Jessi Marquez - The greatest thing you'll ever learn, is just to love, and be loved in return

Advent

Wed, 15 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

I recently wrote a blog on transitions and the holiday season.
Please check it out HERE

Back in New York!!

Tue, 14 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Welcome home NY Cheesecake from my friends :)

I am finally back in New York. It really has been an adventure. I have written a few blogs...please check them out here:

Back in New York City

First Weekend in NYC

The current song of my soul

Freely you receive, freely give

I also still have $2,000 left to raise by December 22nd.
If you feel led, please click DONATE HERE on the left side.
all donations are tax deductible!

My computer was hacked into!

Mon, 6 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

If you received an email about me being robbed in the UK...it isn't true.
My email was hacked into...

read more here

whats been going on POST RACE

Fri, 3 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

So I have written two Blogs since the world race has ended.
Check them out here:

CHOW, BONJOUR, and Ello Mate

AND

I want to make a deal with you

So Click on them, read em...and thanks for your continued support!

It's so hard to say good-bye

Fri, 19 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Team Se7en (minus Trevor/+ Auston)

Today is the last day on the World Race

To be honest...It doesn't feel like this is over. We have spent the last week saying our good-byes, laughing over memories, and watching slideshows. Last night we had our final banquet and tonight we will have our final ceremony.
I can't even begin to tell you how much this year has changed my life. I know that the friends I have made this year will be for a lifetime. However, I am excited for the next season of my life. For the next 3 weeks I will be doing ministry throughout Europe, and then returning to my home- New York!
I am excited to share the love God has shown me this year with the people at home. Many exciting doors have been opening in NYC and I am thrilled to continue to share with you this journey called Life.

For all future updates, please visit: www.Jessimarquez.com

Thank you so much for all your financial support, prayers and encouragement!

Surrender what's natural

Sat, 6 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

This story is not profound.
However, I recently went through an experience that was pretty un-natural for me. Who knows if this will impact you or not, either way...this is what ordinary experiences look like in un-ordinary circumstances.
Ok, ok....soooo as most of you know...this journey concludes on November 20th. Last month I was in charge of "Next steps Committee" which meant that I would prepare ideas to mobilize my team and prepare them for home and stepping into their passions, calling, etc.
As members of my team sent their resumes out to prospective jobs, I began to think about my passions, calling, etc. All I knew was that I wanted to love God, and love people. As I shared in the past, I am passionate about the people and future of New York City. I also have a huge heart for Australia and the movement God is doing there. I have dreams of starting a clothing line, a restaurant, and a women's ministry, as well as write a book on the side. (I am a dreamer, what can I say?)

So, I sat in the living room and pondered where to start. I then got an email about a job opening for Sunglass hut. My natural instinct was - AWESOME!
Here is a bit about the job:
>Description: Blog about fashion and events around NYC and the world

$100,000 compensation*
A fully-furnished apartment in Manhattan
$1,000/month styling allowance
VIP passes to fashion shows in NYC, Milan, Paris and more
The time of your life
Relocation Allowance " A one-time payment by check of $5,000.
Equipment access - will have the use of SH owned equipment to include a computer, PDA, a digital video and/or still camera.
Travel expenses - Expenses for travel approved by the SH to include airfare, hotel, ground transportation, meals and entertainment which will be paid by the SH
Miscellaneous expenses " Mobile phone and various wireless accounts associated with performance will be paid by the SH

I thought this was perfect! I could have a rent free apartment in the city while making a salary, and on my free time I could volunteer at Hillsong and save my money to open a restaurant in 2012. This job would also enable me to continue to travel and meet people all around the world, while sharing Gods love.

As I began filling out my application, I heard a faint whisper ..."Stop."
I spent the afternoon praying about this job opportunity. It seemed perfect. However, I believed God didn't want me to apply for this job. Nothing is inherently wrong with this job, its just not where I am supposed to be. Then I started looking for other job opportunities online. Again, I heard "Stop."

I spent more time in prayer and talking with Jessica about what I was processing. This was so hard for me because I am naturally a planner and I want to be responsible for my arrival in New York with a job lined up.
However, I believe God is calling me to surrender. Surrender what feels natural once again. To let go of control, once again. To trust His perfect plans and timing for my life.
I know this isn't profound, and many of you may be very use to a lifestyle that requires complete surrender. However, this taught me how much God will lead those who are willing to yield. So here I am Lord...willing to go, and love...

Remembering the individual

Sat, 6 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Remembering the individual

For the last three years I have had one project on my to-do list. To organize my 70,000+ contacts into a database and to sort through 8,123 emails. I have been spending an hour or so each night working on this project.
As I type in the names of people I have met through the years, it really got me thinking. How often do we forget the individual? I think this is a thing many of us struggle with. We often have to be reminded of faces from high school and remember to email back the sweet person that commented on a blog.
On the World Race, we literally are meeting hundreds of people...and sometimes it is hard to remember the individuals. In Africa, one of the major concerns many people had was to not be forgotten by us once we returned to America.
This was a promise not many of us could keep.
I then started thinking about what LOVE looks like.

If we are to act as love, what does that mean? I still am figuring it out, but one thing I am learning is that people want to be loved, known, and remembered.
I mean, the God who created the universe not only loves us, but knows us. He even numbers the hairs on our head (Matthew 10:30). I can't tell you that I will know how many hairs are on your head...but I can tell you, that I will look at you as an individual.
I think sometimes we have to remind ourselves that every person we pass has a story. That the person that cuts you off while driving, may have a wife in the hospital. That the homeless man living near the 14th street subway has two children that live in California. That the child asking to be played with on the playground will end the sex trade industry.

Below are pictures of some individuals I have met this year, this is what LOVE looks like:

14 days left on The World Race.

Sat, 6 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

There are officially 14 days left on The World Race.

