Newly accepted World Racers are suggested to write about a few different topics, kind of as an introduction. We need to tell everyone who we are, how in the world we ended up signing up for a year of sleeping in tents and bucket showers, and what we expect to happen while on the race. The first two were easy- I could just talk about my story. That last one, the expectations? That’s a little tougher. I don’t know what to expect! Of course I’ve read about a billion blogs, so I have an idea of things people have done in the past, but I know that every race is different. I know that two people on the same team could take different things from the journey.
So, what do I expect on mine?
The more I thought about how to word my uncertainty, something I memorized in college stood out to me: “To fill, to find, to know, to love.” These are the beginnings of every sentence of my sorority’s creed. Walking through the creed, I found that the words fit perfectly with what I expect to happen in the upcoming year. Who would’ve thought that those lines I worked so hard at memorizing could be put to use in this kind of situation?
“To fill my days with satisfying activity,”
I expect my days on the race to be filled with new experiences, new faces, new loved ones, and new foods. Now, the creed says “satisfying activity”… and I’m sure there will be some days that don’t seem so satisfying. However, I will have the opportunity every single day grow deeper in friendships and in my relationship with the Lord. I can choose to make less-than-great situations wonderful. Sounds pretty satisfying to me!
“To find dominant beauty in art, literature, nature, and friendships,”
Over the course of the year, I expect to witness the Lord’s greatest masterpieces in nature. I’m a sucker for a good sunset (just ask anyone who’s been around me at dusk), and thinking about sunsets in 11 countries across the world brings the biggest smile to my face!
I expect to find beauty in the hearts of those I meet- from ones I’m working and living alongside to ones I meet on the street.
“To know the peace and serenity of a divine faith,”
When life is getting crazy, I know that the good Lord will be right there with me, filling me with His peace. I’m already experiencing this during my preparation, and I know that it will continue on the journey. I expect to share His love with others, making it that much sweeter.
“I am leaving you with a gift- peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” John 14:27
“Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9
“To love life and joyously live each day to its ultimate good.”
Do I need to go into more detail about this one? I’ll be traveling around the world with other people my age, living in places most people never get to visit, and sharing adventures that many will never get to experience. Yeah, I think I’ll be loving life. Just a little.
So, what do I expect on mine?
I expect to live out the creed.
