Created For More

Some days you wake up with no motivation to do anything and other days you wake up with an urge to write a paper about your favorite decade in American history. Every so often I'm inspired to reflect on the 60s and all of its unique pieces. My college curriculum led me to learn more about this epic period and encouraged me to continue learning in my own time. There are a couple of favorite documentaries I like to watch where I can see old footage of iconic figures, memorable speeches, and nostalgic moments in America. And then I figured I could take my thoughts on the 10 year period and turn it into a podcast episode! This is a 40 minute overview of one of the most impactful eras in US history. I go through the transition of the 50s into the 60s that sets the stage for the events that unfold, the characterization of the Baby Boomer Generation that defined the culture, JFK's presidency, his successor Lyndon Johnson, the Vietnam War, national movements like the Civil Rights which shifted the course of American life, the infamous year of 1968, the Space Race against the Soviet Union, and a small piece about pop culture and music. WE BREEZE THROUGH A LOT IN THIS EPISODE, but my hope is that it's informative and helpful in breaking down a decade like no other. Thanks for listening!

The podcast has taken on a new brand and I wanted a short episode explaining the “why” behind it all. There's a story behind the reporters holding microphones and a reason I wanted the name to be what it is! All in all, I'm excited to see where this next season of the podcast goes. THANKS FOR LISTENING!

We've interviewed fellow squadmates, 3 month racers, a husband and wife, and now we talk to the OG squad leader — Alex Kirby. Alex was one of the two humble, responsible leaders who led my original squad for the first 6 months of our trip. He's quite familiar with Adventures in Missions and has participated in virtually everything they offer! His leadership style and passion for people has easily led him from one thing to the next, and now he's onto the 9 month program called G42. In this episode we discuss his very vivid dreams, the differences between his two experiences squad leading, and how a Spider-Man movie influenced the timeline of his life. THANKS FOR LISTENING!

I interview a husband and wife?!?! On this episode I talk to Seth and Anna, an amazing couple who were on my second World Race squad. As newlyweds, they left their careers to pursue missions overseas! I had the honor of getting to know them for a few months before we were sent home because of the pandemic. During this hour (sorry it's so long) we talk about obedience, hearing from the Holy Spirit, and being willing to follow God to unexpected places. We also catch up on their life in Minnesota since being home, and where they are headed next!! Hint: Africa. THANKS FOR LISTENING!

An honor and a privilege, really. This episode I talk to the incomparable Sharon Mosley out in New York. Previously a member of O Squad, Sharon is now pursuing her dreams in the States, taking her experiences overseas and applying them to a future in social work. Join us as we discuss what it was like leaving a full time job to do international missions, going back to her parents' house, and now getting her masters. Hear about her unique fondness for a certain country that almost no other squad-mate identifies with and stick around toward the end for when we discuss the state of our nation and the upcoming election. THANKS FOR LISTENING!

Numba 6. We're back with a friend from O Squad! In this episode I'm talking to my friend Victoria out in Kansas. Join us as we eagerly get into the depths of storytelling and creativity, hear about her challenging transition home, and look ahead at her future prospects of returning to Costa Rica. You can check out her recent blog posts (as mentioned) at vickiepantle.theworldrace.org THANKS FOR LISTENING!

Number five in the series! Tonight I have the extreme pleasure of talking with my friend Angelica Spence in Hotlanta (Atlanta), Georgia. Unlike the last few friends I've brought on the show, Angelica did not do 11 months of the World Race. She was with my second squad that got sent home early from the field due to the Coronavirus! We dig into the emotions of that tumultuous time and reflect on her life this year since coming home much earlier than expected, and all the opportunities it has brought her way. Angelica's inspiration and optimism is contagious, and it's not different when you hear her talk about every unexpected turn of her life in the last 8 months. THANKS FOR LISTENING!