Its a bittersweet time as our team reflects on the past 11 months of our lives. Part of us is excited to be able to take a warm shower, wear different clothes, use a cell phone, and see our family and friends. The other half of us knows that this family we have grown accustomed to will never quite be the same. We have experienced real highs and lows with each other and now its time to start a new season of our lives. We have helped wash each others hair out of a bucket, smelled one anothers bodies to see if a shower was necessary, and been there to talk for hours when processing some of the very hard things we have had to see this year

I wanted to take this time to thank you for joining me in this journey. Although you may have not had the chance to wash lice out of the hair of children in the Philippines, or play freeze dance with AIDS Orphans in Uganda...you are as much part of this change as I am. Without your prayers and encouragement (especially after the robbery in Tanzania when I just wanted to throw in the towel and head back to America) and your financial support...this wouldn't have been possible.

Last year, when I signed up...we were told that we would have to support raise thousands of dollars. This thought made me sick to my stomach. I hated asking people for money because I have always seen myself as a fairly independent and responsible person. I ran as many fundraising events as possible and earned much of the money through working. However, I had to humble myself and ask. I had to give you an opportunity to join me in what I was going to do, And you did!

I have spoken with strangers from all around the world whom have read my blogs and supported me, as well as many of my family and friends.
So with 14 days left, I need to humble myself once again and step out in faith. I still have aprox. $2,000 left to raise by November 15th. If you feel led, any financial contribution (even $5) will help me reach my goal. Thank you so much and I can't wait to see you all in December and share with you how your contributions changed many faces around the world.

This is a short blog

Sat, 30 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

So, I think often times blog readers don't know what it feels like to BE on the world race. I decided to write a quick blurb on whats going on right now.
no pictures
no fancy words

JUST TRUTH

I'm really sad right now to be honest. My heart is feeling kinda achy. Im sitting in the room after packing while 1/2 my team sleeps and the other 1/2 messes around on facebook. Our van comes any minute to sweep us away to Moldova. I'm really sad to leave. I have loved ministry this month, and really really loved the kids. I am sad that it might be a long time till I can run into house 10 and give everyone a hug and sing lady gaga. It might be a long time till Tony can mess with my hair...or Florin (Superman) tells me he loves me. It could be a few years till Andre (Tarzan) asks me to watch him play Soccer with the big kids and how I prove to him I am really Tarzan because I can walk on my knuckles better than him.

Gosh God...I know when I signed up for this that you would mess up my world...but gosh...spending a month with these kids that love SO freely after years of physical abuse and neglect. Tears up your heart and makes packing even less fun than it usually is.

I'm sorry I can't function- I am on sleeping pills

Fri, 29 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

I wanted to start off my blog with a big "Welcome!"

I want to share my story with you, and invite you into a glimpse of my world. When I was born my mother was a single parent and unable to support me. She looked to family for help, and was rejected. So she tried to raise me, but was unable to earn enough money to feed me. She decided to send me to a state institutional orphanage. At this orphanage there were literally hundreds of babies and children. The workers were few, and so often times I would sit in a soiled diaper for hours on end. I would cry in pain from the rashes and infections of not being properly cared for. To silence my cries, the workers would inject me with sleeping medication. My cries did cease, however, my body started to stop functioning. My body was not developing properly as an infant, and my brain was not getting what it needed to grow. At the age of five I became handicapped and mute. My mother came back to claim me and take care of me. However, the doctor told her that I would remain in this condition and never be healthy again. This burdened her heart because she wanted her child back, but would not be able to take care of a now handicapped child.

A few weeks later, an organization decided to claim me as their own. The brought me to a home where I would have a mother and father for life. I would have 15 brothers and sisters and people that told me they loved me. After some time, proper nourishment, and the overflow of Gods love being poured into my life...I was healed. My body began re-developing and my brain started functioning properly. I currently run a kitchen in a hotel and on my off time I get to visit and serve the elderly. I have more energy than most people you would ever meet, and Gods light shines out of me.

I'm sure by now you realize that this isn't my story. However, this is a story of one of the workers named Kosmine. who was taken in by Caminul Felix. I decided to share this story as my own to show you that these aren't just stories but PEOPLE. If you heard of this happening to your friend, well it would shake your heart a bit. These people, these stories...these are our friends. These are the people that we have been blessed to see every morning this month. These testimonies, well, they are the reason we are here. It is these stories, these people, that make the trials of the world race worth it.
(Kosmines Family at Caminul Felix)

Thank you for joining me this year in your financial support and prayers. Without your support, I would be unable to spend time loving children that have stories just like Kosmine.

Make new clothes, and sell the old!

Wed, 27 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Make new clothes
and sell the old
one is silver and the others gold....

or something like that.

Anyway - I just wanted to notify you that I am selling a bunch of my clothes at home to continue to raise support for ministry. I have been currently cutting up used tee-shirts and sweatshirts for my attire as I finish up the world race...and decided to cut into my closet that is awaiting my return in New York.
As I remember what hangs in my closet- I will post onto the shopping site. So please check frequently for updates!

CHECK OUT THE SHOPPING SITE HERE!!

Free Guitar!!

Mon, 18 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

My team always makes fun of me because I am a verbal processor. I typically am always willing to share with the members of my team what I am learning and things God is doing. Today I decided to share with all of you.

I don't know why, but I am always so surprised when God answers silly prayers. When He answers them, i'll often go on and on about how amazed and thankful I am. Today God answered a prayer and I wanted to tell you all about it!

A few months ago, God had really put it on my heart to learn the guitar. Being a poetry major, I love words and expressing them- but am not musically inclined. My team mate Trevor had a guitar, so I would borrow his and just try to teach myself. This is a tough process...and still very much in the works.

