http://amymcallister.theworldrace.org Amy McAllister Carpe Christ - The World Race 2008 en-us Fri, 25 Jul 2008 02:48:12 GMT 30 http://amymcallister.theworldrace.org/?filename=confessions-of-a-world-race-emotional-queen http://amymcallister.theworldrace.org/?filename=confessions-of-a-world-race-emotional-queen  Introducing the rambling thoughts of Amy McAllister     1. I am hot and I smell 2.  I might be considered a drama queen because I am so in touch with my emotions 3.  My heart hurts 4.  The pink wall at church makes me happy 5. Did you know I cry alot 6. Community living...not so easy 7. I can always eat a spoonfull of peanut butter 8. I love my team with all my heart and want my team to understand my heart 9. The cows are my alarm clock 10. Mon, 21 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://amymcallister.theworldrace.org/?filename=quick-update http://amymcallister.theworldrace.org/?filename=quick-update Greetings from Mexico!! I am still in Palenque getting ready to leave on Tuesday. From there we will head to Guatemala for debrief...which I have no idea what debrief will look like. Next month 5 Alive will be in Ometepe, Nicaragua working in an orphange. I do know we will have an english speaking contact, which is oober exciting. I cant wait to just hug on all the kids. It is going to be a great month. I had a snazzy blog all written up but the bad multi-tasker here cant talk on skype and edit Sun, 20 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://amymcallister.theworldrace.org/?filename=something-changed http://amymcallister.theworldrace.org/?filename=something-changed Something changed inside of me Broke right open Spilled all out Till I had no doubt that something changed in the deepest part the healing came And I cannot make it And I cannot fake it And I cant afford it But its mine when the walls fall down and the light comes in And I cannot make it And I cannot fake it And I cant afford it But its mine Thank you Lord, Thank you Lord   I love the times when God provides a song that describes exactly ho Sun, 13 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://amymcallister.theworldrace.org/?filename=deep-sleep http://amymcallister.theworldrace.org/?filename=deep-sleep We are still attending services at Pastor Noes church. On Thursday night of last week I was able to sit next to my favorite little boy, Lucio. He is old enough to hug and kiss on me, but young enough that si and no are acceptable responses for everything he says to me. I am so thankful that we have become amigos because it is hard to form connections with such a language barrier. I found his soft spot is that after much back scratching he zonks off. I felt God speaking to my h Sun, 13 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://amymcallister.theworldrace.org/?filename=are-you-curious http://amymcallister.theworldrace.org/?filename=are-you-curious Today has been a day of relaxation, culture, and bonding. We declared today team day. We went out to a local restaurant, which was delicious. Next on to a cafe for a frapuchinno and journaling. Later today we are going to share our testimonys with all us 5 Alive girls and continue bonding. I feel like I still havent let all my walls down with my teammates. I am not sure why. Because I am usually all out from the beginning...but but it has been different here. I know I will open up to be the go Wed, 9 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://amymcallister.theworldrace.org/?filename=terry-the-terantula http://amymcallister.theworldrace.org/?filename=terry-the-terantula Mon, 7 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://amymcallister.theworldrace.org/?filename=el-viaje-a-palenque http://amymcallister.theworldrace.org/?filename=el-viaje-a-palenque Here is a lovely video my teammate Natalie made during our travel days....ENJOY!! Mon, 7 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://amymcallister.theworldrace.org/?filename=simply-love http://amymcallister.theworldrace.org/?filename=simply-love Wrecking. Confessing. Cleansing. Purifing. Uplifting. Filling. Providing. Loving.   All this and more is what is going on in my heart. I feel like my heart is being stretched. If this continues, as I know it will, my heart is going to be more mighty than ever before. It is hard to describe all that is going on, because there is so much. Each day has enough depth in it to fill 3 or 4 days. Life is changing and I only want more.   Ever since I arrived in Mexico God has been fill Fri, 4 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://amymcallister.theworldrace.org/?filename=and-so-it-begins http://amymcallister.theworldrace.org/?filename=and-so-it-begins  Saturday afternoon I boarded a plane into the unknown of what my next year would be like. Well, literally I flew to MIami and met my squad. I landed around 11 pm and next flight was not until 7 am Sunday morning. So we found a darker corner and attempted to sleep for a few hours. That was easier said than done. The nice lady announcing what time it was every 15 minutes kept me quiet awake. The only thing going through my head was, what can I take out of my pack to make it lighter! A 50 pou Tue, 1 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://amymcallister.theworldrace.org/?filename=here-i-go http://amymcallister.theworldrace.org/?filename=here-i-go   So this is it, my last day at home! I leave tomorrow and with a ton of excitement and a little anxiousness strapped on my pack, I am ready. It is hard to believe I could even fit anything else in my packbut those just snuck on in. I have been thinking about what I will do on this trip and what God will do to me and show me. So I wanted to share these with you all. All I have to say ishere we go! I WILL:         Be open, honest, and vulnerable   Fri, 27 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://amymcallister.theworldrace.org/?filename=honor-flight http://amymcallister.theworldrace.org/?filename=honor-flight The Greatest Generation   How do you honor a generation of men and women who