 8! We had an awesome day at church and they brought me Italian cookies. Then we went to dinner with our contact!

The Vatican and Saint Peter's Basilica.

Making flowers to take to the hospital! And I just like these two other pics!

A hill that overlooks the city of Rome where did did prayer and intercession.

Inside and outside Saint Mary's Cathedral.

The Roman Forum, Spectacle eating real Italian pizza, and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Hungary for Righteousness? A photo blog.

Sun, 8 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Are you Hungary for Righteousness in Budapest? Zack made that up an it became our team slogan as we spent our first week of this month in Budapest, Hungary. It was definitely one of my favorite places on the Race and a city I can see myself going back to at some point in my life. We stayed at the YWAM base and did ministry with the DTS students (street evangelism, coffee houses, ect.) It was a great week and we didn't want to leave to go to Rome (although we are so blessed to be in Rome now). Anyway, here are some pictures of Budapest!

The Parliament building, white bridge, and the castle on the waterfront.

Some of the castles and buildings in Budapest.

Spectacle acting like the statues of the heroes/kings/saints of Hungary.

More from the heroes/kings/saints of Hungary.

Metro fun, Spectacle's signature bored pose at the Annoymous statue, and a Friday night coffee house.

Me and Kelsey from YWAM and the view of Budapest from the castle.

The Weeping Willow Memorial for the 550,000 Hungarian Jews that died in the Holocaust, and the 2nd largest synagogue in the world (the 1st is in NYC).

Overlooking the city, Dave and I leading worship on the street at night, and a lion statue downtown

Halloween at the YWAM base. I was Pastor Dave Brown and Anna was a runner!

Anna's 25th birthday. Take a close look at the Mexican banner Dave and Zack made her...

Budapest at night. The shoes in the picture on the right are from the Jews who were thrown into the river during the Holocaust. They were collected during the war and set along the sidewalk as a memorial.

The Next Step...

Tue, 3 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

So what are you doing after the Race? For the past couple months, that's the question I've been getting asked most frequently. I feel like I just graduated college all over again and people are asking that age-old question "What do you want to do with you life?"

I've had a lot of time to ponder that question. This year I've discovered who I am and I'm learning about what am I called to do. I know I am called to bring hope for the hopeless, and love to the unloveables...but what does that mean? I enjoy reaching people through media and my heart has been broken for orphans, prostitutes, and lepers, but how do I help them?

This past year I have learned about love, leadership, worship, the power of God, and many other things. I've learned to be self-sacrificing and live in community. I've traveled the world and feel in love with people and other cultures. What do I do with those expereinces?

Last March, Andrew Sherman, a powerful leader and man of God started a school called the G42 Leadership Academy. He has a vision to raise up 100,000 leaders before he dies, to bring Gods Kingdom to earth. I'm proud to say that I've been accepted to the Winter and Spring terms of this Academy, and will be starting in January, just five weeks after I get home from the Race. It's a six-month intensive with the principles of Discipleship - Growing in God, getting his DNA, Koinonea - God with skin on, Freedom - God's creativity unleashed and Dominion - God with shoes on. Release into a life of church planting, ministry to the orphan & the desperate, or a life of entrepreneurial brilliance is what they seek for every participant. At the end of six months, we're encouraged to "say amen, and make a plan." To know our calling and go after our kingdom dreams.

Plain and simple this is the vision of the school: (Thanks Becky!)
To raise up leaders who are equipped, focused, determined and strong
To have passion released and Freedom to become
To live a life of maturity bounded by love and grace

To go to the nations and plant the kingdom where it doesn't exist and spend the rest of their lives selflessly, joyously and passionately in the supernatural power of God, Making every dead thing come alive.

Basically, we take classes Monday-Friday and do ministry (orphanages, church ministry) on the weekends. Classes include Servanthood, Elements of Leadership, Church Planting, Character & Discipline, Intimacy in Worship, Kingdom Eschatology, Prayer, Oral and Written Communication, Teambuilding and Adventure, and more. You can check out a list of all the classes Here. We'll also do practicum's during the semester to Africa and neighboring European countries.

This year, as I've been a team leader and been involved in other leadership roles, I can sense God growing me a leader, and I believe this Academy will help me take what I've learned this year to the next level. I'll be under the teaching and authority of men who have been walking this out for years, and who want to see Gods kingdom come on earth.