Two weeks ago I was kinda able to play my first song! I taught myself the chords to "Tear down the walls" by Hillsong United. I then showed off to my team, and they all gushed because it actually sounded sorta like a song and not just noise. I then prayed and asked God for a guitar. I knew that when I got home I would want to practice more, and write music. However, I have no job and no money.

I got an email yesterday that said I had received "Thank you" points from Citibank. I had exactly enough points to get a $100 gift card to Best Buy.

I then went onto Best Buy and they were having guitar sales. I was able to get the guitar I wanted for exactly $100!

CHECK OUT MY FREE GUITAR!!! THANKS GOD!

You were born for such a time as this

Fri, 15 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Wake up child
its your time to shine
you were born
for such a time as this...
Jake Hamilton- The Anthem

I shared with many of you how I believed God was leading me to Europe for a brief period. Please read the blog here.

I prayed and brought my doubts to God and opened my Bible to 2 Corinthians 9:7 -
⁷ You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And dont give reluctantly or in response to pressure. For God loves a person who gives cheerfully. ⁸ And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. ⁹ As the Scriptures say,

They share freely and give generously to the poor.
Their good deeds will be remembered forever.

¹⁰ For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you.

¹¹ Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God. ¹² So two good things will result from this ministry of giving "the needs of the believers in Jerusalem will be met, and they will joyfully express their thanks to God.

¹³ As a result of your ministry, they will give glory to God. For your generosity to them and to all believers will prove that you are obedient to the Good News of Christ. ¹⁴ And they will pray for you with deep affection because of the overflowing grace God has given to you.

After praying with several members of my squad, many doors have opened. I would like to share with you what I will be doing for the 3 weeks following The World Race!

November 20th-Concludes the end of the world race. After hugs and tears, I will say "see you later" to my amazing squad. They will head to New York City, and then to their various homes around the country.

Week One-

A few weeks ago, my teammate Jessica had a vision of me carrying a messenger bag. Inside the bag were envelopes with prophesies. I handed these out and prayed for people that God led me to. After bringing this to God, I believe this will be an important tool in my ministry after the race. I am calling this mbm (messenger bag ministry). I will be doing mbm daily, while working on the book I am writing.
Doors have opened in both

PARIS AND PRAGUE

...still praying about which one.

Week Two- L'Abri in the United Kingdom.

I feel led to start a few businesses as well as a womans ministry after the race. My friend Jen from North Shore Community Church emailed me about L'Abri. L'Abri is a place where students can be mentored with Christian professors and discuss with others real questions pertaining to God and purpose.

Week Three- GLOW UNITED KINGDOM

As soon as I posted my first blog, I was contacted by Larry. Larry runs GLOW (Gods light on Worcester.) He invited me to do ministry with him and his family. He also offered to provide my housing and meals during my time there (HUGE BLESSING!) At Glow...I will be helping them church plant in Birmingham. They are currently building a church for 20-30 somethings in the club scene.

DECEMBER 8TH-

I will be returning back to New York City via Iceland Air. I was able to purchase my plane ticket home last week! Thank you so much for your prayers and financial support!

After December 8th...well, you're going to have to stay in touch to find out!
hint...

"He wants to send out a group of radical laid down Lovers.
First send you across the nations of this world.
He then wants to send you into the dark, hidden places of the United States. God wants to send you with KEYS in your hands. He wants to send you KNOWING who you are. He wants to send you FILLED with His POWER and PURPOSE.
STEP IN WITH THE KINGDOM OF LIGHT"- Heidi Baker

200 Sons and Daughters

Fri, 15 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

This month we are working at Caminul Felix in Oradea, Romania. Caminul Felix is an orphanage with 200 children. For 4 years I have wanted to volunteer at an orphanage in Romania. This is such an amazing experience being here!

Caminul Felix has been around since 1990, and has developed "villages" all around the world. The concept is this...they build houses and have a mom and dad in each house. Then each house houses 8-13 abandoned children. I love this concept because the children feel like they have a home, and they do. They have a bed to call their own, and when they get older, they have a family to visit on the holidays.

We have only been here one week, and its already been so great! In the mornings, we do construction on future homes in the village. In the afternoons, we are divided and spend 2-3 hours with our families. I can't believe I have only been here for a week. When I walk into the house, the kids greet me with HUGE hugs. We dance around, play vollyball, laugh, and talk about life. I have been able to share with them the love that God has for them. My main mission this month is to show these kids that they are not orphans. THEY BELONG to a much larger family. They are HIS Sons and Daughters. This is going to be a really hard month to leave!

P.s. I stepped on a 6 inch nail during construction...please keep me in your prayers!

Welcome to community

Wed, 13 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

This is a rare glimpse of what living with the same people 24/7 for 10 months looks like...

A natural beauty treatment

Wed, 13 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Beauty from the inside out

Taryn Mast- A world race Alumni once said:

"I think women should look at the race like an 11-month beauty treatment...just like what Esther went through. Yeah it looks different, but I believe it really is the most amazing true beauty treatment! Just a thought...."

Beauty
by definition is:
a combination of qualities, such as shape, color, or form, that pleases the aesthetic senses, esp. the sight.

I started thinking a lot about beauty. What makes someone beautiful. Back at home, my friends and I would spend thousands of dollars on cosmetics, clothing, hair treatments. The beauty and fashion industries are two of the leading businesses in the world.
I think the world over emphasizes physical beauty, while Christians focus primarily on inner beauty and that alone. Is there a balance?

After this year, this is what I learned, and what I think. You are free to disagree, this is just my opinion. I truly believe that when we take a deep hard look at God and His character it would be impossible to not see beauty (take a look at sunsets). I think this is a major reason why many women are desperate to feel beautiful. If we are to be made in the image of God, then we should be reflecting beauty. I think by reflecting beauty... it is both an inward and outward expression.