The fourth installment of my new episode series where I talk with people who traveled with me on the World Race, to see where life has brought them one year later after returning to the United States. Tonight I talk with my friend Amanda in Asheville, North Carolina. I learn more about what brought her to that region and how the race has impacted her life at home in the States. Amanda's heart for people show through her involvement with young adults and her career. We discuss being obedient to God, the doors that have opened up for her with community and discipleship, and the countries that stick out to her the most! Hope you enjoy the conversation. THANKS FOR LISTENING!

The third installment of my new episode series where I talk with people who traveled with me on the World Race, to see where life has brought them one year later after returning to the United States. Today I talk with my friend Jenny in Colorado Springs! Like myself, Jenny started the Race as Treasurer and then served as a Team Leader for the latter months of our trip. She also returned to the mission field just a few short weeks after coming home from our Race, joining a different group of racers as an Alumni Team Leader in South America. Jenny and I talk about the difference between these two seasons and how it impacted her future ambitions in the States. We also discuss what we've learned about finances and new responsibilities since coming home and finding jobs — and how our community of friends makes everything better. Hope you enjoy the conversation. THANKS FOR LISTENING!

The second installment of my new episode series where I talk with people who traveled with me on the World Race, to see where life has brought them one year later after returning to the United States. Today I talk to my friend Madison in Waco. I started the World Race with Madison — we were on our first team together and spent most months in the same location throughout the year. Like myself, Madison went back out to the international mission field after finishing the Race to lead another group as an Alumni Squad Leader. We talk about her takeaways from our original 11 months, as well as her experiences leading a different squad for 5 months right after she came home. Also what was it like finally getting back after 16 months overseas and what is she doing now in Waco, Texas?? Hope you enjoy the conversation. THANKS FOR LISTENING!

The first installment of my new episode series where I talk with people who traveled with me on the World Race, to see where life has brought them one year later after returning to the United States. Today I talk to my friend Savannah out in Memphis. Savannah was one of the very first people I met out of the group, and we've stayed good friends since. At one point she was even my team leader on the field! We talk about the impact of that coed team on this podcast, as well as lessons learned and challenges faced during our year overseas, and what God was working up in Savannah to prepare her for the life she is pursuing now. THANKS FOR LISTENING!

My friend Blessy and I sit down to discuss the recent events and current movement. Following the death of George Floyd, protests covering all 50 states and several countries worldwide have erupted to speak out against police brutality and racism. It's impossible to deny the movement that has reignited and the impact it has already made on communities and individuals everywhere. Difficult conversations have characterized the last couple of weeks for many as we continue to learn and process. This recorded talk is just a piece of the work that the two of us have been doing in our own lives and circles of influence. We cover a range of topics on this episode including social media use, sustainable advocacy, white privilege, police reform, systemic racism, the 2020 election, the Civil Rights Movement, personal bias, the American Church, and more. Several references were made to shows, podcasts, articles, videos, and books. A couple of our favorite resources we've been looking to recently are the New York Times “1619” podcast, the Netflix documentary “13th”, and the book “How to be an Antiracist” by Ibram X. Kendi. THANKS FOR LISTENING.

Within a few days, we found out we were being sent home from the field in Asia! Like all of you, my world has been flipped upside down with the reality of COVID 19. Unlike a lot of you, it meant I had to pack up my things and help lead a group of 30 World Racers out of Thailand, safely and efficiently! Talk about hectic. On this episode it is just me and the microphone without a guest, as I tell the story of how we went from the beginning stages of month 3 in Southeast Asia to ending the Race 8 months early. I explain my side of events, as it differs from the World Racers who I was with at the time, and also attempt to explain some of the complicated feelings that go with leaving the mission field. Plus what it looks like to be at home in a time that is so different from before! THANKS FOR LISTENING!