I want to thank you to everyone who supported me for The World Race, as I am now officially fully funded. I watched God provide (through you!) all the funds for the Race, and I'm praying in faith that He will do the same for this trip. I need to raise $6000 ($1,000 a month), which covers, room, board, books, and additional ministry expenses. If you do want to support me financially for G42, Follow this link and click on "Intern Support" where you can enter credit card or bank information first, and then my name during the second step. This is an entirely different account than for the World Race, so please don't go through the same website or mailing address as you may have used for the World Race; all funds send to the World Race account can't be transfered to the school. If 25 people pledge $40/month mygoal would be met! Will you please prayerfully consider partnering with and supporting me for whatever amount you can, monthly or one-time?

If you would rather pay by check, make checks payable to G42 and mail to:

G42, Inc.

 P.O. Box 17419 

Fountain Hills, AZ 85269

In the MEMO section of the Check simply write Diana Dinnis

G42, the 42nd generation is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit, and most donations to G42 are tax-deductible. You will be a sent a tax receipt for all deductible donations.

I will be keeping my World Race blog throughout the entire process so look for updates. Thank you for your continued love and support.

Di's Diary- October 2009

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

October was a great month teaching English in the Ukraine. Definitely in my top 3!

After 5 metro lines, 2 buses, and one 27-hour train ride, we arrive in Budapest, Hungary this afternoon. It's going to be a great month of trusting the Lord and finishing out the Race strong. Pray for continued energy, strength, and unity for Team Spectacle. I am team leader again, as Darci went to Germany to lead worship for the month.

The power of touch

Sun, 25 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Note: Dave Brown wrote a blog about this same topic. Apparently God is teaching us the same thing right now. You can read it here.

Physical Touch has never been one of my primary love languages. I'm not the first one to give someone a hug and it doesn't make my day when someone plays with my hair (although it does feel good). Honestly, I never really understood the way touch affects people until last week.

Spectacle and Luminous had the choice between two ministries this month; teaching English at an English Center, and playing with kids at various orphanages. I love getting to know College-age people and playing with kids is not a huge passion of mine, so I obviously chose to volunteer at the English Center. It's not that I don't like kids, I just find it hard to know what to do with them when things aren't structured, which is funny because my team says I'm great with kids, and I have a huge heart for orphans. When Forest (our contact) told us that the orphanage group would be going to an invalid orphanage for kids with mental and physical disabilities, I was glad I chose to teach English.

Rewind to Malaysia: We went to an adult handicap center one day and it was the hardest day of ministry on the Race for me. We had to help them brush their teeth and feed them, and I felt like we were being paraded as the "Americans coming in to save the day" and it was difficult for me. I knew I did not want to go back to a place like that this year.

Fast Forward to our last day in the Ukraine: I felt like God was telling me to go to the invalid orphanage for one day. I didn't know what I would do with these kids who I couldn't talk to and couldn't play soccer or dodge ball, but I went out of sheer obedience.

We walked into the building, which smelled completely of urine because they only have enough diapers to change the kids once a day. At first we went into a room with girls ages 3-14. Immediately I noticed they all wanted one thing; to be touched. They were climbing all over us, holding our hands, and starving for attention. Then we went down to kids that can't get out of bed. I was instantly drawn to a little boy who grabbed my hands. He had the cutest laugh and giggled at everything I did. I spent probably 20 minutes just holding his hands and singing over him. It was one of the best and most natural days of ministry for me on the Race...and all I did was touch him.

So many times we think we need to go out and feed and clothe orphans, and while that is sometimes true, we should never underestimate the power of touch. People were healed by Jesus' touch. It has the ability to make someone feel loved, accepted, and worthy. And no matter how much money we have, we're all capable of touch.

Spectacle...one year later!

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

It hit me a few days ago that I am going home soon. In less than 5 weeks in fact. As I pondered that thought my heart was flooded with emotions, questions, and regret. Did I make the most out of every opportunity? Did I press in daily? Did I seek to edify my team mates and the people around me in every way possible?

On October 17, 2008, one year ago this week, I drove to training camp and met the 52 people I would be spending this year with. That week I also got put with Team Spectacle. We clicked right from the start and I absolutely could not wait to spend a year with them and get to know their hearts. Little did I know what I was getting into! These six people have grown, changed, and shaped me. They have gotten on my nerves (as I have done the same to them), and they have been my allies and friends. Together we have cried, eaten weird foods, gotten sick (all at the same time!), battled spiritual warfare, celebrated Christ's victories, and loved deeper and fuller than we ever thought possible. I've had times with them where I wanted to be nowhere else in the world, and times I when I couldn't wait to go home. But through it all we were together. It was not an accident that I was put with these six people. I fully believe it was Gods divine plan for us to "do life" together this year.

