Posted in General Posts by Stephanie Bauer on 4/2/2012
TODAY IS MY BIRTHDAY WHAT IS MY WISH????
I would have to say...out of all of my 26 years of celebrating my birthday, I never thought I would be asking for money to go around the world! I wish I could help you understand the stirrings that I have been feeling in my heart and the way God has helped me feel his presence. He has been by my side and opened doors for me...there is no way I can close these doors he has opened for me!
With that said I am challenging all of you to donate TODAY! Yes TODAY!! You may not be able to come with me on this journey, but by donating you are helping send me to do some amazing things.
I am asking that you donate $26...because I am turning the big 26!!
What do you typically spend $26 on??
-5 Starbucks drinks
-1 T-Shirt from Gap
-1 Manicure
-Half a tank of Gas
-Haircut (well a guy's haircut) ;)
-a pair of Sandals
-Dinner and dessert out to eat
-a DVD
-a book
It is so surprising how easy it is to spend just $26! If only 30people donated $26, I would have $780...that is so easy! So if you are feeling called to help me, but cash is tight, here is your chance to take the cash you would have spent on a shopping trip and donate it to help send me! All I want for my birthday is support for this amazing journey…. please help send me :)
Here is the link to donate your $26:
http://www.adventures.org/give/donate.asp?giveto=worldrace
Where am I at in my Fundraising??
I need $18,000 and I am currently at $8,300!!!! I am getting closer and closer!
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Posted in General Posts by Stephanie Bauer on 3/3/2012
Tonight I found myself lying on my bedroom floor working deligently at my fundraising...sending out emails, sending out thank you cards, and trying to keep myself sane through it all. While doing this I realized...this is it! I am doing this! I remember not too long ago in September, I was lying in this same spot talking to a friend (Caylynn) on the phone about whether to embark on this journey or not. It was in this very spot that I determined I would leave on this 11-month journey to "serve the least of these."
When I reflect on how far I have already come since September, it is actually quite amazing. If you would have told me I would be close to half way to my goal (yes! half way!) and that I would be attending my first big fundraiser next weekend and putting on a 5k, I would have laughed. God has moved me and challenged me to grow in ways I never thought possible. He has challenged me to reach out to the community and to ask my friends and family for help, which was much easier than I anticipated…because apparently people want to help me!
I cannot really explain how blessed I feel when I realize how many people are supporting me and holding my hand through this journey. It is actually pretty overwhelming. So if I have not already said it...THANK YOU! Thank you a thousand times and then some to all of you who are praying for me, helping me, thinking about me, holding my hand, spreading the word, taking time to listen, reading my blog, donating, and supporting me in your own ways.
As I mentioned I am almost half way to my goal in fundraising, I have just over $6,000! That feels so good, but I am not about to rest in that. I have so many great events and opportunities coming up and I hope that you will all be a part of them. Plus I still need $9,500 to get to my goal!
The best part in all of my fundraising is that I get to have a great time at these events and spread the word of what I am doing. I can't wait to be surrounded by people who love and support me :).
Here is what is coming up:
Sunday, March 11 (2:00pm-3:00pm) at Sharon Lutheran Church in Grand Forks is the
Fundraising Event for the World Race:
*Admission is a free will donation*
FEATURING:
**Students from the Bel Canto Studio--they will sing a variety of songs!
**Jewlery and other goodies for sale.
**Bake Sale
**Ordinary Hero merchandise. Check it out onilne www.ordinaryhero.org (If you purchase online, choose Stephanie Bauer at checkout.)
Saturday, May 5 (9:00am-11:00am) at the University of North Dakota Wellness Center in Grand Forks is the
DIVA DASH 5K FUN RUN/WALK & SHOPPING EVENT:
This is an all women's event :). Women are invited to come out for a fun run/walk! After the run, booths will be set up for shopping, information, and snacks. Bring your friends for a morning of relaxation and fun!
You can register here:
http://www.active.com/running/grand-forks-nd/diva-dash-5k-fun-run-walk-and-shopping-event-2012
You can find us here:
http://divadashgrandforks.weebly.com/ or on Facebook!
**Proceeds will benefit Stephanie Bauer's World Mission Trip. 5% will be donated to Breast Cancer Awareness.**
What: An afternoon of singing and various items for sale.