A journalist and Poli Sci nerd sit down to talk about ministry in Malaysia ... among a bunch of other things. My friend Lauren and I recap the last couple of weeks in Penang, an island melting pot of cultures, religions, and ethnicities. With 3 teams at this location, there's a large group of Racers ministering to this specific demographic. In this episode we talk about Kawan, a ministry created to serve the homeless community; PENHOP or Penang House of Prayer; the semi grand opening of a thrift store; the challenges of being still in God's presence; and the current state of the 2020 election! THANKS FOR LISTENING. For more, visit morganewhite.theworldrace.org

It's a double portion of Morgan. This week I sit down with my friend Morgan Gillespie from one of the World Race teams fresh on the field. As month 1 concludes, we discuss the challenging adjustments that come with transitioning to the Race and the details of life in Bali, ministry and all. Stick around til the end for a quick recap of what's going on in the States, and a bit of history. Follow Morgan's journey by reading her blogs at morgangillespie.theworldrace.org THANKS FOR LISTENING!

Team Leading, Squad Leading, and life in Asia (again). This week I'm joined by my old teammate, Malysa, who has also chosen to give a couple more months of service to the World Race. As alumni leaders this time around, Malysa and I talk about the past 10 days back out on the field, ministry in Indonesia, and how this experience differs from when we first did the Race. For more on Malysa's World Race, you can read her blogs at malysanapoli.theworldrace.org or follow her journey on instagram, @its_malys THANKS FOR LISTENING!

Season 2!!!!!!!! After a few months of being back in America, I finally sit down and record. This episode I'm not talking to a teammate though. My little brother Lucas joins me for a long conversation about reentry, personal growth, and God's intentionality! We get deep. We also talk about what's coming up and where this podcast is headed. I'm going back out with the World Race for 5 months! And I want to incorporate more discussion about politics and the election. This episode is quite long (sorry), but I really think that the subjects we cover and the depth we go into for some of these discussions warrants more than 40 minutes. Plus, you can't beat the back and forth banter of two siblings ;) If you can make it, the final 20 minutes covers a breakdown of a recent political event, and a trivia segment over the Revolutionary War! Wanna partner with me on my next mission trip?? Visit morganewhite.theworldrace.org to read my blogs or make a donation. THANK YOU!

“The greatness of America lies not in being more enlightened than any other nation, but rather in her ability to repair her faults.” Alexis de Tocqueville During our Final Debrief of the World Race after 11 months on the field, I led a session in front of the squad to energize and inspire them upon returning to America. Throughout the 5 months of preparation, the talk was designed to give helpful advice about how to hold influence in our circles back home and provide information on the upcoming election. I wanted to make sure the squad felt confident to engage with the political culture despite being gone for so long and talk about how we as Christian voices can make an impact as American citizens.

It's been 11 months. My last guest on the World Race is my first teammate, Adria. With the depth of knowledge and wisdom that Adria carries, I wanted to take advantage of our sit down by exploring several different topics that comes with our trip and life with Jesus. We talk about Adria's decision to go back on the World Race again as an alumni squad leader, how to transition well at home, and what it means to receive more responsibility when you are given more wisdom. This conversation provides so much great insight and pieces of enlightenment. I can't imagine recording with anyone else before we all split ways. At the end, you'll hear a sneak peak of my talk that I'm giving to my squad for our Final Debrief!

Month 11 comes with it's challenges, emotions, and opportunities. For me in the last week, it's looked like crying behind my sunglasses on the sidewalk moments before I buy apples from a street vendor and pray with them. It's been finding the balance between looking for ministry vs. waiting to see what comes along. And it's also been keeping up with what's going on in America via my phone. My “hybrid team” of 8 spent the first few nights in the capital city of Quito, then stayed in a beach town called Montañita, and are now living in Cuenca. On this podcast episode, I am riding solo without a guest. I share details from the first few stops of our trip around Ecuador, take you to the moments I had with a couple of locals on the street, and give some encouragement about how to engage with the current political climate. Thanks for listening!

“I only have like 26,000 days left...” Whether you look up a countdown to your 100th year of life (like Ryan did) or not, you probably realize that time is limited and life is short. For some this is a bleak reminder, and for others it's a motivating push to make every day count. Becoming the best version of yourself and stewarding the time God has given you is something my friend Ryan takes very seriously. This is just one of the things we talk about on this week's episode — we also discuss “mourning” the Race, praying for healing, the unique setup for month 11, and more. There are several dense, thick ideas that are explored within the hour-long conversation we recorded. Ryan quotes a variety of passages from scripture throughout the talk, and also references where some of these topics of conversation can be found specifically. If you want to know more or ask any questions, feel free to reach out.

