Posted in General Posts by Caitlin Sickler on 5/12/2012
Great question!
From the few seconds of my first overseas mission trip to South Africa, I knew right away that my life was in the process of changing forever and it has greatly! After my trip to South Africa I continued on many other domestic and overseas mission trips and they have been great... but soon one trip after another I started to notice something different about myself during each trip. I started to become comfortable.
This didn't hit me until last summer when I helped my friend Elisa, on a local mission trip she helps leads for a week over the summer called DC Serve. This was the first time I was helping/doing a mission trip where I was helping a different organizations other than my church. I only knew a handful of my staff team members and knew none of the students. Even though I had a lot of experience with mission work, this was the first time since my very first trip to South Africa, I felt uncomfortable.
I have to be honest, it surprised me and made me a little overwhelmed. Towards the end of the week during worship the song "I Will Follow" by Chris Tomlin was playing and I was reading and listening to the words and thats when it hit me that I was living a comfortable life. I was not following Him, I was following me. These trips started to become about me and not about serving God. When we are living and serving God we are not always meant to be comfortable people and that is what was happening to me with my mission work. I was starting to realize that things in life are meant to include a sacrifice, patience, faith, compassion and understanding, The big picture of my life was unfolding as I made this realization.
I first heard about the World Race from my mentor Steph a couple of years ago and I always kept it in the back of my mind thinking that it would be fun and exciting, but I didn't think that this was for me. I can't handle going away for 11 months and being with complete strangers. I said these things because this was something I was not comfortable with so I automatically pushed this idea to the side.
After my time with DC Serve I did a lot of time praying and asking God what I could do to start living an uncomfortable life for Him. Then a couple days after that prayer I came across The World Race on twitter. I started to research and pray more about the World Race. After reading blog after blog and hearing stories of people's friends doing the World Race I knew that this is what God was calling me to do. I knew when I applied, there were going to be so many uncomfortable things about this trip that I was going to face, being away from family and friends for a whole year, not knowing a single person on my team, living without so many materalistic items, etc. But that is what living uncomfortably is all about. I am ready to take this risk to live an uncomfortable life for God and by doing that, serving His nations along the way. In living uncomfortably I hope to strengthen my relationship with God and find out more about myself along the journey.
| |
|
Posted in General Posts by Caitlin Sickler on 4/20/2012
Dear Family and Friends,
I hope that this letter finds you well! I wanted to let you know about some exciting things that are happening in my life. Over the past few years, God has given me a new perspective on the blessings in my life, the needs of those around the world, and my purpose in His kingdom. I am thrilled to share with you that I am faithfully following His direction to go and to demonstrate His love to the Nations.
Starting in September 2012 I have been given the opportunity to serve as a missionary through an organization, Adventure in Missions, in their World Race program. The World Race is an 11-month Christian mission trip to 11 different countries around the world. I will be traveling to Zimbabwe, Botswana, South Africa, Swaziland, India, Philippines, China, Ukraine, Moldova, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica, Panama. On the World Race, my team and I will serve in partnership with churches and ministries in local communities to share the Gospel, plant churches, work in orphanages, minister to women and children who are trapped in prostitution as a result of human trafficking, and bring the restoration and hope of the Father’s love to many tribes and nations.
I am so grateful for this opportunity that God has given me, and I eagerly look forward to working hard, learning about new cultures and serving others. The task ahead is great, and I will be honored to have you partner with me. So, I am writing to ask if you would consider partnering prayerfully and financially with me in this mission. I must raise $15,500 in order to participate in the World Race, which covers all airfare and expenses on the field. Your financial support can be given as a one-time gift or as monthly donation, where you choose the amount and the start and end date.
If you would like to make a donation online, you may do so by clicking the “Support Me” link in the upper left side of this page and complete your donations instructed.
Spending time in different cultures will challenge many different aspects of my life, and I must truly rely on God as my ultimate Comforter and Provider. Your prayers in this time of preparation as well as during the trip are coveted. I am so excited to see how God will move in my life and in the lives of others in the coming year. I hope not only to be a blessing to those I serve, but also to you. I want to thank you in advance for your prayers and financial support. May God bless you as you prayerfully consider partnering with me in this mission.
