In my ideal world, people would do what I wanted them to do, when I wanted them to do it, rather than what they’re supposed to do. But, we don’t live in my ideal world, do we?
That’s probably a good thing overall, but as I sit at the kitchen table writing this, 6 days away from leaving, with my passport somewhere in the Indian Embassy in Chicago, it’s more than slightly frustrating. After several phone calls, an email, and lots of terrible “hold” music, I’m in the exact same position as when I mailed it in on May 27. Needless to say, I’m frustrated. While they took all of my information, saying they would try to hurry it along, there is no guarantee that it will be done by Sunday. Or I guess, Friday. Isn’t that lovely. While I know it will all work out, it would have been super great if it worked out 3 weeks ago. But alas, this isn’t my ideal world.
I’m scared that I won’t get my passport back in time. It’s kind of important when you’re supposed to be traveling to 11 countries. I’m scared I’m forgetting to pack things. I’m scared I’m packing things I don’t need. I’m scared everyone at home is going to move on without me. I’m scared because my brother made me watch Silence of the Lambs, assuring me it wasn’t a scary movie (spoiler alert: it is). I’m scared that I’ll get attacked by cobras in Nepal (they have a cobra season. WHAT?!?!?). There’s lots of fears involved when you’re alive. Fears about the future. Fears about the immediate. But thankfully, God is bigger than my fears. God is bigger than my expectations. Not only is He bigger, but he cares enough to help me through them. Isaiah 41:13 says “For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.” How beautiful is that?
Which brings me to Skittles. In my opinion, there are few things in the food realm that rank above Skittles. They’re so bright and sunny, immediately brightening any day. This isn’t the point of the blog where I admit that I’ve eaten 16 bags of skittles today because I’m stressed. I haven’t had any. As far as you know. It is the point of the blog where I admit that I’m fairly certain that I now have everything I need for the Race, including a jumbo pack of Skittles.
It’s crazy. In 6 days, I’ll be saying bye to Peshtigo, bye to Squid, bye to my big comfy bed, and heading to Atlanta. It’s crazy and exciting and real. It’s actually happening. And 4 days after that, I’ll be boarding a plane bound for Nepal. Beginning the adventure of a lifetime, with my trusty Skittles by my side.
