We’ve been on the World Race for 100 days now. Some days, it feels like we’ve been on the race for eternity, and some days, it feels like it was just yesterday that we boarded the plane in Atlanta headed for the Dominican Republic. There are some days that I question if I can make it another day; and then, there are days that I feel so alive that I never want it to end. But through it all, I’m learning to celebrate the hard, stretching, and refining moments, because I know good things will spring forth. This has been, undeniably, the most physically, emotionally, and spiritually challenging three and a half months of my life, yet I wouldn’t trade it for anything, because what I am learning about myself and Jesus makes it all worth while. So, here are 10 things I’ve learned in 100 days on the race:
1. Learn to love people for who they are, not who you want them to be. Living in community 24/7 is hard. You see people at their best and at their worst, and they see you in the same way. And that can be really difficult. But I’m learning that when you can celebrate the unique way that God made each person, there’s more love, and less frustration. You learn to love and cherish the little quirks about your teammates, the quirks only family really know. Put simply, just love people for who they are.
2. Never take transportation for granted. Or a shower. Transportation on the race is some kind of crazy. Whether it is a chicken bus, back of a pick-up, laying in the isle of a bus, or hanging out of a rapidito, you name it, we’ve done it or probably will in the course of these next seven months. And showers! Let’s just say, baby wipes and Febreeze save the day.
3. Let people in. Let people into your challenges. Let people into your celebrations. Life is meant to be lived in community. It’s scary to think that people might know the insecurities or the pain, but find people you trust, and let them in. You need encouragement and support in order to grow in your walk with Jesus; you can’t do it alone.
4. Racers naturally gravitate towards air conditioning, coffee, and wifi. If you find a place that has all three, watch out, you may never get rid of us.
5. The race isn’t all adventure. It’s not the pictures posted on Instagram. Sure, there are those breathtaking views and opportunities for once in a lifetime experiences. But most days, life feels ordinary. It’s a choice to make it an adventure. A choice to laugh about how much you are sweating or the mis-matched outfit you are wearing because it is all that you have left. It’s the only alternative worth considering.
6. Racers will do just about anything to get something pumpkin flavored. That includes driving six hours away for a pumpkin spice latte. It was so worth it, too. P.S. two pumps of white mocha and two pumps pumpkin is the way to go.
7. Don’t be afraid to dream big. Surround yourself with people that encourage your “crazy.” You need people who will encourage you to go after those dreams that you are afraid to even admit you have. Those dreams are worth sharing, and they’re worth going after.
8. Hot dogs are a main food group in Central America, and as a result, peanut butter becomes your best friend.
9. Journaling is good for the soul. It’s a place of remembrance. It’s a place I can go when I am desperate for hope. It’s a place to remember God’s faithfulness, how he is working, and even when I can’t feel him, a reminder that he’s been with me all along. When I take the time and look back, I am renewed.
10. Tell people around you how much they mean to you. Don’t let another moment go by without telling those closest to you how much you love them. These four months have shown me just how incredible my friends and family truly are, and my heart is so full from all of the love, encouragement, and prayers I’ve received. So hug your parents for me, snuggle a little closer to your best friends while watching your favorite t.v. show, and cherish all those little moments that are actually the really big moments. From the bottom of my heart, thank you to all those at home, I couldn’t do it without you!