Here is one of the biggest things I've learned this year: It's not about what you do in life, but the people you do it with.

One year ago I would not have told you that. Life for me was about accomplishments and being a part of something big. Do I still dream big? Absolutely. But now my dreams include people who I want to do it with me.

Last November, I wrote a blog introducing Team Spectacle to you. But that was before I knew them. Now, let me re-introduce you to my family.

Anna Ruth Coffey

Anna is a servant and has used that gift as she has encouraged us with notes and cooked for us this year. She has learned to overcome her past with strength from the Lord, and through that, He has taught her bravery. She desires to become a wife and mother more than anyone else I know and she will minister to a motherless generation. I'm honored to call her my sister.

Darci Danae Simpson

Darci Simpson brings me more joy than just about anyone I know. She can change the atmosphere when she walks into a room and call the presence of the Lord when she prays and sings. She's learned to seek Gods face this year and stand up for what she believes is right. She gets us through the tough times with her laugh and utter craziness, and I am honored to call her my sister.

David Christopher Brown

Dave Brown was the first person I met on the Race and has been my brother since day 1. He has prayed for me everyday on this trip and encouraged me in leadership. He's a student and lover of the Word. This year he's learned what it means to be a meek leader. Quiet and steadfast, he has learned to fear the Lord and not man. I trust Dave and the decisions he makes and I'm honored to call him my brother.

Jennifer M.E. Myers

Jenn Myers was only on our team for half of the Race, and we joke that when she left we lost our "moral compass", but that's what Jenn is. She's firm in her convictions and has a quiet strength that draws people to her. People are comforted by her touch as she truly feels whatever you're going through. She's a free spirit and I'm honored to call her my sister!

Rachel Lynn Hartman

Rachel is the first one to ask if you need prayer. She's learned to be a student of the word and has a thrist for knowledge. She speaks truth and has sharpened us all this year. Her loved for her family and women is evident as she passionately pursues the people God has put in her life. She is the only one on the squad who I have spent the entire year with, and I am honored to call her my sister.

Zachery Alexander Trute

Zack is not a man of many words, but when he does speak, profound thoughts come out. He seeks to understand what it means to be loved so that he can love, and through that can feel what people are feeling, and laugh and cry harder than anyone I know. He has the character of a priest, and is also a free spirit. I am honored to call him my brother.

One year ago we were strangers. Now we are family. It's not easy to live, eat, sleep, work, and breathe with the same people 24/7 for a whole year, but we have done it (almost). I will truly miss seeing them day-in and day-out, and am grateful for the unity we have developed as a team.

Santo Domingo Race Day Vid

Sun, 18 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

So part of the World Race is to do "Race Days" where we either have to get to our next destination on our own or explore a city. We have had two of these so far, in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, and Bangkok, Thailand.

Our first one was in the Dominican Republic and I actually wrote a blog about it in February, and I just finished the video this month (I know I'm a little behind.) Anyway, here is a recap of our Race Day and the video (nine months later!)

Blog from February:

January 31, 2009, 6 am: We're sitting outside of our house with all our stuff when Dave grabs the group's attention and says, "The buses are not here yet because they're not coming. Today is our first Race Day. Your goal is to be the first team to get to Santo Domingo and complete these five tasks. Go." Let me back up a minute to clarify a few things. It's called "The World Race" because we actually do have days where we race around the world. Literally. It's based off the show "The Amazing Race" but we stop in each country to love people. We each have a set amount of money per person to complete the tasks, so we have to be mindful of the budget. So here we are sitting on a curb, 4 hours from our destination with no plans on how to get there. I was shocked but really excited because I like problem solving.

So we did what every other team was doing, and threw on our packs and started running to the bus station to see if there was a bus we could catch to get to Santo Domingo. Anna and Darci were a little ahead of our team when a bus stopped them on the side of the road and the driver said "Are you going to the capital?" I kid you not this happened. We said "Why yes we are." And Spectacle and BLING piled into this bus and went directly to Santo Domingo. Normally I would not take rides from random bus drivers, but hey, I'm a World Racer now.

