Ever since officially commiting to be a World Racer, I've been sharing the exciting news with my friends and family. The majority of reactions that I have gotten have been extremely supportive and excited! I have some great people around me who are 100% behind my decision! And some people have asked me some very good questions that I wanna share the answers to! So here we go!
That's right, 11 countries in 11 months!
I am graduating early! After realizing my dream of making this happen, I did some planning and I will be able to graduate a semester early. So I will be in school until December and then leave in January.
"You're going to be on TV?!"
Nope, that's The AMAZING Race! Although I think this race will be pretty amazing as well!
"Why don't you want to get a job?"
Well, I suppose for multiple reasons. I guess the simple answer is that I'm not ready yet. I am not sure what sort of career I want yet. And I have always felt a passion for mission work, so I am really excited to explore this plan that God has so clearly set out in front of me! Maybe I'll get a job later!
"Do you know anybody else going?"
Nope! But I am so excited to get to know them! It'll be really cool to meet some people whom I share a passion for travel and missions with!
"What about your other commitments at home?"
I'm working on those. Hopefully I'll be able to figure out things like loan payments and rent commitments. I'm working on things one step at a time! The benefit of signing up this far in advance is that I have plenty of time to figure out the details and logistics!
"What did your parents say?"
Well, I am the proud daughter of the world's most supportive and understanding parents! They are so excited for me and are very actively involved in my planning and making this dream a reality. Although, my Mom already seems to be plotting a visit…
"Are you going to miss anything at home?"
With my crazy family, any time away means I'm missing something exciting! However, there are a whole bunch of exciting things happening between now and my departure: both of my brothers are graduating, one from high school and one from college, my older brother is getting married and my younger brother is departing for his year-long commitment with Americorps!
And obviously, I'll be missing the last semester of my Senior year. That's one semester of memories with great friends and also, graduation ceremony in May. However, I know the benefits of going on the race will far outweigh what I am going to miss. I'm excited to share my experience with my friends and family before, during and after the Race!
"So how much does this thing cost?"
$13,500… which is an extremely intimidating number, considering I have never had in my posession any amount of money close to 5 digits long. The cost covers airfare, food, lodging and the majority of things that I will need on the race! But there are also a lot of things that I will need to buy on my own before the race. However, I'm starting my fundraising now! So be on the look out for my support letter, T-shirts and other fundraisers! I'm putting so much faith into my amazing God and my incredible family and friends! If you are interested in helping me out, click "Support Me!" on the left side of my blog page or contact me!
"How are you going to pack for 11 months?"
Lightly!! I have to be able to easily carry everything that I bring! Therefore, it all needs to be in a backpack. Yes, that's right, one travel backpack worth of belongings for 11 months! However, if you know me, this isn't quite as scary as it might be to most people! I'm not exactly fashionably inclined, my hair is an untamable mess and there are very few items that I would consider absolutely necessary in my life.
"What will you be doing?"
Good question! The truth is that I don't really know yet! The daily activities will vary each month and for some, day to day! But things like spending time in orphanages, teaching English, building schools, homes and churches, and spreading God's word and His love! What ever we do, we'll do it in His name, with His love and for His people!
"Where will you sleep?"
Another great question! Again, this will depend on where we are within each country. I will need to purchase a personal tent, sleeping mat and bag and carry them all with me in my backpack! So for at least a couple of the months, I will be using those as my new personal, traveling home! However, other months we will be staying in churches, and in the homes of gracious new friends.
