Train ride through Transylvania
Guess who has two thumbs, a giant smile and $15500?? THIS GIRL! That’s right. I am FULLY FUNDED. I logged on to check my account late last night and got to experience that beautiful
Balance: $0.00
I’m currently sitting on a westbound Romanian train headed for Deva. I’ve experienced 8 days of travel from Chincha, Peru–>Lima, Peru–>Santa Cruz, Bolivia–>Panama City, Panama–>Washington D.C, USA–>Istanbul, Turkey–>Bucharest, Romania. We arrived last night, grabbed a city bus into town and followed a random Romanian man named Dan through the wet streets to our hostel. I love hostels, not just when I’m exhausted from travel, but in general I think they’re so fantastic. I love how unique each one is reflecting the whimsy and hospitality of it’s owner. Being greeted last night with a front gate sign that said “Push it. Push it real good.” was a fantastic sign (pun intended) that this would make it to my hostel faves list. A ‘no shoes’ rule, mismatched Ikea decor, hot shower (!), and glorious quilt made me a happy camper, except for the nice touch that I didn’t have to actually camp. After scrubbing the 3 days of flight travel off, I burrito-ed myself into my quilt on my bed and pulled out my laptop. That’s when I was given the post-travel “cherry on top” of knowing I was fully funded.
All Racers dream about the day that they can experience their days without the lingering worry about funds. That worry is even more plaguing after you leave and you can’t plan fundraisers or effectively network to the sweet grey hair’s at your church who don’t have Facebook (I’d generalize and say Grandma’s who don’t have FB but my Grandma is super cool and does). So now it’s come for me. It’s like accepting an Oscar. I finally get to give that acceptance speech I’ve been practicing for months! You like me! You really, really like me!
In all seriousness, I couldn’t have ever made it here on my own. Without the family, friends and anonymous donors I wouldn’t be riding a train through Transylvania on my way to tackle month number 4. I wouldn’t get 11 months of my “best life” to live palms up, ready to be used by God. I’ve been given the opportunity to be His hands and feet.
Mom and Daddy, you have supported me in more ways than you will even know. You are my campaign managers, advertisers and cheerleaders. I think everyday about how it would’ve probably been easier for me to move out of the house into an apartment across town instead of into a backpack across the globe. But it’s almost like you heard God calling me, too, and took your position as my foundation. For that, with my love, I thank you.
This isn’t about money. The clean balance is just a reminder that I’m right where I’m supposed to be. I’m not carrying this backpack all over the earth alone, but instead with the support of a whole load of people who love me and believe in me. I hope I do you all proud. Thank you for loving me. Thank you for believing in me. And thank you for making it to the last line and not kicking me offstage with that awkward ‘wrap it up’ music.