When: Sunday, March 11 from 2-3pm
Where: Sharon Lutheran Church, Celebration Hall
Admission is a freewill donation
FEATURING:
**Students from the Bel Canto Studio--they will sing a variety of songs!
**Jewlery and other goodies for sale.
**Bake Sale
**Ordinary Hero merchandise. Check it out onilne www.ordinaryhero.org (If you purchase online, choose Stephanie Bauer at checkout.)
The World Race is a Christian mission organization that recruits 21-35 year olds to go on a mission trip for 11 months, while travelling to 11 countries. Stephanie Bauer, director of High School youth ministry at Sharon Lutheran, felt called to go on such an adventure after going on her first mission trip this past summer. She just received her masters in counseling from UND and felt it was now or never to embark on such a journey. The cost of this trip is a whopping $15,500. On top of her recently earned student loans, she can use all the help she can get!
Come out for an hour of singing, laughter, learning, and fun!! :)
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Here are some great pictures my friend Cara took of me for the World Race...


What: An afternoon of singing and various items for sale.
When: Sunday, March 11 from 2-3pm
Where: Sharon Lutheran Church, Celebration Hall
Admission is a freewill donation
FEATURING:
**Students from the Bel Canto Studio--they will sing a variety of songs!
**Jewlery and other goodies for sale.
**Bake Sale
**Ordinary Hero merchandise. Check it out onilne www.ordinaryhero.org (If you purchase online, choose Stephanie Bauer at checkout.)
The World Race is a Christian mission organization that recruits 21-35 year olds to go on a mission trip for 11 months, while travelling to 11 countries. Stephanie Bauer, director of High School youth ministry at Sharon Lutheran, felt called to go on such an adventure after going on her first mission trip this past summer. She just received her masters in counseling from UND and felt it was now or never to embark on such a journey. The cost of this trip is a whopping $15,500. On top of her recently earned student loans, she can use all the help she can get!
Come out for an hour of singing, laughter, learning, and fun!! :)
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What: An afternoon of singing and various items for sale.
When: Sunday, March 11 from 2-3pm
Where: Sharon Lutheran Church, Celebration Hall
Admission is a freewill donation
FEATURING:
**Students from the Bel Canto Studio--they will sing a variety of songs!
**Jewlery and other goodies for sale.
**Bake Sale
**Ordinary Hero merchandise. Check it out onilne www.ordinaryhero.org (If you purchase online, choose Stephanie Bauer at checkout.)
The World Race is a Christian mission organization that recruits 21-35 year olds to go on a mission trip for 11 months, while travelling to 11 countries. Stephanie Bauer, director of High School youth ministry at Sharon Lutheran, felt called to go on such an adventure after going on her first mission trip this past summer. She just received her masters in counseling from UND and felt it was now or never to embark on such a journey. The cost of this trip is a whopping $15,500. On top of her recently earned student loans, she can use all the help she can get!
Come out for an hour of singing, laughter, learning, and fun!! :)
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Posted in General Posts by Stephanie Bauer on 1/9/2012
I can not believe I have only 6 months left...that number hit me pretty hard this month. It could have also been opening up my Christmas presents and receiving an air mattress, sleeping bag cover and head lamp!
I have been trying to understand where I am at in all of this. Wondering if every holiday, every time I spend with friends/family, every laugh I have with my friends is that much better because I won't see them for a year. One year....it never seemed so long before. For all of my friends and family reading this, just know that when I am with you I am taking that moment in and savoring it until I come home.
I think God knows how much I am struggling with all of this, because last night I dreamt that I was in India. Now, I have never been to India, but I knew it was India somehow :). I remember walking out of a building holding a little girl native to India with big eyes and dark curls who was laughing and holding me tight. I looked up and saw this amazing landscape with the golden sun shining high in the sky. I dropped to my knees and wept. I wept because I knew I was in the right place and I was so happy God had lead me there, because I never would have gotten there alone. I remember seeing all my friends and family and smiling as I walked by them. When I woke up I felt calm. I do not remember interacting with anyone, but knew that I was passing by and knowing they were safe and happy at home and still in my heart although I was miles away from them.
I have left the people I love in my life many times and I do not think it will ever get easier for me. I studied abroad three times in college and thought eventually I would be able to travel and not be so emotional! However, I am starting to understand that I get that way because I want to keep everyone close to me and in my heart while I am traveling and it is an overwhelming task. I want people to know I do not just leave them when I walk onto a plane without them, but I take them with me.