The rest of the day consisted of a scavenger hunt around the city, ending in the market to buy food for our travel day to Haiti. Our team finished dead last because we decided to explore the city and check out things that weren't on the list, but we were so grateful for it.

the case of the exploding dr. pepper

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

This month Spectacle is hanging out with Team Luminous. We are teaching English at the New Tone English School and hanging out with kids at various orphanages. I'm spending most of my time at the English School and loving it! I've been building relationships with my students and the other teachers, and I've gotten to see much of Lugansk with them. This is shaping up to e one of my favorite months on the Race, and much-needed as the as the reality of home and America draws nearly everyday.

Luminous is very creative and loves acting and making videos, so we decided to do a few this month. This first one is based on an actual event that took place at our apartment. Most of the reactions are real.

Hope you enjoy it. And yes, we haven't had Dr. Pepper almost this entire Race and there is one gas station in Lugansk that carries it for some reason. So we stocked up!

PS- I know I haven't written a blog in a couple weeks, and I promise a serious one is coming soon!

Di's Diary- September 2009

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

After landing in Eastern Europe a month ago, we'll continue our journey to the Ukraine today. Here's an update from my month in Romania.

As always, thank you for your continued prayers and support.

"They Need You Now"- 80 Racers in Viile Tecii, Romania video.

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

What happens when 80 World Racers come to Viile Tecii Romania to do ministry for a month?

Community...fun...impacting lives...freedom...worship...relationship building...LIFE.

Check it out.

Romania Photo Blog

Sat, 19 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

After 30 hours of traveling by bus and plane, we arrived in the lovely village of Viile Tecii Romania, on September 4. To our suprise our entire squad has been doing ministry together for the month, living on the same street, and sharing meals together. This is a first for our squad, and we're cherishing every month with what little time we have left. We've been visiting families, holding church services, doing manual labor, picked apples with the locals, praying and worshipping on the mountain, and other projects around the city of Viile Tecii. We're also working with some of the August 09' Racers, and it's energizing to be around this group that's only in their second month.

Here's Romania:

The Romania Countryside!

Some of our Romanian and Gypsy friends.

More friends and worshipping on the mountain.

This is where Spectacle is tenting. Praying for the Women of Viile Tecii. All Squad worship night.

Spectacle's night out for Rachel's Birthday!

Swaziland Video

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

My good friend Ashli Hanna made this video of Swaziland - thought I would share it with you all!!

I love Romania -- it is so incredible!! I will write more later about the amazing things the Lord is doing here and the beautiful people I have met!

Love you all ---

Are you ready to answer?

Sat, 12 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

This is a blog I wrote in July while we were in Africa, but decided not to post until now. It's perhaps the most real thing I've written this year.

"Last September I was supposed to' start my MBA program to be a CEO. I would have just finished my first year of Grad School. Now I'm farming in Botswana."

That's a conversation I had with Kristen as we were raking grass on a farm in Botswana last month.

I realized something last debrief. The newness has worn off. I'm tired of living out of a pack. I'm tried of having to repack that pack 7 times a month because we move so much. I'm tired of being dirty and smelling bad, and not getting any alone time, and dealing with all the bugs. I miss my family. I miss the gym. I miss the comforts of home, and being able to eat whatever I want, and being able to get in a car and just go somewhere. I miss watching sports and going to games and my overall freedom. It's month 7, and honestly, I'm surprised that it took me this long to get to this point.

Before I came on the Race, I was building the life I always dreamed of living. I had a college degree, was volunteering with the youth in church, had an awesome job working for the sports team I grew up loving, an offer for free tuition to get my MBA, and aspired to become a successful CEO. Yes, by the world's standards I was well on my way to achieving "The American Dream." It was everything I wanted.

Was it?

What I realize now is that I seeking myself, and so consumed in status, popularity, and what others thought of me that I didn't even know who I was.

God was calling me to something different. What I was doing was not necessarily bad, but what I achieved in those things was not want He desired for me. He wanted me to find my identity in Him. Humility? C.S. Lewis says that humility is the thing that turns most people off from Christianity. Denying one's self to live for Christ, goes against the "American way" and everything we've been taught. It's also the thing that many Christians battle with their entire lives. Not being their own masters, but having a master and a judge. But no, I wasn't the one who needed humility. I go to church. I help the poor. I sponsor a Compassion child and I work with orphans. I'm a nice person. And on top of that, I'm giving up everything to "save the world" this year. Surely I have no pride.

"What God? You want me to go camping in the bush of Africa? To give up my hair starightener, and polos, and UGG boots? To live in a tent? To serve the homeless, and hang out with prostitutes, and hold the hand of the dying? To die to myself so you can live through me? Sorry Lord. I don't need that. I'm doing fine."