That being said, I honestly believe that as you delight in the presence of God, the way you look physically actually changes to match your heart. The world race is a once in a lifetime opportunity to strip away every comfort and thing outside of your heart that defines you as beautiful.
You smell. You are dirty. You wear the same clothes all the time. Your hair falls out. Your make-up melts. Your face breaks out. You gain weight. You lose weight. You gain weight again.
However- you have so many opportunities to sit in the presence of God. To delight in Him and His creation. To love His children. To feed his sons and daughters. To read His word personally and let it mold you. To experience brokenness when you literally can't stand being on the race for one more minute, and then to allow HIM to build you back up.

I can honestly say, I have seen members of my sqaud become more beautiful before my own eyes. As they let go of pain, hurt and bitterness and rested in the overflow of His love...their physical appearance changed. At the awakening I looked around at the girls on my squad and started to tear up. These were some of the most beautiful and strong women I have ever seen.

Before Esther could enter the Kings throne, she had to undergo a 12 month beauty treatment. My squad is in month 10 of ours. When will you start yours?

Auston Copeland

Tue, 12 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

So...I typically don't write a blog about people on the squad. Actually, I never do. However, I have been so impressed by one of the members of my squad that I felt compelled to do so.

Auston Copeland

I don't really even know how to begin a blog like this, so I guess I will just be blunt. Auston is amazing, and such a great representation of what it means to be a Man of God. After Trevor had to go home due to Malaria, Auston volunteered to join our team for a month. He felt God leading him to be on our team to be with Tyler. So this month, Team Se7en has had the honor of having Auston with us.
Since training camp I have been friends with Auston. We have enjoyed some fun times, as well as some deep discussions. However, it is a much different dynamic seeing people on the squad during debriefs, and having them on your actual team.
He has been with us the last week, and there have been some things he has done that I want to share with you. They are not extraordinary things, but they just are great representations of what you begin to look like when you live like Christ.

1. After the robbery, most of my team had their bags stolen. I did not. So for the remainder of the race, I gave my pack to Jessica. Trevor gave me his giant duffle bag, and I have been lugging this thing around since July. Typically on a travel day, we have to carry several bags to a from cabs, trains, plains, buses etc. During our last travel day(s) I would be dragging my 30+ pound bag from each train. This bag was VERY heavy and was awkward to carry. Jessica would help me, as we would stumble trying to lug this thing. In Kiev we met up with Austons team, and he said good-bye to them, and joined us on our next train to Bucharest. As Jessica and I were lugging this bag, Auston said "let me help you." Not only did he help me. He carried the bag- ALONG WITH HIS PACK. He didn't carry it for a little bit either...He carried it ALL the way to the train.
2. Our first night in Oradea, Romania we were all using the wifi and relaxing after traveling for 3 days. Auston went into the kitchen. As we watched movies, he prepared burgers and home made fries for us to have for dinner.
3. Whenever we sit for a meal, Auston is always serving us. Whether it is getting us water, napkins, anything!
4. Relates- Auston has done an amazing job relating to the members of our team. He takes the time to talk to us each individually about things we are thinking about. He listens and loves our team as a whole.

There are so many more amazing things that I could write about, but this blog would go on forever. Auston has really taught me that its not about Grande gestures, but about the little things. He represents the love of Christ in all the little things that he does...and I am honored to call him my friend.

2010 in a nutshell

Thu, 23 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The last leg of the race...

8 Months Down...2 1/2 left! Bittersweet is the only words to describe how I am feeling. I wanted to take this time to thank my supporters again, and to share and show you in one blog what you have made possible so far this year!

January- New Zealand

My team worked at Narrows Park. We cleaned the campgrounds that would be the site for RAWR Leadership. While cleaning the camp, we also cleaned out a lot of things within ourselves. Jillian and I had the opportunity to help them with their marketing and as a team we got to test the waters in Bar Ministry and visit an Orphanage.

February- Australia

My team worked in Byron Bay. A BIG part of my heart is still with the people there. We fed and prayed with the homeless aboriginals and restored hope to many hurting people.

March- Philippines

My team worked in an orphanage with some of the most amazing children I have ever met. We also did a feeding program, and fed starving victims of a flood as well as built two new homes.

Jessica and I got to pour our hearts into a family of 9 that was living in a 15 square foot space filled with rats and no water. We walked the older girls to school, and washed and fed the 3 children that were under 3 years old.

April- Malaysia

My team worked in a restaurant and helped raise money for a ministry that helped people exit the bondage of the muslim religion. We also worked in a bar ministry and reached out to women slaved in prostitution and helped them find new opportunities.

May- Thailand

The women from my team visited schools and taught English to hundreds of Thai children. We built a wall at a Ywam base and spent time mentoring the children in the community. We also danced for the governor :)

June- Kenya

My team worked at a construction site building an orphanage, church, and school. We also got to work with a highschool of orphans whose parents were victims of genocide, AIDS, and various other illnesses. We mentored them as well as worked on a program to help them financially be able to finish school.

July- Tanzania

My team did Evangelism in the slums for a week, and then faced the robbery. Although our ministry was cut short this month, this gave us an opportunity to trust and surrender. This unfortunate circumstance unified my team, and helped us live a life worth risking.

August- Uganda

My team had the opportunity to go white water rafting down the NILE! We also worked in schools and shared our stories with those that were suffering. We prayed healing for the sick in a hospital, prayed with prisoners of Kampala, and spent time mentoring orphan girls.

This month I had lived with nearly nothing...and had the opportunity to give the girls the few things I had with me. Freely I have received, so freely I was able to give.

September- Ireland/ Ukraine

My team spent a week in Ireland at the Awakening conference. This was an opportunity to make my plans for after the race and think about where God is calling me.

Ukraine- We are currently in Yalta, Ukraine. Here we are doing construction on a church and teaching english to locals while sharing the love of Jesus.

October- ROMANIA

My team has the opportunity to choose which country we feel led to serve in. We will be working in an orphanage in Oradea, Romania. There are over 200 children of God that we get to love!

