hello everyone -- we are here in the dominican....got here last night. what do you get when you cross Mariano Rodriguez with the 19th of April?....where I live for the next 4 weeks!!
It is so beautiful here -- and the people are so friendly! I had a moment this morning, when I woke up to a backpack full of a weeks worth of clothes and essential items....and thought: what the heck did I get myself into?
I would appreciate your prayers -- a little bizarre to think that this is my life for the next 11 months. I am thrilled to see what all happens. Sorry I can only write a little -- my internet time is about to be up.
I have 5 days now until I depart.... AHHHHHHHHH!!! I can't believe it on so many levels! I am filled with excitement as I look ahead to what the next 11 months of my life will hold ... and filled with sadness as the goodbyes have begun! I have always been terrible at goodbyes and this time feels like the hardest by far!
I wanted to give you some info : in case any of you want to write me letters while I am gone...or were thinking I might need a good old jar of peanut butter along the way!! :) Here is what AIM has to say...
"Instead of trying to send items, parents, friends, and supporters should send money to the Racer via their personal bank account that their parent or power of attorney should have access to. They can purchase the item in the country they are currently in." This is much more cost effective and practical due to the nature of our mission trip. Any items that go to the AIM facility that are not cards will be donated to local charity and put to good use.If you still decide you want to send a special offering, my parents will be in charge of handling money for purchasing jackets in Eastern Europe or buying occasional "treats" by sending the check or cash to:
Darci Simpson
cc: Butch Simpson
19855 Cypresswood Dale
Spring, TX 77373
Cards and letters from home can be taken to the field most of the time. We understand the value of this to racers on the field and will try our best to get these to the field each time a Coach visits. Cards and letters should be flat and compact. Please mail these to:
Posted in The Route
by Darci Simpson
on 12/12/2008
Hey everyone -- some changes have been made to the 2009 Race Route! Don't get it too set in stone ... it could change on us again, as the Lord leads!!!
Dominican Republic
The Caribbean sits as unexplored territory for the World Race. Teams will be sent to all corners of this beautiful country to focus on building relationships, planting churches, and loving on the orphans and widows of the community. Please be praying for Unity and Gentleness specifically while I'm in the Dominican.
Haiti
Crossing the border from the Dominican Republic to Haiti is like entering another world. Language changes from Spanish to French to Creole, and landscape changes from lush forests to barren wastelands. The island of Hispanola has been divided against itself in decades of animosity between the Haitian and Dominican people. The 2008 hurricanes ravaged across the island, leaving the northern portion of Haiti devastated and in much need of tangible help and spiritual encouragement. We go to help rebuild physically and spiritually, as we explain the hope that Christ brings in the face of such tragedy.
Pray for DR and Haiti: Unity and Gentleness
*Romans 15:5 "May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus."
*Ephesians 4:3 "Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace."
*Philippians 4:5 "Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near."
Thailand
Even though the official law states that prostitution is illegal, it is estimated that nearly 2 million women and men engage in this practice daily, thus creating the lucrative sex industry of Southeast Asia. In addition to reaching out to the rural communities of Thailand, we go to the streets, into the darkest of spiritual environments to share what is most needed: hope. We will be helping women learn practical vocational skills and providing an alternative form of income.
Cambodia
Fifty years ago, Cambodia saw one of the most devastating genocides in history. The Khmer Rouge slaughtered nearly two million people. In 24 hours, cities were emptied and abandoned. The nation has been in constant upheaval until recently. The strength and resiliency of the Cambodian people is inspiring.
Vietnam
The country of Vietnam has been under communist rule for decades, and the oppression has taken its toll through seasons of warfare and rebuilding. The government is adamantly against religious freedom, and as the country suffers in Buddhist bondage, the light of the Christian remnant shines as a candle in the darkness.
Prayer for Asia: Grace and Patience
*Romans 6:14 "For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace."
*Colossians 3:12 "Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience
Mozambique/Malawi
Enter a world of lions, elephants and monkeys, and welcome to Africa. Potentially the most fruitful of mission fields, northern Mozambique and Malawi is seeing sweeping revival in the form of mass conversions, miracles, and churches planted on a daily basis. Teams will be a part of breaking the hold of fear on the people bound by witch doctors and animism.
Swaziland
Swaziland made history by being the first country to reach a 51% HIV/AIDS infection rate across the general population. Through lack of education, superstition and other such deceptions, it is speculated that in 50 years, the country will no longer exist. Though small, Swaziland has great potential to spread the light of Christ to all of Africa.
PIONEER AFRICA
This is crazy "Hey, I'm a World Racer" month. We pretty much go wherever we feel led. He may lead us to a location developing, growing and booming or to a land untouched by the World Race or Christianity as a whole. No expectations.