Yes, Humility. He wanted to strip me of all that I was, and replace me with all that is Him. So, am I great for going on this trip and "helping people all over the world?" No. I don't think so. Because you can't call it a sacrifice when you gain so much more.

Has this year been easy? No. Definitely not. I've been stripped of every worldly comfort that I've ever known. I've had to live with six people who I didn't know and who sometimes get on my nerves (but I love them), share everything I have with them, and on top of that lead them through this crazy adventure. But has this year been good? Yes. Definitely yes. I have a confidence of my true identity, and eyes to see past myself and onto a world that is so broken and depraved of anything pure. I'm wrecked for the ordinary.

This has been a refining year for me, and once you've been brought through the fires you can't go back. You can't run from the mighty hand of God. When He calls you out, He calls with a fire and a passion. The questions is: are you ready to answer?

A Message for the I-Squad...From H-Squad.

Mon, 7 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Hi I-Squad!!

We're all excited to meet you guys at Conference at the end of the month. Wer made this video for you last month, but haven't been able to post it until now. Can't wait to see ya!

PS- We accept your challenge!

Africa Top 10

Mon, 7 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

After three months of febreezing my clothes because I can only wash them once a month, living in a tent, peeing in holes in the ground, and taking baths with buckets or in the river, I can say that I have made it through Africa. I've seen poverty and HIV devastate countries and I've seen beauty beyond imagine. Looking back over the past three months I can see how I've grown and changed by my time in Africa. Here's my Top 10!:

Simba salt and vinegar chips- These things are amazing. Darci and I are hooked. They have more salt and vinegar flavor than any other brand, even in America...and they're called Simba chips, and our squad is kinda obsessed with The Lion King. I'm sad I won't be able to get them anymore.

The Walker Family- The minute we met Heather and her family we felt loved. They were the first people we met when we came into Botswana and made us feel at home. Heather would go out of her way to cook us homemade meals, and invited us over for movies and Sunday afternoon naps. She has the voice of an angel and shared her life for us through song. Even though we only spent a week with them, I felt closer to them than a lot of people we've met on the Race.

Spling- Spectacle and Bling combined forces in Botswana to become Spling and it was a great combination. We have a history of getting lost together so no one thought it would work, but we loved it. On our last night together, Ashley and I threw a "Spling Date Night" for our teams including lazer tag, a scavenger hunt through the mall, and dinner.

Going to the island in Mozambique- Six of us got to go to an island in Mozambique that white people have never been to. We had to take a boat across the Indian Ocean to get there and were only there for a couple hours, but it was beautiful. God is going to do really cool things on that island.

The Betor House- We stayed here three times during our time in Africa for debriefs. This is place we had our famous Corn Hole Tournament, I got baptized, and where we really became a family when we first came into Africa. Papa Ken, Mama Shay, and Mama Teri really took care of us. They fed us some of the best food we've had on the Race and genuinely cared about us.

Safari at Kruegar- I have to add this in my Top 10. We saw all the "Big 5" over 40 other animals. I was in a van with the best people (Lynne's Pride), and it was just a great day. Plus it was my first time going on a safari.

Pastor Gift- This man is the real deal. His heart for Swaziland is genuine and we loved working with him. When we got here he shared with us his vision for Nsoko and we all jumped on board and got excited about seeing God work in Swaziland.

SKIM Squad Leaders- SKIM is the first letter of the four teams working in Mozambique together. Hanna, Miles, Tim and I really bonded over leading together for the month It was a crazy month, which forced us leaders to have daily meetings and "laugh or die." We worked really well together and had a great time joking around. It made living "in da bush" more enjoyable. PS- Should I mention Mount Skimmore??

Swaziland Care Points- This was my favorite thing we did in Africa. Kim, Anna, David and I worked at three different Care Points in Swaziland together. From reading stories to the kids, to helping them do crafts I really enjoyed hanging out with them, and got especially close to a little boy named Zacheria. These kids walk miles a day just for one meal and some love and I was happy to be with them.

Blue Bulls Game- The squad leaders took the team leaders out to a Rugby Game during our August debrief and it was awesome. We even got to go on the field after the game! It was a good night out with some friends and a great way to end my time as a team leader.

Di's Diary- August 2009

Thu, 3 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Hello everyone!

First of all, I would like to thank you all for your continued encouragement and support. It's been great to have you come along side of me and share this experience with me. I'm currently sitting in the Johannesburg airport waiting to get on a plane to Romania, where we'll spend our last three months in Eastern Europe. After three months of having children flock to you because they've never seen white people, and living "in da bush" Africa has come to an end. I can't believe I've been gone 8 months!