November- Maldova

TBA

December- ATL Europe

The world race is officially over November 20th. I am still looking for opportunities Nov 20th-Dec 1st.

Then December 1st-8th I will be in the UK. I will be working with an organization called Glow. We will be church planting and I will be helping them with their 20-30 something's outreach.

Thank you again for all your support. This year has been one of the most amazing opportunities.

I still have $1,000 to raise. If you feel led, please click the support me tab on the left side of the blog...and thanks for joining me!

So you think you can dance...

Tue, 21 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Well...apparently we can!
I would love to write a blog about how N SQUAD took FIRST place in the dance off, but my buddy Caleb beat me to it!

Read about it here and see the video :)

http://calebdufresne.theworldrace.org/?filename=so-you-think-you-can-dance-dance-dance

A girl named Mindy

Tue, 21 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

I am completely in awe.
In awe of a young girl from Louisiana.

After traveling the world for 9 months...few things shock you. Seeing un-ordinary things becomes part of your normal life. Going to the bathroom outside of buildings, people being healed of sickness, eating a meal for less than $1...well, all becomes very normal.

However, this past week...I was shaken to the core. By a 17 year old girl in Louisiana.

About a week ago, I wrote a blog about my plans for after the race.
Since then, God has opened several doors...which I plan to share in a few weeks.
One door he opened was uniquely special.
If you ask anyone on The World Race what they dislike the most...it is probably support raising.

Last week a young girl with no credit card or bank account emailed me. She believed in the things God was doing through me, and wanted to come alongside me. Being 17 years old, she is still too young to do The World Race. However, she felt led to support me.
My mom emailed me a few days later and said that she had received an envelope with $184 in cash. That even the 20's, 10's, 5's and singles were organized.
That this 17 year old girl found a way to support me, and probably gave me most of her money.

I sat at the computer and started crying.

This 17 year old girl, named Mindy, whom I have NEVER met...GOT IT! I stood in awe at how a 17 year old girl could be so selfless. At 17, I was thinking about Abercrombie and saving up for a Jeep...she is giving her money to missionaries she has never met.
I then began thinking about how I have given up many things, and still there are parts of me that are very selfish. For me this was so convicting.
That night I shared this with my team, and we all sat and stood in awe. We thought of how many times we were selfish...whether it be with our time, or the little money we have.

I decided that this needed to be shared on my blog.
Mindy...I am honored by you...and I know that God is doing amazing things through you.

She shared this scripture with me...and Mindy...this is what I believe about you!

Romans 8:28-31 (New International Version)

More Than Conquerors

²⁸And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him,^[a] who^[b] have been called according to his purpose. ²⁹For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. ³⁰And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.

³¹What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?

Hello, New York

Thu, 16 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Hello, New York

New York City is one of the most, if not thee most, influential city in the world. You can disagree with me if you would like, however the truth remains the same.

I know I may be biased since I am from New York, but after traveling the world for the last year, well you start to pick up on some things.

A few months back, we were asked what the cry of our hearts were. What is it that we are passionate about? For months I spent time thinking about this. I felt so badly for orphans that had never been held, and feeding someone that hadn't had something to eat for days shook me. However, the thing that broke me...the thing that kept me up at night...is meeting people that are striving to find an identity.

Then I started thinking about people I had met in New York City. My heart burns for the people in New York. Many people there are striving and sacrificing their whole life for a lie. Whether its to leave a legacy in business success, become a famous artist, or gain affirmation from passing the impossible velvet rope. The city that never sleeps is exhausted.

While working on construction I was listening to Hillsong United on my Ipod. The song "Tear down the walls" came on. One part of the song went:

"For all your sons and daughters

who are walking in the darkness

you're calling us to lead them back to you.

We will see your Spirit rising

as the lost come out of hiding

every heart will see this hope we have in you."

I stopped everything I was doing and began praying for those that God is pursuing relentlessly. I thought about the thousands of people I had met in New York City, and around the world, and started praying for them. While praying I began weeping and my heart started beating out of my chest. These lyrics were the cry of my heart. This was my passion. God is after our hearts, I want to show people that...right where they are.

I then went to the Hillsong site, and to my surprise...they are opening a church in New York City. I want to take this time to encourage you to check it out. What if there could be a generation of awakened believers, on fire for sharing the true message of LOVE and GRACE, living in the most influential city in the world. What if?

Thu, 16 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Hello, New York

New York City is one of the most, if not thee most, influential city in the world. You can disagree with me if you would like, however the truth remains the same.

I know I may be biased since I am from New York, but after traveling the world for the last year, well you start to pick up on some things.

While working on construction I was listening to Hillsong United on my Ipod. The song "Tear down the walls" came on. One part of the song went:

"For all your sons and daughters

who are walking in the darkness

you're calling us to lead them back to you.

We will see your Spirit rising

as the lost come out of hiding

every heart will see this hope we have in you."

Whats love got to do with it?

Thu, 16 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Last night during feedback, Jessica wrote out the fruits of the Spirit and put them on little papers.

The fruits of the Spirit are: (Galatians 5:22)

Love

Joy

Peace

Patience

Kindness

Goodness

Faithfulness

Gentleness

and Self-Control

We then had to close our eyes and choose a random paper, and then live as that thing during the following day.

Mine was LOVE.

I always say "I love, love" and love is something I think about often.

My favorite quote is :

"The greatest thing you'll ever know, is how to love and be loved in return."

But what does this all mean...how do you live as love?

The dictionary defines love as an Intense feeling of deep affection.

The word Love is one of the most used in the Bible. The greatest commandment is to love your God with all your heart, mind, body and soul, and to love your neighbor as yourself.

Romans 12 says : Don't just pretend to love others, really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other...Bless those who persecute you. Don't curse them; pray that God will bless them.

What does it mean to you...to live as love?

