House visits.
The thing I dreaded most when we first started the Race. I remember the fear that crept in during training camp just thinking about it. There was even a simulation where our leaders acted like a family, and we had to walk in and engage. Mine was chaotic—a drunken, wild party scene. I remember walking away thinking, Ehh… I don’t know if I can do this.
It just felt so unfamiliar.
Like, what do you mean strangers will invite me into their home? Feed me? Let me encourage them, pray for them, share the Gospel? Where I’m from, when people knock on our door, we literally pretend we’re not home.
It was terrifying.
But now—after months of living this out—house visits have become one of my favorite parts of the Race. I’ve seen God move in wild, holy, tender ways. And as our time overseas wraps up, I wanted to share some of my favorite moments and testimonies from these past eight months.
#1 – Asheville (My First Ever House Visit)
This wasn’t even international—it happened in Asheville, North Carolina. A friend and I were 
evangelizing and ended up meeting a homeless woman named Lauren. She was a believer, and we spent the whole day with her. Later, we met a woman named Nancy, who had a really complicated past with Christianity. We sat in a park and talked for over an hour. Eventually, she invited us to her home, fed us lunch, and we got to share what God had done in our lives.
It was wild—and so fun. We even got to feed trained pigeons on her balcony (yes, literal Disney princess moment). I left her house in awe of God and how He shows up when we simply say yes.
#2 – My Birthday in Guatemala
My first international house visit was on my birthday, in Guatemala! I was nervous, but it turned out to be such a sweet day. We visited a beautiful home in the village, and the woman who lived there served us cake she had just baked and poured us Coke. Then her entire family sang “Happy Birthday” to me. It was so tender and kind.
#3 – Roxanna’s Story
Roxanna’s testimony is one I’ve shared over and over again throughout the Race. It’s a powerful reminder of God’s heart and how He transforms lives. If you want to hear more about her and her family’s story, I actually recorded a podcast about it! You can listen here:
#4 – Other Guatemala House Visits
We did weekly house visits in Guatemala, and met so many amazing families. The Lord used us to speak into people’s lives, but honestly—I think I learned more from them than they did from me. From Bible studies with Lesbia to making tortillas with Delphina, I’ll never forget the beauty, warmth, and generosity of the Guatemalan people.
#5 – Swazi House Visits
Swaziland house visits were some of the most challenging. The region we were in had very little. We’d walk in the blazing sun for 30+ minutes just to visit one person. Homes were often tiny or falling apart, covered in biting ants.
But every single person greeted us with a smile.
We got to sit (very uncomfortably) on mats, listen to their stories, encourage them, read the Bible together, pray, bring food, help with crops, hold their babies, and just be the light of Jesus. We saw people light up when they realized they were seen, that they mattered. We even witnessed three people get healed!
God is so good. Swazi house visits were raw and beautiful—and I’m beyond grateful I got to be part of it.
#6 – House Visit with My Parents
When my parents flew all the way to Africa to visit me, I was SO thankful. And they even got to come on a house visit with me! Getting to serve alongside them was such a gift.
#7 – Malaysia House Visits
Malaysia ended up being my favorite country for house visits—which is wild, because it’s the one I expected to see the least fruit in. Most people there are Muslim or Hindu, and it’s illegal to share the Gospel.
But God…
The hunger we encountered was unbelievable. I shared the Gospel more in Malaysia than in any other country—and I personally witnessed two salvations.
God is after every heart. If you want to hear those salvation stories, check out the blog here:
Looking back on all of this, I’m overwhelmed with gratitude. Who am I? I’m just a 19-year-old girl who said yes.
And somehow—God used me.
That’s the crazy part: God uses the willing.
It’s a dangerous prayer to say, “God, use me”—because He will. It hasn’t always been easy. Over these past eight months, the Lord has broken off so much fear of man in me. From sharing the Gospel when I could’ve been arrested, to performing dances in South Africa to make people laugh, to speaking truth to strangers, praying for drivers, stepping out when it made zero sense—I’ve done so many uncomfortable things.
But this isn’t a “yay me” moment. It’s a “wow, look at God” moment.
The Bible says those who fear the Lord lack nothing. And I’ve experienced that this year in the deepest way. I’ve had to choose over and over again: I’d rather look dumb, or be uncomfortable, if it means being obedient. I’d rather fear God than fear what others think of me.
So if you’re reading this, let me challenge you:
Step out in boldness this week.
Jesus is so worth it. There is freedom when we follow Him. Why keep that to ourselves?
Don’t wait for the perfect moment—because you’ll always find a reason to talk yourself out of it.
Take that step. Let God honor your obedience. Pray the dangerous prayer: “Use me.”
And watch Him do something amazing.
House visits have also made me want to be more hospitable.
There’s something powerful about being welcomed into a home and offered food—it breaks down walls. I might not have a house of my own right now, but I can still make people feel seen and loved wherever I go. That’s the heart of hospitality.
Writing this blog honestly makes me want to cry. I can’t believe the end is so close. Less than two weeks and I’ll be back in the States. Less than a month and I’ll be home.
It’s bittersweet—but I’m so, so thankful for every house visit I got to be part of.
Prayer Requests:
•Our last week of ministry here in Malaysia
•Fresh JOY
•Our Indonesia squad—they’re struggling a bit. Pray for motivation and joy for them every single day!
I love you all so much.
Thank you for reading. Be inspired. Be challenged. And most of all—say YES to Jesus this week.
With so much love,
Ashlyn
You are a blessing! Thank you for all the sharing you have done these past months. You are a changed young lady forever – because you said “Yes”. Thank you.
Love and prayers,
“ I’ve seen God move in wild, holy, tender ways.” I’m so glad you have these blogs to help you remember. God is faithful and constant; He will continue to move in wild, holy, and tender ways in your life, and I can’t wait to see the fruit of it.