Swazi Photo Blog

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

This is Swaziland!!

Soccer Tournament that was held at our house.

The Children of Swaziland!

Spectacle and Indelible together = Inspecible!!

Playing with the kids at our Care Points!

More with the kids at the Care Points!!

There's nothing life an African sunset!

Inspecible and our translators!

Leaving a Legacy

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The dictionary defines legacy as "a thing handed down by a predecessor." It can be words of wisdom, memories, material possessions, or something the person is known for.

Morgan McKeowan, a January 2007 Racer, fell in love with Swaziland when she came here on her Race, and got the idea to do Legacy Books for the men and women dying of AIDS. Legacy Books are scrapbooks of a person's life, with everything from their birthday, favorite childhood memories, information about their children, and pictures of them and their families. With AIDS so prevalent in Swaziland, many children are growing up without knowing their parents. The goal is to show them they have value and something worth leaving behind.

Morgan brought a team to Swazi about a month ago, and started the Legacy Books, and we got a chance to continue the project this month. We interviewed about 20 people, took their pictures, and are currently working on putting the new books together.

We also finished the books Morgan's team started, and had a ceremony to present the completed books to the people who were interviewed when her team was here. During the ceremony, Anna spoke about what it means to leave a legacy, sharing what her mom left behind when she passed away, and shared that it was important for them to leave a legacy so their children can remember them As we announced each person's name and they came up front to receive their books, their faces were beaming as they read their story and saw their picture in a book. I'm sure many of them don't have any pictures at home, and they laughed as they looked at themselves.

Their stories were heartbreaking. Like Nomsa Gina who lost both of her parents when she was very young and had to live with her grandmother. Her brother was the only one taking care of her and he committed suicide when she was 15. Her grandmother then passed away a year later and by the ago of 16 she was left completely alone. She had her first child three years later and when he was one year old, his father took him and she has not seen him since.

Many of them didn't know where they were born, their parents had died at a young age, had at least one child who had died, and they felt like they didn't have hope. Their life dreams were simple, to live to see their grandchildren, and for their kids to go to school.

But now, they are starting a legacy.

Darci interviewing Cathy and Rachel working on the books

A family I took photos of.

Swaziland Update

Wed, 19 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Africa has been rough, especially Swaziland. There are some harsh spirits here in Swaziland that have been here a long time. Fear and hopeless are the heaviness. HIV has become a norm for these people, as it's not only become accepted, but part of the culture, I'm constantly exhausted, and statistically, every other child I pick up will die from AIDS, which is something I try not to think about when playing with them, but it's hard to get out of your mind the destitute state of this land. Still, I've been able to enjoy my time with the kids and women in Nsoko.

I spent every morning last week with a woman named Nozizwe

(No-zeeze-way). She's 27 and has three children. The doctors aren't really sure what she has, but she's been sick for eight months. She was in the hospital all of June and July only to come back and find her husband had sent her kids to live with his sister permanently. They live in separate huts, and he doesn't give her the time of day. Her face is swollen and her body covered with sores, and her gums are swollen over her lips. Rachel and I got to visit with her, show her pictures of our family, read to her, and show her the best version of Jesus' love we know how. Pastor Gift has a vision to show people Jesus' love through us. To change people's mindsets of the white people. When they see us they see money (Nozizwe even said that). Pastor Gift wants them to see Jesus' love when they see us. "For you to come and sit on mat with them is like, wow. They have never seem that before," Pastor Gift explained to us. For them to know that we are not doing this to be righteous or get praise, but to show them Jesus. I have to admit it was a little awkward at first. We didn't know what to say, and she had a hard time talking because of her mouth, but the more time we spent with her, the easier it became. The last day we even took her to the clinic and got her medicine. It was a humbling experience being with her. You can also read Darci's blog on her friend Maswane.

This week and next week we're working at the Care Points around Nsoko, teaching the children and playing games with them. This has been one of my favorite things we've done in Africa. I love these kids! They're precious and they cling to us. You can tell they don't get lot of attention at home, for those kids that even have parents.

We're also leading a Women's group and a group for the teenagers. The women really enjoy being around us and sharing with us, and we enjoy hanging out with them.

One week left in Swaziland! We leave next Thursday for debrief in Joburg and then a week later fly out to Romania...our final continent. CRAZINESS!