bravely took a stand to fight for the freedom of our country?? I am speaking of the men and women of WWII, the greatest generation. They were braver than most and for many that bravery cost them their lives. Well, one small token is the WWII memorial in Washington DC. There is a non-profit organization that is flying veterans to the memorial for a day to see this woderful sight. It is called Honor Flight. M Fri, 20 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://amymcallister.theworldrace.org/?filename=sharin-the-love http://amymcallister.theworldrace.org/?filename=sharin-the-love So I had just gotten back to my parents house in Fort Walton Beach, FL after a weekend in Panama City for a singles retreat with my grp from Atlanta, when I realized I had to go to Walmart to make some copies of pictures. When I got there people were already using the photo machines, so I waited and waited and waited some more. One girl was making 100's of prints. We started talking while they were printing off and she opened up right away. I learned her name was Jennifer and she just got b Mon, 2 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://amymcallister.theworldrace.org/?filename=atlantayou-have-my-heart http://amymcallister.theworldrace.org/?filename=atlantayou-have-my-heart I moved to Atlanta right after I graduated  college in 2004. That is alot of memories that have been made. I have put together a list of 10 of my favorite memories during my time there. There is no way I could list them all, so here are some fun ones that I will always remeber. This list is in no specific order... just random fun. This gives my future teammates a little insight into the silly woman I am. Enjoy...   Top 10 Atlanta Memories   FREEDOM: When I first moved to Atl Mon, 26 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://amymcallister.theworldrace.org/?filename=the-journey-begins-now http://amymcallister.theworldrace.org/?filename=the-journey-begins-now I launch in 40 days, hard to believe! I still feel like I have so much to do to prepare emotionally, physically, and spiritually. That is why I entitled this the journey begins now. I came home to Fort Walton Beach, FL on Sunday night. I will be here until I leave for Miami on June 28th. I had the chat with my folks Sunday night telling them that my time at home is not all about fun and games. I want to join my team in a better place emotionally, physically, and spiritually than I was when I lef Tue, 20 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://amymcallister.theworldrace.org/?filename=world-missions-time-to-open-my-eyes http://amymcallister.theworldrace.org/?filename=world-missions-time-to-open-my-eyes We were asked to share with you why we're going on this world mission's adventure called the World Race. I'm going around the world in 11 months, because God opened my eyes. If you would have asked me even just a year ago if I ever thought I would do something like the World Race, my answer probably would have been nothat seems crazy! Well call me crazy because here I go. I always wanted to do mission work but I wasn't sure what I wanted to do or where I wanted to go. So, I searched and prayed Tue, 29 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://amymcallister.theworldrace.org/?filename=meet-my-family http://amymcallister.theworldrace.org/?filename=meet-my-family Who would have thought that 4 ladies who are basically strangers have already become family to me? Not me! But that is what happened when my World Race team was formed. We are team 5 Alive!          Ali Page (leader)     Melanie Barber                Natalie Montgomery      Sara Ellis After we were told our team assignments at training camp Mon, 28 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://amymcallister.theworldrace.org/?filename=god-provides http://amymcallister.theworldrace.org/?filename=god-provides Saturday night was an AMAZING night. We had a silent and live auction and ethnic food from China, India, Latin America, and Africa. It was full of surprises and excitement. Not only did my friends in Atlanta pour their love onto me but God showed up in a BIG way! The hardest part about planning for this event was having no idea how many people would actually show up. We estimated anywhere from 30-100. I was so excited that my singles group from church was there to support me because they have Mon, 28 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://amymcallister.theworldrace.org/?filename=radical-adventure-a-life-of-chaos http://amymcallister.theworldrace.org/?filename=radical-adventure-a-life-of-chaos Last summer I went on a mission trip called CHAOS. I think God had been preparing me for this trip for awhile. My walk with Christ was at a good place, but did I trust God with my life, with everything? This trip taught me how to do just that. To describe the trip in a few words it is a Holy Spirit led trip. We pray over the direction we go and then get in the Suv and drive, no plans, only $30 per person, and rely fully on God for the rest. This trip seemed exciting and adventurous because Mon, 28 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://amymcallister.theworldrace.org/?filename=april-26th-is-the-night http://amymcallister.theworldrace.org/?filename=april-26th-is-the-night The Where In The World Is Amy McAllister Fundraiser This Saturday, April 26th, I am having a fundraiser at my church to raise support for The World Race. There will be a live and silent auction, ethnic food, and fun people! Cover charge is $10. Even if you don't live in Atlanta, but are interested in some of the items, let me know and we can get you in on a phone auction. Below are a few of the HOT items that will be auctioned off -Week stay at a condo ON the beach in FWB, FL -Weekend at cabi Wed, 23 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://amymcallister.theworldrace.org/?filename=silencefreedom http://amymcallister.theworldrace.org/?filename=silencefreedom If you know meyou know I can be loud. I am a verbal processor and test right on the line of