Africa Prayer:Pray for Protection/Strength *Psalm 46 "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. "Selah" There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts. The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. "Selah" Come and see the works of the Lord, the desolations he has brought on the earth. He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear, he burns the shields with fire. "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress."
Romania
The northern regions of Romania are home to the gypsy people. Strangers in their homeland, they are segregated, ostracized and forgotten. We'll be teaching English, leading sports camps, and planting churches in Romania.
Ukraine
The developing country of the Ukraine stands caught between its past oppression under the U.S.S.R. communist regime and the desire to be accepted into the Western world. The forgotten and marginalized of this area are quick to be found if one looks close enough. Come be a part of a revolution, taking back a region from the bondage of Islam and other folk religions. It's a new day for the countries of Eastern Europe!
PIONEER EASTERN EUROPE
This is crazy "Hey, I'm a World Racer" month. We pretty much go wherever we feel led. He may lead us to a developing area or to lands untouched by the World Race or Christianity. Sorry to those of you who need agendas. That's not really World Race style. :)
Europe: Pray for Perseverance and Joy * James 1:4 "Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." *2 Thessalonians 3:5 "May the Lord direct your hearts into God's love and Christ's perseverance." *Psalms 5:11 "But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you." *Psalms 86:4 "Bring joy to your servant, for to you, O Lord, I lift up my soul."
I just returned from an 8 day trip to Egypt!! My Mom and I went over to see my sister, Ashli, who lives in Cairo and spent Thanksgiving with her.
We had a really really great time! We traveled to Luxor to the Valley of the Kings. There we saw King Tut's tomb and the sound and light show at the Karnak Temple.
King Tut's tomb was probably one of the most amazing things I have ever seen – just amazing that it is over 4,000 years old.
We were able to see the magnificent Pyramids and the Sphynx – which was incredible to see in real life and to be able to touch them as well.
Then, the last few days of our trip we flew to Dahab. We spent an entire day at St. Katherine's Monestery and Mt. Sinai. We climbed up Mt. Sinai and saw the place where Moses (supposedly) received the 10 Commandments from the Lord. It was overwhelming to think that I might be actually standing in the same place where Moses heard from God!! We also saw what they think was the actual burning bush – where God told Moses that he was standing "on holy ground". Lastly, we went snorkeling in the Red Sea – so beautiful!!! You can see Saudi Arabi across the water!
It was such a great week and I am so thankful that I got to spend so much time with my Mom and sister before I leave for the year. Thank you all so much for your support – I hope you know how thankful I am for each of you. I hope that you all had a really great Thanksgiving with your families.
If you would like to see any more pictures and videos from my trip click here:
Just this week - God has been reminding me what Christmas is really all about! Consider buying a gift that will actually make a difference! Think of how neat it would be to tell your family or friends that their gift fed an orphan in Swaziland! I copied this blog from Seth Barnes...
It's Thanksgiving week in a season of diminished expectations. As long as we're re-configuring our priorities, let me make the following recommendation. As you're Christmas shopping, why not buy something that makes a real difference in the world? Check out these three options that take your buying power up from more than just getting a great product. I know the people behind each business and can vouch for their integrity. With each purchase you bring hope to orphans, widows, and women being rescued from the sex trade. You're also impacting their families and their communities! Who knew a t-shirt, scarf, or purse could have that much power?
The proceeds from just one t-shirt is enough to feed an orphan in Swaziland one meal a day for over a month! The Sound of Hope is a music-driven campaign that raises money and awareness for orphans in Swaziland, Kenya, and India. Find out more by finding our fan page and group on Facebook, or add us as a friend on myspace!
Corridor of Hope - click here to buy handmade jewelry and beautiful silk scarves from Thailand and India!
At Corridor Of Hope we are devoted to connecting orphans, poverty stricken communities and YOU. We are the corridor, a passageway to help people who can't help themselves. We help bring them hope by bringing you quality and affordable products from these countries. In turn, Corridor Of Hope will donate these resources back into their communities by supporting orphans, thereby empowering YOU to help in a multifaceted way. We will bring you updates and newsletters regarding the orphans and how your purchase made a difference in their lives.
Timbali Crafts- click here to buy a handmade African purse from Swaziland!
TIMBALI CRAFTS are created by women who work as volunteer cooks at feeding centers for orphans in Swaziland, Africa, where over 40% of the population is HIV positive.
Many of the women have been widowed or abandoned, are single mothers, or grandmothers (called "gogos") raising grandchildren that have been orphaned. Craft sales help provide an income for these hard working women and their families who would otherwise have little or none. This past week was pay day for the gogos in the Nsoko area who sew the purses and table runners. Nelisiwe received her first check and was so excited that she danced a little dance.