Trevors Malaria

Tue, 14 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

My teammate Trevor

I am writing this blog on behalf of my teammate Trevor. He is currently in the hospital with a severe case of Malaria. While we were on a train from Kiev, Ukraine to Yalta, Ukraine he started to feel very sick.
As the days continued, his conditions worsened and he was flown to Kiev for proper medical treatment.
Ministry is honestly not the same without Trevor here. PLEASE pass this along to everyone you know, we need as much prayer as possible.
Every person that came to Jesus for healing was healed. Please pray that Jesus will come meet Trevor in his hospital bed and heal him. Please pray for peace over Trevors family, and faith in all of our hearts that he will be okay.

Thank you so much!

The end of the world race

Mon, 6 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

NOVEMBER 20th MARKS THE END OF THE WORLD RACE!

My squad will be leaving Bucharest, Romania as we gather together one final time and then they will all head to New York...

I AM NOT GOING TO BE JOINING THEM...

After much prayer and surrender, I believe God is calling me to serve in Europe till
December 8th.

I DO NOT know where I am going.
I DO NOT know what I will be doing.
I DO NOT have the money to do this, and I DO NOT have a flight home yet.

This is a VERY VERY BIG step for me. If you know me, then you know that:
a) Before the race I hated/feared being alone...this would call me to travel alone for 3 weeks.
b) I am a HUGE planner. I plan, plan, plan. However, I believe God is wanting to take me to some places and to trust HIS leading. This calls me to release ALL my plans to Him.
c) I miss home and New York...and I had to surrender seeing my family and friends as well as the opportunity to be in New York with my entire squad.
d) Finances have always been a stress for me. I always have worked, and have always been responsible for my financial obligations...so to make a plan without the financial means is a BIG step for me, and pushes me to let go of control and trust.

*WHAT I NEED FROM YOU*

PRAYER, PRAYER, PRAYER:
Please pray for clarity in these future steps, and opportunities to serve and live out my passions. Please pray that the finances will come in that will make this all possible. Please pray for protection while I travel alone, as well as protection over my mind. Lastly, please pray that peace will be given to my family as I make this risky step.
Thank you...I love you all so much...and I couldn't do any of this without your support. Thank you for believing in me and believing in what God is doing through me.

*If you would like to support me or have any words on this next step...PLEASE email me at
Jessimarquez@gmail.com

Starting to live a story worth telling

Sat, 31 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

When I signed up for the world race I wanted a dramatic change.

Looking back at my life in New York I've certainly gotten that, however I want more.

In Thailand I read about the instructions Jesus gave the disciples when sending them out... Such as the authority they had, even the things to pack. Since then it's been on my heart to choose a month of my race, surrender and obey.
The truth is, although many of my comforts are gone ex: starbucks, family, wardrobe, great food...many of my comforts remain.

After the robbery I wondered why I was the only one in the group that lost a few unimportant items. After some time I noticed a few things after the robbery took place. Worries about material things crept in and many of my teammates told me they were struggling with being selfish.
I prayed about how to help them, and I realized that I want to be an example to my team and my squad.

Therefore this month I am choosing to not have my things. No computer, no iPod, no money, no books, and very few clothes.

I prayed and asked God for detailed instructions for this month...and this is my instructions:

I budget aprox. $100 each month of personal money -Use this money to bless someone else.

Pack 3 teeshirts, 1 bathing suit, 2 tank tops, 1 pair of shorts, 1 pair of pants, 1 skirt, underwear, toothbrush, camera, bug spray, and a pair of sneakers

I was able to fit everything for this month into a small North face bookbag

Some may think this is a bit radical. I do not. We believe we need these things because we are taught that we do. After the robbery, I didn't care about any of my possessions, I was glad to be alive! If this were a book, this is when the protagonist stepped into an inciting incident. Something that changes the character and puts them into the story.

Right now, I feel as if I am living
Life with a new set of eyes. Like a child I want to be completely dependent on my father.

Since beggining this month of surrender...I was able to go camping for 3 days on THE NILE RIVER!

My parents blessed me with a birthday present, and payed for me to go WHITE WATER RAFTING on Grade 5 Rapids down the Nile! http://adrift.ug

This was by far one of the most amazing things I have ever done with my life. ALSO, because of Gods instructions, I was able to use my $100 of personal money, and pay for one of the girls on my squad to come!

Please keep me in your prayers and I'll be excited to share some stories in a month...see ya in Ireland!

*I still have $1,900 to raise in support...if you feel led, please join me in the amazing work God is doing around the world

Stay or Leave

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Stay or Leave...

I would be lying to you if I said the thought of going home never crossed my mind.

After the robbery happened...well I just didn't know how much more I could handle. I signed up for this thing to hold orphans, not to risk my life.

After the robbery, I was really shaken. I praised God for protecting me on the other side of my bedroom door, but I just didn't know how much more I could handle.
Nothing of real material importance was taken from me, however I felt completely robbed of all joy.

I called one of my friends from home on his birthday and before even saying hello, I began just sobbing into the computer. I don't know what came over me, but I couldn't control the tears. I wondered when I would ever stop feeling the way I did. Shaken is the best word to describe it. Shaken and ALONE.
My team was processing this traumatic situation in 6 unique ways. AIM was doing everything they could to help us to move forward. Parents were worried about our safety. My friends from NY thought I was crazy for even considering staying.
I had 300+ voices telling me the right way to process this whole thing, what to do moving forward, and how I should be acting...

I spent an afternoon with our squad leader Krissy and we talked for a long time. I just explained to her how I kept reliving the situation in my head, and I just felt no peace. She played her guitar with me for a bit, and then said I could play it if I wanted. I went onto the balcony, and while teaching myself to play I just closed my eyes and played the few chords I could. I just started making up worship songs and playing random chords...and for the first time...I felt peace.

