Dear future racer,
Get ready! The most intense year of your life is about to begin, but only if you want it to be. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned about life on the race, is that you get out what you put in.
Our squad genuinely loves each other, and fights for each other. But that’s not the case for every squad. Get to know your squad mates, they will become your family for the next 11 months. There won’t be many people back home that will be able to relate to what you’re going through and seeing.
Rely on your teammates for more than just ministry purposes. Take advantage of the close community. Let your teammates build you back up when you’re feeling at your lowest. Some of my favorite months on the race were months when my team bonded over our far from normal living conditions and the crazy things you do to fill your time without constant Internet.
Bonding with your team doesn’t mean though that you have to give up on your alone time. Find a routine each month to have your personal time- whether sitting with your headphones on in your room, or finding a corner on the property to escape to each day. You need to find a balance that works for you, and it will probably change each month.
Some months it’s easy to check out and find your mind wandering off to what’s to come in the next country or continent, before even having one week of ministry under your belt in the current month. When you start feeling this way, pray every single morning before heading to ministry to be present in that day. It really does work to keep you focused. You’ll soon find yourself at the end of a month, loving everything that you experienced.
Don’t forget the moments that changed you! Even if you’re not a regular at writing in the pages of your journal, write down important events and lessons you learned. You’ll appreciate it at the end of the year when you start to process exactly why God brought you through certain experiences.
And most importantly, thank God continually for where you’re at! So many people back home only dream of the places and people you’ll meet along the way. Some days don’t even feel real because they’re that incredible. Remember those moments. Take pictures. And don’t forget how blessed you are to be starting this unforgettable adventure.
Sincerely,
A soon-to-be World Race Alum