With Love,
Caitlin Sickler
| |
|
Posted in General Posts by Caitlin Sickler on 3/27/2012
Fifty things.... okay leggoo!
1) I am an ENFP
2) COFFEE COFFEE COFFEE COFFEEEEEE!!!
3) I am seriously up for any adventure! Bring it on!
4) In saying that... "I just want to do HOODRAT stuff wit mah friennddzzz!"
5) I am NOT a morning person... well until I have had my coffee.
6) I HATE bananas! The smell the taste all of it! I dislike them so much I tell people I am allergic to them... (shh thats a secret!)
7) Love love love laughing!
8) I actually do not like reading, but if you bug me or convince me enough. I might end up reading the book.
9) I am a horrible speller...
10) My love languages is quility time and affirmation
11) I loooove people and talking to them about their lives! Gotta love some heart to hearts!
12) I am more of a listener than a talker.
13) I pretty much joke around or goof off 90% of the time.
14) I can be very sarcastic at times...
15) I can not help myself but laugh when I see someone trip or fall or have some bit of physical pain.
16) Love me some tattoo's! (i actually have 2) But I love hearing the stories behind peoples tatts!
17) I am pretty much obsessed with my rain jacket...I even wear it when it is not raining.
18) I will never own a cat, but I they crack me up!
19) I am totally ADD
20) Not gonna lie... i seriously love me some animals!
21) Sometimes I have no fliter...
22) I love hanging out with high school students and telling them about how much God loves them.
23) OBSESSED WITH CHACOS!
24) Love me some food! I am not ashamed to admit that I can be a fatty sometimes.
25) I tend to overuse exclamation points!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Love them!
26) I am up for a dance party anytime and anywhere!
27) I LOVE rap music! But I pretty much listen to everything. Oh and I love it when people give/suggest new music to me! So if you got some hit me up!
28) My favorite dance is the Stanky legg... #alldayerryday
29) I like wine.
30) Oh my dang! 50 things is a lot to think of! #struggz
31) I love using hashtags
32) I am the only Christian in my family.
33) I have 2 brother and 1 sister. All younger and all half siblings
34) "To live without risk is to risk not living."-Brennan Manning
35) I Love watching movies and quoting them!
36) Love any outdoor adventure
37) I really enojoy having my thinking/ processing time
38) public speaking is not really my thing.
39) I love driving but can have total road rage
40) Africa is one place that God has put on my heart
41) I HATE drama
42) I love traveling and so pumped that I get to do it for a whole year!
43) I LOVE celebraiting people!
44) Love me some twitter
45) Have I mention that I love laughing?
46) I sometime have a hard time making decisions.
47) Favorite color is green.
48) I will prob think of my think of more things about myself after I am done with my 50!
49) Seeing a smile or laughter or joy on someones face warms my heart.
50) and of course I am soooo PUMPED to meet my WR family!
| |
|
Posted in General Posts by Caitlin Sickler on 3/24/2012
Zimbabwe/Botswana
Recently, Zimbabwe struggled with hyperinflation. Under the current regime, the human rights violations continue. Zimbabwe also has one of the lowest life expectancies. Zimbabwe is also home to intriguing ruins and shares Victoria Falls with Zambia. Botswana has the second highest HIV infection rate, second to Swaziland, its southern neighbor. The land itself struggles with drought and desertification yet boasts the largest elephant population in the world in one of its national parks. The majorities of both populations identify themselves as Christian but very much need people like you to advance the kingdom with love and in power.
South Africa
While it's been several decades since apartheid has formally ended, there’s still more healing and reconciliation to take place in South Africa. One of the wealthiest countries on the continent yet much of the population living outside the cities is poor. Like the rest of sub-Saharan Africa, this country struggles with a high rate of AIDS/HIV. Host to the 2010 World Cup and breathtaking natural attractions, it’s also a place full of kingdom potential, waiting to be released -- by you.
Swaziland
The Kingdom of Swaziland is one of the last remaining monarchies in Africa. Home to 1.1 million people and breathtaking scenic views, it's also where the world's highest HIV/AIDS infection rate lives (26.1% in adults and over 50% of adults in their 20s). It's estimated that by 2050, Swaziland may cease to exist. Young orphans are scattered throughout this nation in desperate need of attention. For years, Adventures has been committed to seeing these statistics reversed. Here, you’ll most likely find yourself involved in a variety of outreaches, including education, orphan care, care point feedings, and more.