A fresh perspective from Generation Z. It's month 10 and we just arrived to Medellín, Colombia. I sit down with the two youngest girls on the squad — Malysa Napoli and Sydney Nunley. Two proud Texans with a lot of personality and a well-rounded outlook on all things ministry, Christianity, and life. We wrap up any final thoughts about last month and then quickly move the discussion to the crazy week we've had so far working with City of Refuge here in Colombia. Outreach opportunities have enveloped a wide array of sights and experiences. And although it's our second to last month on the World Race, our squad is keeping up an energy and open-mindedness to take full advantage of our *final* moments. The song you hear at the beginning and end of the episode is “Chillin' in Dallas” by Hyper Fenton & Moflo Music.

Secretary of treasury ... to head of state. This week I bring on my friend Jenny, who like me started the World Race as a team treasurer and is now team leader. We discuss the transition from your everyday racer to having more responsibility and being the face of the team. Here in Panama, our teams have been living together while serving two different ministries. Jenny and I are both doing a fair amount of evangelism this month, and on this episode we talk about how scary and complicated those words sound but in reality it can be something very casual and easy to integrate into our everyday lifestyles. With it being month 9, there's a lot of talk about “after the Race” even though we still have 2 and a half months left! Jenny and I discuss the pressures that come with making plans for when we get home and how we see ourselves implementing new skills and habits that we've adopted on the field, back in the States! Things like worship, community, and outreach. Stick around for American history trivia at the end where I test Jenny's knowledge on the moon landing, Betsy Ross, and more.

So I know how to mix concrete now. The one and only podcast episode from our month in Costa Rica, recapping 4 weeks of farm work, painting and rennovation, church activities, and sporadic “evangelism.” We've been off the grid serving a small town church who needs a lot of help to reach the vision they have for a future missionary school. In the midst of sweat and bugs and sore muscles, we took a couple trips to see more of Costa Rica's natural beauty and tourist scene. This new month brought new teams as well, as the squad was mixed around for the last time. These teams are the teams we end the Race with — just 3 more months now! The Lord pushed me to accept the position of team leader this time around, so there's plenty to process about that in this episode. AND ON TODAY'S HISTORY SEGMENT, I give an overview of one of the most pivotal decades in U.S. history — the 60s.

Another personal interview / testimony with a leader from our squad. Stella opens up about her life in the past as she navigated spiritual beliefs, life's temptations, and identity. Through her experiences and insight, you'll see how we can live out a relationship with God as our Father and how to walk in the freedom we've been given.

Perhaps the most real and honest conversation I've recorded so far. And definitely the most I've ever laughed on the podcast. This vulnerable episode uncovers the story of my teammate Macy, who has become one of my closest friends on the World Race, and who has experienced a lot of life. Her testimony is one of finding grace and worth in the midst of shame and guilt. The joy and confidence that radiates from Macy today is a testament to how God can renew any mishap and empower us to speak His truth through our stories. Plus she's just a lot of fun to talk to. We are in the rural town of Palacaguina, Nicaragua working with a local ministry to help physically build the church, teach English, and minister to others. When listening to this episode, you might notice running water in the background every now and then, a child talking, or even a motorcycle driving by. Because way out here (and on the Race in general) it's hard to find that “perfect recording spot.” Either way, this episode is nothing if not candid and honest. Get ready. & BE SURE TO CATCH THE WORD I GIVE ON AMERICA AT THE END.

Bienvenido a la isla del volcan. Welcome to Ometepe, an island housing a big, beautiful lava filled mountain, sitting right in the middle of Nicaragua Lake. Our two co-ed teams are serving here at an orphanage and plantain farm. If we aren't teaching kids English in the classrooms, we are digging holes in the fields. It's rewarding work — and not a bad place to stay when you are situated in a house next to the lake, with a volcano looming in the background. My guest Ashley and I discuss the last couple of weeks as we transition into Latin America, the Parent Vision Trip coming up soon, team changes, and how a constantly changing life abroad can become normal. Plus American History trivia at the end.

