Hey y’all, It’s time to talk about where exactly I will be going in the next year! I will be traveling to a new country each month from January-the end of November. So that’s 11 countries that I’ll be visiting next year. (wow right?!) When I was first praying about The World Race as an option for this next season, this specific route was one of the main reasons I felt called to pursue it so I’m going to go in order and share a bit about my heart for each country and what I’m excited about most!
Nicaragua– I spent a few days in Granada, Nicaragua back in 2017 and completely fell in love with the country. When I left, I knew that I would be back one day and I am so grateful that I get to return so soon! The country and its people are beyond beautiful and though there is a lot of political unrest going on in the country right now I am nothing but excited to go and be able to see God move. I’m most excited about speaking to others in Spanish and maybe getting a chance to return to Lake Nicaragua, the only land-locked lake that has sharks. Yeah you heard me right, there are hundreds of bull sharks that swim in those waters (don‘t worry I won’t go swimming).
Costa Rica– This country was a second home to me in 2017. I lived with a host family in Heredia, Costa Rica, which is about 30 minutes from the capital of San Jose. I attended La Universidad Latina de Heredia for a semester in a Spanish-immersion program meant to help me learn Spanish. I travelled all over the country and lived the “Pura Vida” life for 4 months. I have a huge heart for this country and I cannot wait to return. I’m most excited about visiting my host family and my friends who still live there.
Chile– I’m most excited about seing the beauty of the Andes Mountain range and learning their beautiful accent while I practice my Spanish with the locals.
Argentina– This country has been on my heart for a couple years. I will be hopefully working with YWAM, a missions organization that has bases all over the world (I worked with them in at their Tijuana, Mexico base this past March). I’m most excited about trying Mate (a traditional Argentinian drink), visiting Buenos Aires and working with youths in the country.
Brazil– This is another country that has been on my heart for a couple years. Poverty is a huge issue in Brazil, the 5th largest country in the world, and I hope to be able to work with that community while I’m there. I have been learning Portuguese this past year and I’m most excited about being able to talk to the locals and practice!
Portugal– And up to Europe we go! I’m so excited to visit a whole new continent, do the famous Camino and practice my Portuguese some more!
Spain– “Pan y Vino” y’all. I took a Spanish Literary class my senior year where I learned all about the history and beauty of Spain. I can‘t wait to practice my “Ethpañol” (gotta love that Spanish lisp) and see the beautiful country that I’ve been learning about for years! (Maybe I’ll even learn some Catalan!)
Romania– Moving to Eastern Europe, Romania is another country that’s been on my heart. I can’t wait to meet and talk to the people! I have a feeling that simple conversation is going to be an amazing tool that the Lord is going to use here.
Serbia– Recovering from communist rule, serbia is a country I’ve heard so many stories about. God moves so deeply in persecuted countries and I’m most excited about getting to hear peoples stories and hopefully write about some huge things God has done! Oh and also I’ll be turning 25 years old here! (So weird!)
Albania– Also recovering from communist rule, I will be working most prominently with Muslims. I can‘t wait to sit down and eat a lot of meals with people in the community! I’ve heard that everybody here is so nice and welcoming and I’m dreaming about many invitations to meals.
Turkey– Yet another country that has been on my heart the last couple years, I am so excited to finally go! I’m most excited to eat some Turkish food (it‘s so good y’all) and work with Syrian refugees.
And there we go! That‘s all 11 countries! Please be praying for me, my team and these specific countries as I prepare to be sent.
Thank you for reading and following along in my journey! -Hannah