India
With nearly a sixth of the world's population within its borders, India is a country bursting with people and culture. Home to a diverse array of beliefs from Hinduism to Islam, to a blend of folk religions and other faiths, it is a country of pluralism with twenty-nine languages spoken by over a million native speakers, multiple religions, cuisine, socio-economic classes, and political parties. India's struggles with poverty and crimes of human trafficking, forced prostitution, religious persecution, and more. You might work with local churches to encourage believers and most likely be challenged by their testimonies. Your presence'll bring hope and truth to those that society deems "untouchable."
Philippines
This Asian island nation, former Spanish colony then American protectorate, is a country in tension, trying to cross the threshold between the third and first world. It offers a variety of landscapes - beaches, mountains, volcanic lakes - and languages, with Tagalog as the national tongue. The Catholic Church is a substantial piece of the religious pie, however, and Islam is growing in the island of Mindinao. The Filipino people and culture love music, dance and community. While there, you may find yourself living with and giving hope to the destitute, caring for orphans, and challenging the growing number of Christ-followers to rise up.
China
Host of the 2008 Summer Olympics and home to 1.3 billion people, China’s not just grand in land mass and population. Beside the Han Chinese, there are over fifty minority groups. While China has grown in leaps and bounds industrially, intellectually, and economically, it's still a politically closed nation. Depending on where you are, you may meet Buddhists, Muslims, and Taoists; there are even churches - government approved and regulated. The underground church is extensive and continues growing, even thriving, amidst persecution. While there, you'll have to pay homage to the Great Wall, and bring light and hope to a people in darkness and depression. How you'll do that exactly - you'll find out once you get there.
Ukraine
This Eastern European country is caught between its past oppression under the Soviet Union and the desire to be accepted by the West. People in the east tend to be more nationalistic than those in the west, where Russian is more commonly spoken. There’s a substantial orphan (social and full) population and human trafficking’s an issue here, too. Most people claim to belong to the Ukrainian Orthodox church, which is subdivided into three bodies. God’s desire is to bring hope, peace, authentic relationship with himself, and unity to this nation; you’ll find out how exactly you’ll participate in that!
Moldova
Once a part of Romania, this former Soviet republic declared independence in 1991. Moldova, one of the poorest European countries, is riddled with a high underground crime rate. This country is vulnerable as a transit point of human trafficking. The main language spoken is Romanian (also called Moldovan) but there's debate as to what the Moldovan ethnicity is exactly. We need people who will bring kingdom clarity and declare the peace of God over a land filled with confusion and chaos.
Honduras
"Hondo" comes from the Spanish word for depth and there's lots of depth to Honduras. It's home to the Aztec and Mayan civilizations, whose ruins are still stand. Honduras is mostly mountainous and the weather's as tropical as it gets. What really runs deep in Honduras are its needs. Honduras is the third poorest in the region, after Haiti and Nicaragua. Like her neighbors, Honduras has had her of share political/military troubles, e.g., the six-month constitutional crisis in 2009. There's a need to reach out to the youth, not just to keep them out of trouble (e.g., gangs) but for them to know their worth and that they're loved.
Nicaragua
This location is always a World Race favorite. It's a country full of wonderfully warm and caring people, and participants always leave having had a powerful experience. However, hopelessness, addictions, destitution, and poverty still plague the many lives of Nicaragua. There are orphans who have grown up without knowing the love of a parent and families who get by each day by scrounging scraps from the city dump where they have made their homes. In Nicaragua, you'll have the opportunity to bring God's love through slum ministry, door-to-door outreach, outreach to children, and more.
Costa Rica/Panama
Costa Rica is a hot spot for surfing and just enjoying "pura vida" - literally, "pure life", it's a concept of a chill, relaxed, laidback way of life. While the natural beauty attracts lots of tourists, large pockets of poverty and family brokenness exist. Much of Panama’s revenue comes from the eponymous canal, expected to be wider by 2015. The double-edge of the canal is the spike in drug-trafficking. Panama also houses the largest rainforest outside the Amazon but suffers from crime in its urban slums. In these relatively well-off Central American countries, you’ll find creative ways to bring more life and light to the people.
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