So I promise that I will do by best…Give my best to help people, give my best to keep you all with me while I am gone, and give my best to be the hands and feet of God. I want to show everyone I can do what they believe I can do. The overwhelming amount of support I have received thus far has shown me that you do believe in me. Words cannot explain what that means to me. I appreciate everyone’s contributions and encouraging words. I will give my best for you…
“People are often unreasonable, irrational, and self-centered.
Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives.
Be kind anyway.
If you are successful, you will win some unfaithful friends and some genuine enemies.
Succeed anyway.
If you are honest and sincere people may deceive you.
Be honest and sincere anyway.
What you spend years creating, others could destroy overnight.
Create anyway.
If you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous.
Be happy anyway.
The good you do today, will often be forgotten.
Do good anyway.
Give the best you have, and it will never be enough.
Give your best anyway.
In the final analysis, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway.”
-Mother Teresa
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Posted in General Posts by Stephanie Bauer on 12/18/2011
I have been feeling the holiday season weighing heavy on my heart over the past few weeks. I have been asking myself WHY in the world did I get chosen to go on this race. Wondering why I will have to leave the place I finally call home to radically uproot and change my life. It is so easy to get comfortable in the lives we have, but isn't that also a great thing? I feel almost caught in the middle of it all. I wish I could understand what my plan i, but I am quickly reminded that God is leading me down this path to teach me. With all of that said his lessons have a round about way of showing up in my day. I was sitting in on confirmation when my boss played a song named “Legacy” by Nichole Nordeman. Her words were this:
“I want to leave a legacy.
How will they remember me?
Did I choose to love? Did I point to You enough
To make a mark on things?
I want to leave an offering.
A child of mercy and grace who blessed your name unapologetically and leave that kind of legacy.”
So for those of you who are as confused as I am as to why I am uprooting everything I have ever known to be the hands and feet of God, well that is your answer: I want to leave a legacy. I want to follow what other people have already done and pave a path for those who will follow behind me. I want to set an example. I want to help people see what is possible. I want to teach people. I want to learn. I want to touch the lives of people I never thought I could reach. I want to make a change in this big world. I want to uproot my life so that others who can not do not have to. I want to feed the families we cannot get to. I want to build houses for people to live in. I want to love those who don't know what love feels like. I want to live out of a backpack for 11 months traveling the world over praising God’s word. I want to understand what it is like to live with nothing to appreciate the everything I have. I have the opportunity of a lifetime sitting right in front of me, just within reach. All I need is your support and your prayers. I hope you understand how important that is to me.
Get the word out. Teach all these things. And don’t let anyone put you down because you are young. Teach believers with your life: by word, demeanor, by love, by faith, by integrity. Stay at your post reading Scripture, give counsel, teaching. Timothy 4:12-13
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Posted in General Posts by Stephanie Bauer on 12/18/2011
WHERE DOES THE MONEY GO?
Seems to be a popular question, here is the breakdown:

My 65% covers the following:
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$4,235 for our intercontinental travel for the year
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$460 per month, broken down as: $3.75 per day for food; $5.25 per day for lodging; $3.00 per day for transport; $3.33 per day for long distance travel (buses, trains) and miscellaneous supplies
And in case you’re curious, here are the fundraising deadlines for the July 2012 World Race:
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$3,500 - Due 5/6/2012 (2 weeks before Training Camp)
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$6,500 - Due 6/17/2012 (2 weeks prior my trip)
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$11,000 - Due 10/1/2012 (End of 3 months on the field)
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$15,500 - Due 1/1/2013 (End of 6 months on the field)
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
-Donate once or monthly directly to my World Race account:
http://www.adventures.org/give/donate.asp?giveto=worldrace
-Buy jewelry from me, from Kittson and 3rd, or from my Etsy account (all profit goes towards my fundrainsing) :
http://www.etsy.com/shop/MadethiswithLOVE
-Buy from Ordinary Hero and select me as the affiliate at the checkout:
http://www.ordinaryherostore.org/
-Pray for me !
-Ask me how else you can help !
*Thank you in advance for your support and prayers, everything is a blessing*
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Posted in General Posts by Stephanie Bauer on 12/7/2011
11 Countries 11 Months
THE WORLD RACE
Please take some time to read about the stops on my journey to truly understand the amazing work we are about to do...
