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Ways Unexpected

| written by Alece Ronzino | 1 comments

It happens every year. 

My One Word 365 unfolds in ways unexpected.

As usual, I started the year with an idea of what I hoped my word would accomplish in me. And, par for the course, I’ve already been surprised to discover how much more it holds.

Inevitably, there are layers to it that I don’t even know to anticipate.

When 2016 began, I had no clue that badassery would lead me to buy a second home, wear things I swore I’d never wear, say yes to uncomfortable situations and say no to things that aren’t life-giving, feel my own confidence growing, or share publicly about my chronic illnesses.

And I certainly didn’t imagine that badassery would take me to Southeast Asia.

badassery

Back in January, I sent off my passport to be renewed. Ten years and thirty countries worth of stamps later, it was time for my fourth passport. With my current one expiring this summer, I figured I’d just go ahead and start the renewal process early.

When I mailed it off at the post office, the postal worker asked me if I had an adventure planned for which I would need my passport. “Sadly not,” I told her. “But I want to be ready in case one comes my way!”

Three days later I received an invitation to Southeast Asia.

This Friday, I’ll be boarding a plane with my passport, carry-on, and badassery in hand. I’m traveling there to experience The Exodus Road‘s work in action, as they help search for and rescue victims of sexual slavery and human trafficking. 

I still feel pretty stunned by the humbling and overwhelming opportunity I’ve been presented with: To see, experience, and partner with true badasses, risking their lives to help end modern day slavery… I just keep shaking my head in disbelief.

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I know I will witness and learn all manner of intense, heartwrenching things, and that the emotional heaviness will likely be tangible for this deep-feeler. But I will also get to experience a new and beautiful culture and see hope at work, piercing through the profound darkness.

I want to be able to clearly see, feel, embrace, and then share both sides of that bittersweet paradox.

Walk with me?

Walk with me into these stories of oppression and liberation, of darkness and light, of despair and hope?

Do me a favor and follow The Exodus Road wherever you typically hang out online. This way you’ll get all the updates along the way, even when I may be unable to post.

Follow The Exodus Road on:

Facebook    *    Twitter    *    Instagram

I’m eager to share this whole journey with you as it unfolds. Even the uncomfortable bits and the parts that I can’t reconcile and the answerless questions. (Maybeespecially those things…)

Yet again… Ways unexpected.

Walk with me?

After pioneering a nonprofit in South Africa for 13 years, Alece Ronzino now lives in Nashville, TN. She’s a vacation rental management firm owner, freelance copywriter/editor, and the founder of One Word 365. More importantly, she dances in the car, talks with her hands, and makes a mean guacamole. Follow Alece on Instagram and Twitter, and visit her blog, Grit and Glory.