It is a scene that has become all too familiar lately…the final goodbyes just a few weeks too soon. This morning I hugged goodbye to one of my bestest buddies and I am not sure I truly have come to grips yet with what that means.
We are all slowly preparing for the big goodbye in 34 short days, but this one came unexpectedly and too quickly. Lauren has been sick for over a week now and she was diagnosed with Typhoid yesterday. She has been fighting the fight for a long time and decided it was best to get well in the comforts of home. Hopefully she can re-join us for final debrief 🙂
Lauren and I became fast friends and were notorious for our little adventures. We have weathered homesickness, brokenness and everything in between together. I have truly laughed more with her than anyone else on the Race. We always managed to find the unusual everywhere we went and get ourselves into the most random of situations. From learning how to fight demons from a magical Pastor, Santa Claus in the malls of Hong Kong, buying pearls in China, riding elephants in Thailand, eating a LOT of ice cream in Africa and krispy kreme with Starbucks in Hong Kong, we have truly traveled the World together and I can’t think of a better person to do it with.
Lauren was always my biggest champion and I could always count on her when the chips where down. She knew the “look” that meant we needed to walk, talk and cry and she knew when to make me laugh. I love her like a sister and can’t wait to hug her neck again.
Lala, I love you and can’t wait til you come back. We are praying for a speedy recovery and miss you tons!!
Mucho love! Big Poppa
ps–Pillow Fight 2008-round two is waiting for you!!