India
With nearly a sixth of the world's population within its borders, India is a country bursting with people and culture. Home to a diverse array of beliefs from Hinduism to Islam, to a blend of folk religions and other faiths, it is a country of pluralism with twenty-nine languages spoken by over a million native speakers, multiple religions, cuisine, socio-economic classes, and political parties. India's struggles with poverty and crimes of human trafficking, forced prostitution, religious persecution, and more. You might work with local churches to encourage believers and most likely be challenged by their testimonies. Your presence'll bring hope and truth to those that society deems "untouchable."
Nepal
Home to Mount Everest, the world's tallest mountain, Nepal literally sits on top of the world. In addition to adventurous experiences you will have here, you may also visit widows and orphans in their times of distress and protect the innocent who are prey to human traffickers. This month of your World Race experience will submerge you in a culture that is desperate for an encounter with the living God.
Thailand
According to the CIA, the kingdom of Thailand, known as Siam until 1939, is the only country in the region not colonized by Europe. Their 2000 census showed that 94.6% of the population is Buddhist, 4.6% are Muslim, and 0.7% are Christian. Approximately 600,000 people live with HIV/AIDS in Thailand. With nearly two million people estimated to be forced into prostitution, it has become one of the most popular places for sex tourism. Change lives in the city-where you, like Jesus, might befriend prostitutes-or in the countryside-where you may serve youth, care for orphans, and encourage a remnant of believers.
Challenge: Asia
Blaze a trail for your team and future World Racers. This will be the opportunity for you to continue flexing your faith muscles as you depend on a few words of advice from the staff and mostly God's guidance. With God, all things are possible and the possibilities are endless.
Cambodia
Cambodia houses one of the Seven Wonders of the World, Angkor Wat, a Hindu temple and monastery built during the Khmer empire in the 12th century. It later became a Buddhist complex a century later, and today, just over 96% of Cambodia is Buddhist. Almost 30 years ago, 1.5 million Cambodians died at the hands of Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge regime. Today, Cambodia is a source, transit point, and destination of human trafficking. Unfortunately, the government is struggling to stop it. The people of Cambodia are thirsty for the hope you can bring.
Vietnam
After nearly a century of French rule, in the mid-20th century, Vietnam was split into communist (north) and non-communist (south) halves. By 1975, Vietnam was made whole again, but as a communist country. Even with the economic reforms and restoration of diplomatic ties human rights are limited in Vietnam, especially freedom of religion; most of Vietnam is Buddhist, less than 10% is Catholic. Here you'll be fed with pho, delicious beef noodle soup, and in turn feed believers and pray God's light and presence everywhere you go.
Rwanda
Many who hear "Rwanda" immediately think, "genocide" - it was 16 years ago when 800,000 people were killed over the course of about three months. According to the U.S. State Department, Rwanda (once colonized by France) has the highest population density in sub-Saharan Africa; and like much of sub-Saharan Africa, this nation also is fighting hard against HIV/AIDS. This nation played a part of the genesis of this human rights organization and inspired this song; as you help bring healing to a country still recovering from this deep wound, God may birth a dream or vision in you...
Uganda
Once a kingdom and British protectorate, for most of the later half of the 20th century, Uganda was under military rule, first under Idi Amin, the subject of the film The Last King of Scotland. Much of northern Uganda was also troubled by the Lord's Resistance Army, which heavily recruited child soldiers. Referred to as the Pearl of Africa, Uganda is diverse in topography and wildlife. You may find yourself in the north partnering with ministries that are bringing still-needed healing and reconciliation or in the south working with churches to evangelize and disciple the next generation of Kingdom workers.
Kenya
Who hasn't heard of Kenya in their lifetime? The Kenyan people are colorful, musical, artistic and hungry for the love of Christ. The Maasai bush, the Nairobi metropolis, and the Kibera slums comprise a country diverse yet unified in history. As a new era dawns in Kenya, so does the gospel of truth and faith. By meeting felt needs in the bush and the city, participants help bear lasting fruit with current ministry partnerships (ministries like evangelism, orphan care, and community development), and build foundations of future partnerships.
