I know I haven't mentioned this yet, so let me explain a little first. Beauty for Ashes is based on Isaiah 61:3, "... to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes..." The goal is basically to empower women and help them to exchange their ashes for beauty!

We had our first Beauty for Ashes event on Saturday (the week before we launched for domestic missions). All day long, girls who were given a role on the Beauty for Ashes team decorated, planned, and made food! They put so much effort into making it all feel so special!

We walked into the Training Center, where long rows of tables had been decorated by flowers and candles, glass goblets and gold plates. Everyone found their assigned seat, which had been set apart by a calligraphy note with their name on it. Cold lemonade and lemon infused water were set out, for us to help ourselves, and Squads were mixed, so we could make new friends!

After dinner was served, one speaker from each Squad went up to speak on a woman from the Bible. We heard about Mary and Martha, and how we just need to rest at Jesus's feet. We heard about Miriam, and how we're called to lead sometimes, and at other times, to follow. We heard about Jael (in Judges), who used what she knew (being a good housewife) to be a warrior of the Lord!

The teachings were short, but so much more powerful for it!

Worship was simple and sweet, and we were invited to worship in the posture that God called us to praise Him in.

When it was done, we took pictures, cleaned up, and danced to the music in the background! Honestly, the clean up was just as much fun as the actual event!

I love how intentional the World Race is about stepping into the unique giftings God has given all of us! He created us all with a specific purpose in mind! Like a puzzle where we're all an individually shaped and completely unique piece!