After finally overcoming jet lag, after about a week of being home, it’s time to start the phrase we alumni racers have come to know all too well: “It’s time to process”.
I’ll be completely honest. I have no idea what that really entails. So I figure, let’s start off simple. “How was your trip”? Just kidding. We all have joke, and maybe even rehearsed some responses to that infamous question. So of my teammates and I discussed before returning home how we would come back with a snarky, “Well tell me how your year was”. I can give you a 30 second response. But it’s not that exciting and detailed, because you just can’t really do it in 30 seconds. #11n11 not #11n30seconds. But I will respond with, “It was amazing”. Because sometimes that’s all you can do.
If I’m being honest, there have been some challenges since the whole Re-Entry process has begun. Aside from the already mentioned jet lag, there is also the whole 60+ degree temperature drop and also it’s Christmas time. To be honest that hasn’t bothered me, too much. I add a few extra layers when I go out, even in 50 degrees at times (is it really December in Illinois?). And I really don’t plan to go to the mall to do much Christmas shopping. I honestly am having a hard enough time as it is going into the grocery store. I’ve even been able (thankfully) to adjust to having a normal, comfy bed.
One thing that has surprised me though is unpacking. Don’t get me wrong, the first thing I did was a load of laundry of nearly every possession that made it home as soon as I woke up the next morning. But the idea of unpacking winter clothes and making my room a home has been so confusing.
For the past 11 months I have lived out of a 65 L backpack. Two small packing cubes of clothes. Even while on the Race, I typically didn’t fully unpack. For one, I couldn’t deal with clothes being sprawled everywhere. Also, I quickly programmed myself to the realization I would be leaving in another 3-4 weeks anyway. So what’s the point of unpacking. That’s how I felt when I initially was going through clothes. “What’s the point of unpacking? I’m just gonna leave in a few…”. Oh wait. Nope. I’m home.
Home. Home has been a backpack and 50+ incredible people who’ve been with me for the past 11 months. Now, home is currently here in frigid Illinois.
The cool thing is (pun intended…oh Josh & Teresa I miss you), even though I’m remaining in one place right now, physically. My spiritual journey is continuing. As I mentioned in my previous blog, “This is NOT the end”. God is only beginning this incredible journey. I will continue to move forward. I’m not sure what that looks like entirely. But I know that He is going to walk every step with me.