The days that followed were a mix of highs and lows. Our squad coach Dave and our former squad leader Tara came to help us. We spent time talking, praying, and playing dress up with the fun things Tara brought us. When we had to make our team decision about moving forward to Uganda...5 out of 6 of us wanted to. I spoke out and said I didn't feel comfortable moving forward to Uganda. I didn't know why, so I attributed it to fear. However, that night while journaling...I realized it wasn't fear. To make a long story short...the next day I agreed to go to Uganda because I didn't want my team to resent me. I didn't want to feel alone any longer, and I didn't want to be divided from everyone else.

The next night I talked to Jessica outside because I still felt unsettled about the decision. After praying together, I realized that everything I had been praying about I wasn't living out.
A) I wanted to be completely Spirit led
B) I wanted to live my life in a way where I didn't care what anyone thought
C) I wanted to trust God with all my plans
So that night I surrendered. I decided that I was going to make my decision based on what God wanted me to do. Whether it was to go home, go to Uganda with my team in the midst of terrorist attacks, or go to Kenya with or without my team. I would be obedient.
I decided to fast and give up every thought I had about moving forward. I would not care what anyone thinks, and allow God to lead me where HE wanted to lead me. After fasting, I felt I was being led to Uganda. God was giving me a story, a life worth living, IF I was obedient.

So...this week we head to Uganda. I am excited for this next part of the journey, and to see where the Lord leads us. I still have $1,900 left of support raising left, so if you feel led, please join me in helping to restore Africa. Thank you all for your continued prayers and support.

The night I prayed for my life

Mon, 19 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

"Please God, protect us. I can't die like this...I still have so much to do with my life."

There is something different about a prayer when you think it may be your last. When you are praying for your life, I believe it's then that God literally puts you in the palm of His hand.

I hate when people say "The day began just like any other day..." but this one did...Kinda. We had woken up at 9 am and ate breakfast as a team. I had a weird pain in my legs and was feeling very nauseous. Before going out to do door to door evangelism, my team and ministry contact David prayed for healing for me. They went out and I stayed back reading "The reason for God" by Timothy Keller. When they came back a few hours later, they had amazing stories of what had happened that day. They had prayed for a women that was paralyzed and SHE WAS HEALED! She also accepted Christ into her life. I spoke to David about the day and we discussed what doing the work of the Kingdom looks like. He said that "we have been doing so much for Gods Kingdom that the enemy may try to discourage us".

A few hours later we had church. Tyler and Jillian gave the message that night. There were about 10 people there that night, granted it was a Wednesday night service. Jillians message really stuck with me. She spoke about how Jim Elliot was willing to die for Christ, and she wondered if she was as well. She then probed us a step further and said that if we ARE willing to die for Christ, are we willing to LIVE for him as well. The whole church then prayed for my healing and God kept saying to me "sow and reap, sow and reap". The pastor then told us about someone nearby that was sick. He asked two of us to go and pray for them. Tyler and I volunteered, as the rest of the team headed back to the house.

We arrived at the house, and found out that the person sick was a little boy. He had cancer. They couldn't afford treatment for him so he just lived with the pain. The pain was severe in his leg and stomach. As I leaned over and prayed for him and said "God, this is where we NEED you to heal this boy. You send us out to heal the sick. This boy has no means of being healed but by your grace." At that point, all the pain in my legs and stomach went away. It was as though I was having the pain, for this little boy. I continued to pray for him, and I believe that God will heal him.

We then returned to the house and Jessica, Jillian, and Trevor were working out. We all laughed together as they did the intense moves of P90X. After the workout, our contacts David and Martin called us to the kitchen for dinner. As I walked over to the table I heard a huge bang. It sounded like a tree falling onto the door. Then I heard the pound again, and it was coming from the back door of our kitchen. My instincts told me that this was not normal. I screamed " someone is breaking in!" and I ran towards my bedroom.

A moment later and the intruders had broken through the back door using cement blocks. They marched forward with a gunman in the front, and men with clubs in their hands. My team scattered frantically trying to find somewhere to go. (From this point forward, I can only tell you my account of the story because we were all separated).

I had run into my bedroom, turned off the light, and closed the door. Jenae knocked on the door and said "Jessi, let me in, its Jenae." I opened the door and the key fell out of the lock. Jenae came in and I slammed the door shut behind her. I was unable to lock the door, so I braced it with my body. Jenae ran around the room trying to find somewhere for us to hide. We were unable to fit under the bed, and the closet had no coverage because there were no doors. I told Jenae to just help me hold the door. She sat beside me and braced her leg in the door frame of the storage closet.

I began praying harder then I have ever prayed in my life. I asked God for forgiveness for my sins, and to protect us. I said to God "God, I can't die like this...I can't die like this...I know you have so much you still want me to do..please help us." I then heard them break down Trevors door. My heart started beating so hard I could feel it in my mouth. Jenae and I grabbed each others hand and held our fingers interlocked until our knuckles turned white. I could hear the men screaming, and I couldn't hear anyone from my team. I believed this was the end of my life. After watching movies based in Africa such as Blood Diamond and Hotel Rwanda...I believed these intruders would be merciless. I then started praying again, even harder..."God, protect us. We need you right now God. I command them to flee in the name of Jesus. They have no place here."

The men then surrounded our room and started looking into the windows. Jenae and I stood motionless. I don't even think I breathed in that moment. I thought, if they think the room is empty maybe they wont come in. Like Jenae describes, "It was like the worst version of hide and go seek."

Then they began banging on our door. They were screaming and pushing on our door so hard. They opened the door a little bit and we pushed back. My feet were sweaty and sliding across the tiled floor as I used my legs to push my back against the bottom of the door. They kept pushing. Jenae asked me if we should just let them in, in fear that they would begin shooting through the door. I said NO! In my mind, we were as good as dead if that door opened. Eventually they stopped trying to get in. I then began shaking. My whole body felt as if it were going into shock, I couldn't stop shaking. I then began to worry about Jessica and Jillian. I feared that the men were doing horrible things to them, and that we needed to be together. I stood up, and wanted to help them. I felt completely helpless. Jenae said "Jessi, we can't go out there! Just hold the door"!