Why not make a grandmother dance for joy by buying a purse? All the profits go right back to them. Please help us reach our goal of selling 3,000 purses this Christmas! And even better, consider throwing a tea for your friends to share the vision of how they can, in a simple way, make a big difference. More details here.
Finally, let me encourage you to copy this blog onto your own and spread the word!
Posted in General Posts
by Darci Simpson
on 11/16/2008
Hey everyone!! It has been a really wonderful weekend for me - traveling with my teammate Rachel to Waco! I will write a blog later about our experience at Mike & Patti Paschall's church this morning!! :)
I just wanted to let you all know where I am financially for the trip.
As of right now -- I have in my World Race account: $6,402
With monthly pledges - I am at a little over$11,000
!!!!!!!!!! WOW !!!!!!!!!!
* I still need $7,000 to meet my goal!
THANK YOU SO MUCH to those who have supported me financially and are supporting on a monthly basis. It is truly because of you that I will be able to go!
I love each of you so much and am thankful that you are going with me on this journey. I pray that God would change your lives this year - and that you would know how deeply the Lord desires and loves each of you!!
Posted in SPECTACLE
by Darci Simpson
on 10/28/2008
I stole (almost all of) this from my teammate Di Dinnis' blog -- (she is the creative genius of our team) -- I did add a few of my own words in here:
There are 53 people on my squad who are leaving on January 4 with me. We are the H-Squad. At Training Camp, those 53 people were broken into eight small teams of 6-7. These small teams are who we'll be traveling the world with because our whole squad will only be together a few days a month. We went through numerous team-building exercises and personality tests before AIM announced our teams.
And now, I am please to announce my team, Team Spectacle!
For it seems to me that God has put us apostles on display at the end of the procession, like men condemned to die in the arena. We have been made a spectacle to the whole universe, to angels as well as to men. We are fools for Christ, but you are so wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are strong! You are honored, we are dishonored! To this very hour we go hungry and thirsty, we are in rags, we are brutally treated, we are homeless. We work hard with our own hands. When we are cursed, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it; when we are slandered, we answer kindly. Up to this moment we have become the scum of the earth, the refuse of the world.
Anna is beautiful woman who is not afraid to surrender to God every day of her life. Her spirit is gentle and she's always excited about the new challenges God is bringing into her life. Oh, and coming from California she has a little gangster in her! Watch out!
Darci is our resident dancer and I'm convinced that kids all around the world will be instantly drawn to her. Her love is contagious and if I could describe her in two words they would be "totally fun." Just a blast to be around!
Dave is our team leader and has the heart of a shepherd. Originally from Chicago he is a devoted White Sox fan, who has a passion to know God and make Him known. Dave has an incredible laugh that makes me lose all control -- his voice jumps about 3 octaves when he laughs!
Di Dinnis is amazing!! This girl is filled with so much spunk and charisma -- she is contagious! Di is a go-getter from Maryland and she is passionate about sports! She is also the creative brain on our team - she will be shooting and editing videos for us this year and having her is a huge asset in so many ways! She is so filled with the Lord and I am personally excited about the ways that God will show me more of Himself through this tiny fire-ball!!
Jenn is probably one of the sweetest girls I've ever met in my life. Her laughter is going to be vital on our team next year. She is pure joy and just a blast to be around! She has an identical twin sister -- so I am already obsessed with talking "twin things" with her!
Rachel is the voice of truth on our team. A true fighter, she's not afraid to take on challenges and go before the Lord on her knees. As an interior designer, she's been blessed with a creative eye that will leave our team stylin' next year! Rachel and I met the first day of camp at the airport -- instant connection!! She makes me laugh so hard and I will try to learn as much style as I can from her!
Zach is our token Canadian and strives to become like Christ daily. He is a picture of humility and lives simply. Zack cracks me up -- I am going to love getting to know him more and more this year. He will be a huge asset to our team.
It was destiny from day one when we went to Chili's to "make a memory."
We quickly found out that when Dave and Zack starting laughing together it's uncontrollable. One of the things I love most about this team the most is that we all love to laugh!
Luckily there are some pretty strong girls on the team...
But most of all, our strength comes from the Lord, who gives us grace to love each other.
Posted in Training Camp
by Darci Simpson
on 10/22/2008
Wow -- this has been an unbelievable week. So much has changed in me that there is no room for it all. God has used this week to completely confirm this calling on my life...I am exactly where i am supposed to be. We spent the last two days at Unicoi Park in Gainesville, GA and God has done a lot of cleaning in my heart. We were asked yesterday to surrender everything to God - EVERYTHING and there was a lot of stuff in my heart that I had to lay down. We walked a path for two hours, up a huge hill and then laid down the wood (in which we wrote everything that we needed to surrender) down at the cross. It was a completely freeing experience and I feel really ready for this race now--now that I am free from all the junk in my life.