Latvia
Sandwiched between Estonia to the north and Lithuania to the south, Latvia is home to the largest medieval church in Europe (built in the 13th century). Like Estonia, Latvia is another gem as far as tourism in Europe goes but per Lonely Planet, still rather hidden from the spotlight. Unemployment rate here was at 22% in 2010 but is improving. Sadly, Latvia's been ranked with lowest ranked healthcare systems in the EU and second lowest life expectancy. Over 22% of the population identifies itself as Roman Catholic, while over 19% claim to be Evangelical Lutheran; however, only 7% of the population actually attend religious services. As the country recovers economically, you could be an agent of spiritual revival and show the people what they've been missing out on.
Estonia/Lithuania
Lonely Planet touts Estonia as having been Europe's best kept secret, with its lush forests, beautiful coastline, quaint country-sides & charming cities. Did you know nearly half of Skype's offices are in Estonia? Usher in a spirit of freedom as you carry God's presence into this beautiful country. Lithuania, once one of the fastest growing economies in the European Union (EU) prior to the recent global financial crisis, nearly 14% of Lithuania is unemployed, and less than 2% of the population live beneath the poverty line. With the highest suicide rate in the world and the highest homicide rate in the EU, this nation needs you revive the people back to life with the love of Christ.
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Posted in General Posts by Stephanie Bauer on 12/6/2011
Hello friends, family, supporters, acquaintances, fellow world racers, curious persons, travelers, missionaries, world changers, and everyone in-between! Welcome to my blog, I am so very excited to share my journey with you...It has taken me a long time to write this first blog, but the past few weeks have left me in complete awe of the beauty that has come from this unexpected journey I am taking and must share what has been happening in my life.
I will start at the beginning...I started working at Sharon Lutheran Church a little over a year ago. This past summer I was an adult leader on the high school youth's mission trip to Oklahoma. I knew this experience would be amazing for the youth, but little did I know what effect it would have on me. I received two phone calls that literally turned my world upside down while I was on this trip. The control I thought I once had over my life was suddenly ripped from my hands when I heard my mom tearfully say the words, "I have breast cancer." I remember falling to the ground speechless, thinking, "I could loose my mother, my best friend." I am sure a lot of people have great moms, but to me mine is my world and I could never in a million years imagine loosing her and never had to up until those words left her mouth. I never considered turning to God until that day. That day I sat on the pavement crying to God, broken hearted, screaming for him to help my mom, in any way. At our prayer circle that night the youth lifted me up in their prayers and embraced me with their love and my faith had never felt so strong. It was a surreal experience to be faced with God in such a bold way that I had never knew before.
When you come looking for me, you’ll find me. Yes when you get serious about finding me and want it more than anything else, I’ll make sure you won’t be disappointed. I’ll turn things around for you. –Jeremiah 29:13
I had been surrounded by the people I truly needed the most in a most unexpected way. I also learned the control I once had was in fact never there to begin with. I now was powerless to something much greater than me, who had much different plans for me.
While on the trip I met a special friend who expressed her interest in the World Race (WR), which encouraged me to look deeper into what the WR was all about. Once I was home from the trip and was attempting to process what had happened, I could not seem to get away from the WR website. I wanted to know more, I wanted to see more, I wanted to sign up, but I wanted to know I could fully commit before I signed up. After searching and searching my heart and asking others for advice, this bible verse kept popping up in unusual places:
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. – Jeremiah 29:11
My heart was stirring and I had a deep desire to strengthen my faith and dive into what could quit possibly be the most unexpected, beautiful and amazing path I have ever taken in my life. I felt taken aback by most of these feelings and emotions and after sharing these with the friend I mentioned earlier, she sent me a message encouraging me to follow my heart. Out of that message she sent all I could read was, “God is calling you to GO.” I felt so much relief after I read those words and now here I am…GOING! I am really going to do this! I am going to 11 different countries in 11 months and am so grateful that I have this amazing opportunity.
God has provided so much for me so far and continues to surprise me everyday with something new and exciting. He has also blessed my mom with her health and a body free of cancer. I can’t thank everyone enough for their support thus far and a thank you in advance for those who support me in the future. I realize this is a drastic step towards my faith journey, but I have also realized that is how I live my life. I must push myself as hard as my mind, body and soul will allow and then push a little harder. I have no doubt in my mind this unexpected path will shape me and my faith into something even more wonderful than it is now. I encourage you to follow me and pray for me along the way as I know remarkable things are about to come…
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