A few minutes later, but what felt like an hour...I heard Trevor at the door. He said "Girls, are you ok"? Never before did it sound so amazing to hear a familiar voice. We stood up and opened the door. Relieved and still scared at what I might see in the living room, I started to cry hysterically. We then saw Jessica and Jillian, and I hugged them as hard as possible. Jessica and I held each other crying, and my body would not stop shaking. I asked if we could just stay together, and we waited in the hall together until help came.

The robbers stole computers, passports, tents, thousands of dollars, cameras, clothing, packs and other things from my team. We are now staying at a guarded house about 30 minutes from the incident. The last few days has been hard on our team. Grieving the missing items, replacing passports, reliving the traumatic situation, and moving forward is a unique process. We have all been processing this situation differently, but we are all moving forward.

One morning while journaling about the event, I was wondering how the men did not get through to our room. They had thrown a cement block through the lower panel of Trevors door. If they had done that through Jenae and I's door...we would have been either severely injured or killed because of the way our bodies were holding the door shut. I then remembered something that had happened earlier that morning. When I was sick, and everyone prayed for healing over my body...God had said to me " Jessi, pray over your room." I thought this was weird, what did this have to do with my illness. I asked Jessica to come into my room that morning and we closed the door. She prayed over the room with me and said " I seal the doors and windows in this room, no evil can enter the room in Jesus name."

A few hours later, evil was trying to enter the room...and no one did. God protected us, and was faithful in answering our prayers. Not one hair was touched on one of my teammates. Our contact David told us that this happens a lot, and often times...people are killed. However, our lives were spared.

You begin to look at life differently when it is so close to being taken away. I am still working through the situation, praying that the flashbacks end. However, I know now that my life will never be the same. Life just seems, well...worth living.

Warning: This story is PG-13

Mon, 12 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The truth is, you've heard it all before

Warning: If I had to rate this blog it may be rated PG-13. I wanted to avoid a few details of this story, however they are very important.

This week I watched Hotel Rwanda with a few of my team mates. It wasn't my first choice, however I had watched all the movies I was interested in such as P.S. I love you and Nick and Norah's infinite playlist. As we watched, my heart felt so much sympathy for the people that endured the genocide in 1994. Especially since I am currently in Africa, it felt so much more REAL. Then we went on and had dinner, and laughed together about Jenaes weave.
This week I also met Anna (I changed the name for privacy reasons). Anna is learning English and figuring out her purpose in life. Anna had a story to share with us, and through broken English and Swahili translation this is what she shared:

Anna grew up in Rwanda for most of her life. When she was a child there was tribal tension between the Hutus and the Tutsis. She was a Tutsi. She had lived a pretty comfortable life when one night her mother called her into the house. Her mother told her that they had to leave...NOW! They went to a church seeking refuge. Many Tutsis were hiding within the church, praying to God to protect them. She hid under a table crouched down, shaking throughout the night. Her mother laid in front of the table, protecting the rest of her siblings. A few hours later the Hutus came in. They showed no mercy to the Tutsis. They began to slaughter the Tutsis...adults and children. Blood splattered the walls while the Tutsis were killed with unsharpened machetes. Then one of the Hutus grabbed Annas mother. They raped her while laughing. They raped her violently in front of all her children. Then they grabbed her daughters and raped them as well. (Anna took a deep breath while sharing this part of the story, and then started sobbing). After they were done with the raping, they killed her brothers and sisters. She hid underneath a curtain in all of the chaos, keeping her eyes on her mother. They then grabbed her mother and cut open her stomach. Her mother was 7 months pregnant. They grabbed the unborn child out of the uterus and threw it against the wall. The mother laid there shaking, and bled to death. Eventually the Hutus left. Some people came several days later and helped Anna. They brought her to Tanzania. There she lived with other refuges and found one of her brothers. She now lives in Kitale, Kenya and serves God.

When you ask her how come she is able to serve God after suffering so immensely, her response is "What the Hutus did...that's what happens when you don't serve God."

I'm reading a book by Donald Miller and he talks about his friend Kathy who visits a memorial of the Rwanda genocide. I read this part of the book, in the midst of writing this blog. When Kathy was in the memorial in Ntarama she felt so much anger mixed with sorrow. The museum laid out the bones of the dead bodies as a memorial. The genocide site is a church where Tutsis had hidden. (This very well could have been the church Anna watched her family die in.) As Kathy prayed God said to her "This is what happens when people walk away from me, Kathy. I have brought you to this place to show you something important. This is what happens when my compassion and love leave a place."

It is when people don't allow God to show up through them, she realized, that the world collapses in on itself.

Why I struggle with blogging

Mon, 12 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Why I struggle with blogging...

It's more than half way through the world race and so much happened. I realized that I have done a poor job in sharing many of the encounters I've had. AIM suggests that we try to blog to help our supporters be a part of this journey. However, I struggle with blogging.
It's not that I don't like writing, or that things are not happening...I have practically filled two journals worth of stories from the past 7 months. However, with blogging...I struggle. WHY?

Because it's too structured for me
I want to tell you what I'm learning, not just what I am seeing
I want to change your life, while mine is changing

If I write about a girl sniffing glue, most of you will say it's sad and then continue on with your life.

If I tell you that I saw a miracle, most of you would say that's cool, but not really care unless you experienced it yourself.

What I want to learn from this point moving forward is how to express myself, so that you care about the girl sniffing glue and you experience God for yourself.

I don't want you to read about my encounters,
I want you to live a life where you experience them yourself.