I want to share with you something that God brought me to yesterday. As I was praying and spending time writing down everything that He has been showing me, I started skimming through my journal. I found this entry:
9/12/2006 "Lord, I want to live a full life - one of adventure and challenges - one where I must constantly be dependant on You to show me my next step! I want to be involved in a ministry that is alive and where I can travel internationally and share your love with the lost people. God, you know my heart and my desires - You know my deep passion for missions..."
God used a prayer from my own lips from 2 years ago -- to remind me of His power and His love for me. I am amazed at the connections I already have for the people I will be spending the next year of my life with -- and even more amazed at the ways in which God has shown Himself this week. He is SO MUCH MORE than I have ever dreamed!! I cannot wait to go on this trip and know God more and fall more and more in love with Him.
Please continue praying for us as God is cleaning us out so that He can fill us up with His Spirit -- so that we can be effective in the nations. I love you all! Cannot wait to share in person all that God has been showing me!!
Posted in The Route
by Darci Simpson
on 10/15/2008
I found this blog on The World Race page. This is a deeper look into the issues that each country faces: Please be in prayer for me during October 17-26 as I will be at 10 days of intense training camp. I will meet my team members and we will be physically, emotionally, and spiritually challeneged to get prepared for the race ahead!
Here's a look at the adventure awaiting the next squad of World Racers that will launch into the field in January 2009.
Dominican Republic
The Caribbean sits as unexplored territory for the World Race. This initial launch will send teams into all corners of this beautiful country to build relationships, plant churches, love orphans and widows and begin to discover all that God has in store for the people of the D.R.
Haiti
Crossing the border from the Dominican Republic to Haiti is like entering another world. Language changes from Spanish to French to Creole, and landscape changes from lush forests to barren wastelands. The island of Hispanola has been divided against itself in decades of animosity between the Haitian and Dominican people. The 2008 hurricanes ravaged across the island, leaving the northern portion of Haiti devastated and in much need of tangible help and spiritual encouragement. We go to help rebuild physically and spiritually, as we explain the hope that Christ brings in the face of such tragedy.
Vietnam
Leaving the Caribbean, the team will cross the Pacific and land in a whole new world. The country of Vietnam has been under communist rule for decades, and the oppression has taken its toll through seasons of warfare and rebuilding. The government is adamantly against religious freedom, and as the country suffers in Buddhist bondage, the light of the Christian remnant shines as a candle in the darkness.
Cambodia
Fifty years ago, Cambodia saw one of the most devastating genocides in history. The Khmer Rouge slaughtered nearly two million people – one-third of the country's population at the time. In 24 hours, cities were emptied, left to be ghost towns. The nation has been in constant upheaval until recently. The strength and resiliency of the Cambodian people is inspiring. Be a part of holding orphans that are born into a new era, meeting felt needs in some of the worst slums in the world and church-planting with an adolescent generation on the verge of religious revolution.
Thailand
Even though the official law states that prostitution is illegal, it is estimated that nearly 2 million women and men engage in this practice daily, thus creating the lucrative sex industry of Southeast Asia. In addition to reaching out to the rural communities of Thailand, we go to the streets, into the darkest of spiritual environments to share what is most needed: hope. By helping women learn practical vocational skills and providing an alternative form of income, the face of Thailand's premiere sex industry is being changed one life at a time.
Mozambique
Enter a world of lions, elephants and monkeys, and welcome to Africa. Potentially the most fruitful of mission fields, northern Mozambique and Malawi is seeing sweeping revival in the form of mass conversions, miracles, and churches planted on a daily basis. Teams will be a part of breaking the hold of fear on the people bound by witch doctors and animism.
Swaziland
Swaziland made history by being the first country to reach a 51% HIV/AIDS infection rate across the general population. Through lack of education, superstition and other such deceptions, it is speculated that in 50 years, the country will no longer exist. Though small, Swaziland has great potential to spread the light of Christ to all of Africa.
Romania
The northern regions of Romania are home to the gypsy people of Romania. Strangers in their homeland, they are segregated, ostracized and forgotten. Yet, they are a strong, proud and vibrant people who are beginning to embrace the light of Christ in a whole new way. Teaching English, leading sports camps, and planting churches are but a few of the tasks set before us as we enter this area of the world.
Bosnia
The breath-taking coastline of Bosnia/Croatia attracts visitors from all over the world; yet, the forgotten and marginalized of this area are quick to be found if one looks close enough. Come be a part of a revolution, taking back a region from the bondage of Islam and other folk religions. It's a new day for the small countries of Eastern Europe!
(This is where Darci's non-creativity comes in)