extravert/introvert. Well, at training camp I definitely leaned towards the introvert side. I didn't even realize it but God was preparing my heart even before I left for camp. For a month or so before camp started I was at a weird spot emotionally. I was feeling like I didn't fit in Atlanta anymore and questioning who I was. I felt like I had become awkward and wasn't sure why. Was I having a personal Thu, 17 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://amymcallister.theworldrace.org/?filename=world-race-promo-video http://amymcallister.theworldrace.org/?filename=world-race-promo-video Thu, 10 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://amymcallister.theworldrace.org/?filename=just-the-beginning http://amymcallister.theworldrace.org/?filename=just-the-beginning I have been at training camp since Friday night. I feel like I have been in a whirlwind of emotion since it started. Actually, I should say before I even set foot on campus. I had a lot of fear that I didn't want to admit to before camp began. I was afraid of what camp would be like, could I handle, it, what would God begin to break in me, and would I get along with my teammates. The answers: intense, yes, lots, and yes. I have so many thoughts right now that I am still processing, so be Tue, 8 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://amymcallister.theworldrace.org/?filename=i-saw-god-today http://amymcallister.theworldrace.org/?filename=i-saw-god-today Anyone who knows me knows I love country music. I don't know what it is, maybe just the simple and honest lyrics. Yeah, I could do without all the honky tonk be donkey donking, but I still love it. God speaks to me through music. Anything from the Gilmore Girl opening song, Need To Breathe lyrics, hymns, and yes, country music. I have heard the song I Saw God Today' by George Strait about 3 times today so far and I started to think about how I have seen God today. Here are a few of the beauties Tue, 1 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://amymcallister.theworldrace.org/?filename=are-you-hungry http://amymcallister.theworldrace.org/?filename=are-you-hungry Do you live ANYWHERE near Atlanta? Do you like to eat? Do you want to support a future World Racer?     YES you say then come on down!! Sunday, March 30th   from 11:30 am - 3:00 pm, Fuddruckers is donating 20% of proceeds (from people there to support me) towards my mission fund. If you are interested in coming just post a comment saying you are interested and I will send you a flyer that is required to be presented at checkout.   Fuddruckers: 240 Perimeter Cente Thu, 20 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://amymcallister.theworldrace.org/?filename=where-in-the-world-will-amy-be http://amymcallister.theworldrace.org/?filename=where-in-the-world-will-amy-be   We just found out our tentative race route. Please pray for each country we will be going to and the ministry we will be involved in. I know God has big plans for us!   July - Central America - Mexico (Palenque) August - Central America - Guatemala/Nicaragua September - South East Asia - Thailand October - South East Asia - Cambodia November - South East Asia - Vietnam December - Southern Africa - South Africa January - Southern Africa - Swaziland/Mozambique February - Sou Wed, 12 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://amymcallister.theworldrace.org/?filename=pancakes-prayer-and-praise http://amymcallister.theworldrace.org/?filename=pancakes-prayer-and-praise Last week I felt Satan attacking my thoughts. The scary part is I believed the lies he was telling me. I was beginning to believe that funds would not come in for my support and that people were not going to support this mission because it is not associated with the Church of Christ. I hate liesand that's exactly what those thoughts are.   So I took Friday off of work to spend some much needed time with God. I woke up and started the day how I should every day, on my knees. The Lord whisp Wed, 27 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://amymcallister.theworldrace.org/?filename=would-you-consider http://amymcallister.theworldrace.org/?filename=would-you-consider Dear Family and Friends,   I have exciting news about what God has been doing in my life!  As many of you know I have a heart that is always searching for where God is leading me and to become the woman God desires me to be. I have been on this journey my entire life and I pray it never ends. God has led me to the next part of my journey which will be an 11-month mission trip called The World Race.   The World Race is through an organization called Adventures in Missions. The Tue, 19 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://amymcallister.theworldrace.org/?filename=hey-world http://amymcallister.theworldrace.org/?filename=hey-world   Tonight I have been reading The Heavenly Man, by Brother Yun. It is a powerful testimony of his life and hardships he has endured by following Christ. He is called the heavenly man' because when soldiers were trying to arrest him he shouted loudly, I am a heavenly man! I live in Gospel Village! People call me Morning Star!  My father's name is Abundant Blessing! My mother's name is Faith, Hope, Love!" He shouted these words to warn the people he was with to flee from capture. Even w Tue, 12 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://amymcallister.theworldrace.org/?filename=what-shall-we-do http://amymcallister.theworldrace.org/?filename=what-shall-we-do The Word on my heart right now is boldness. Why does that word scare us into un-action sometimes? I recently tried to share my love with a friend that was going through a hard time. The two key words are MY LOVE'. Trust me, if someone is having a hard time your love is great, but what is truly needed is God's love. Our love could be false, empty, or unauthentic. But God's love- that is everlasting. It is the only love that will bring us up from hard times. A person can always let you down; but e Fri, 11 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT