I have only 17 days until I go back to the United States for the first time in what will have been 263 days away. As the Race ends, there have been moments of laughter and reminiscing over old photos and videos. I can’t convey the past nine months as a whole, but I do want to invite you into some of my favorite memories that were captured by the camera…
Mitad del Mundo, Ecuador // September, 2018
This was me at the equator during the first week of the Race. I’ve walked to a lot of of places in these shoes, but I never knew they would take me to another side of the world and a new side of life.
Terminal Terrestre Carcelén, Quito, Ecuador // September 2018 by ben chung
“Baby Phil” as he is known by my squadmates – Embarking on a new journey and adventure.
Dunamis Foundation, Nono, Ecuador // October 2018
Diego, our ministry partner and friend, watching the clouds flying in the distance with his beautiful, blue-eyed Princesa.
Dunamis Foundation, Nono, Ecuador // October 2018 by kori moon
This was after month one debrief when myself, Kate my squad mentor, and Kori my logistics partner, built a fort and lived in it all day. We watched Disney movies, listened to music, and napped within the walls of the questionably stable castle of mattresses.
Baños, Ecuador // October 2018 by aly badinger
The deep and wide rivers of South America encompassed in mountains. We climbed on that bridge and had fun adventuring like I would have as a younger boy exploring the jungles in my imagination… Except this time it was real!
Santa Cruz Backpackers Hostel, Baños, Ecuador // October 2018
It is exhilarating to live in a childhood fantasy, but it is also fun to laugh with your brothers before going and eating boujee dinner all dressed up.
Dunamis Foundation, Nono, Ecuador // November 2018 by caleb stiefel
At the end of Ecuador I was having a lot of the same feelings that I am having now. It was the end of a season with a lot of unknown ahead. Ecuador was the only World Race that I knew. Now the World Race is the only life I know, but I know that the journey will continue into new, exciting chapters.
Machu Picchu, Peru // December 2018 by stephen carver
As I was being made into a new creation, I got to behold the beauty in the ever ancient mountains of the Sacred Valley. also
Blue Castle Ministries, Cusco, Peru // November 2018 by carter blackwell
I’ll never forget the sheer wonder of walking to new places with my brothers and walking there together. Physically. Spiritually. Side by side.
Machu Picchu, Peru // December 2018 by caleb stiefel
My face looks like I just smelled a fart. It was probably that French backpacker…
Volcán Acatenango, Guatemala // February 2019 by carter blackwell
While I wasn’t here to witness it in person, I think this photo shows the gorgeousness of Guatemala and also its ferocity. FUEGO!!!
Grace English School, Chimaltenango, Guatemala // February 2019 by aidyn carnes
This is the school that one of my sister teams taught at in Guate and it is probably the prettiest school ever. I got to go with them one day. I helped Erin teach her class. Afterwards, their ministry host treated us all to cake and ice cream. Thanks, Logan!
Aventuras en Misiones, Parramos, Guatemala // January 2019 by carter blackwell
Home. Room 8. One of the safest places I have ever had the pleasure of inhabiting. I was the first and last guy from our team to poop here and that helped build the foundations of home in my mind. I can still hear the echoes of music, laughter, and Jacob’s lip-smackin’ that emanated from within.
Cajahualten, Guatemala // February 2019
Soccer days and Korean baes. Coca-Cola needs to sponsor Benjamin. We drank too many bottled Cokes to not be.
Aventuras en Misiones, Parramos, Guatemala // February 2019
Valentine’s Day. Probably my favorite holiday on the Race. Not to brag, but… we killed it, boys. We transformed the base into a banquet, made invitations, wrote notes, and dressed up. Then, we escorted the girls to dinner, served a delectable three course meal, and danced the night away like a bunch of middle-schoolers. (peep the boots haha)
Aventuras en Misiones, Parramos, Guatemala // January 2019 by julia yoder
It’s these small, simple moments that I will miss most about the Race. Me wearing my slippers and drinking my tea, Julia catching that candid photo for one of her nostalgic albums, and Kori trying her hardest to be mysterious..
Inglesia de San Francisco El Grande, Antigua, Guatemala // March 2019 by Heidi Wilson
It was fun to show my parents around my city and explore new places too. It was time to say “See you later” to a lot of people. People in Guatemala, my parents, and some squadmates. It was also a time to reflect on the abundant life we get to live when we walk with our abundantly giving Father. “…and the joy we share as we tarry there, none other has ever known…”
Battambang, Cambodia // April 2019 by kori moon
A friend and colleague of mine: Mrs. Zebu. They graze in the field right outside our house. Much like the people of this nation, she was so, so powerful yet so meek. Admirable traits indeed.
Battambang Provincial Hall, Battambang, Cambodia // May 2019 by joshua petterle
Never did I ever expect to be amigos with Buddhist monks, but here we are. Tola, the monk on the left, is one of the kindest and most generous people I have ever met. On this morning, he took us to breakfast (paid for it all), took us to the Provincial Palace (wherever we wanted to go cause man’s has power), and came back to the house with us (paid for that too.) I’m going to miss them.
Battambang, Cambodia // March 2019
Quiet days are hard to find in the city. However, when you find a silent balcony, you sit. Soak it in. Watch the clouds in a sky that will never be the same.
Battambang, Cambodia // April 2019
After watching this sunrise one morning I realized something that I had never realized before. Somewhere in the world, the sun is rising. And on the other side of the same world, the same sun is setting. So while new seasons are ending, new ones begin. And they are all breathtaking. And it’s those breathtaking moments that make every other breath worth it.
Great story pictures. Thanks Philip.