We're halfway done. It's month 6 of the World Race! I am in the Western Cape province of South Africa with a team of girls, staying in a quaint, residential area ... complete with a Mom and Dad at home. We are partnered with a local church / bible college and spend our days either volunteering at a few preschools, working at a safe house down the street, or just walking around town trying to get to know people. It's a quiet, peaceful place, and we have found rest and comfort here at the midpoint of our 11 months abroad. This week I sit down with my teammate Eva from Seattle, who knows the personal meaning of being “Created For More” since she decided to leave her job as a school teacher at the age of 29, and pursue more of God in a life of abandonment and adventure. We talk a little about her story of what brought her to the Race, and give an overview of our few short weeks in South Africa — including an excursion to Cape Town for some mountains and waves. Stick around til the end of this shorter episode for the American segment, where I get on a little soap box about the importance of “preserving the Union” and appreciating the characteristics of the United States that sets us apart from the rest of the world.

The rookie and the veteran... For the first time ever on this podcast, I sit down with a GUY from my squad! And what better guy to discuss the World Race with, than my current squad leader? Alex has already completed the Race once and is now serving as our mentor / spiritual guide for the first half of our trip. We discuss the challenges and unique opportunities of the Race, reentry to the States after 11 months on the field, and more. In addition, Alex is an extension of my recent obsession with the documentary about Bobby Kennedy, so I hit him with some related trivia at the end of the episode.

Better late than never, right? It's our second all squad month on the World Race and we are now living/serving in the African country of Swaziland, or eSwatini (new name). We have all been split up into brand new teams for the next few months and I am now on a team with 3 girls and 3 guys. This is also my first month officially participating in kids ministry — an exhausting but never boring role as a preschool teacher. This episode talks about stories at the school, fun stuff involved with all squad month and tent living, and our random talent show where I showcased American values. As we inch closer to the middle of our Race, I talk about a couple random things I've been struggling with but how God has been reshaping my thoughts and perspective. As per usual, I cap off the episode with a short history lesson, this time on World War II and FDR.

Still in the mountains of Lesotho, I sit down with my friend Paige to talk about the variety of ministry opportunities we've had the past couple weeks, including speaking at a local prison and hospital. We also talk about the struggle to get out of our comfort zones and what it's been like transitioning from Asia to Africa. In addition, we share stories and talk about MLK.

Blessin' the rains and all that jazz ... This week's guest — Me, Myself, and I. After 3 months in Asia our World Race team has arrived in Africa. First stop: Lesotho. The kingdom of Lesotho is a small country landlocked by South Africa with the highest elevation on the continent, featuring snowcapped mountains. Our home for the month is a small town down in a valley, deep in the Drakensburg mountain range. This week I talk about why I wanted to leave Asia so badly and how our time in Africa is starting off. I share a cool story of a random encounter I had with an American missionary in Malaysia that gave me a lot of insight for the future and also discuss why it's so hard for me to defy others' expectations of me and get out of my comfort zone sometimes. And of course, I take a few minutes at the end to give a little “history lesson” that you might enjoy.

Month 3 has already given way to a variety of thoughts, feelings, and struggles. As we round out the Asian leg of the World Race, Stacy and I reflect on the last couple weeks of ministry, community living, and figuring things out before we head to Africa in less than a month. Join us as we talk about missing home and the unexpected dynamic of being an international missionary in a westernized environment. In addition, Stacy shares about her love for all things Asia and K-Pop, and of course, we finish with American history trivia.

Minnesota, Memphis, and Missouri collide as I sit down with two friends who have been there since before the Race began. We discuss recent revelations of personal gifts that have been highlighted in our lives and affirmed by teammates, and how the body of Christ operates. The three of us talk about ministry sites, the “oneness of the Spirit”, and the influence our community has on our walk with Jesus. I also quiz them on American history in a first ever featured segment at the need of the episode!