For Future Racers! (especially the gals)
Read with discretion, every Racer has a different experience and some of what I needed and didn’t need may be very different for you!
This was my route; my climate was cold in Eastern Europe and I gave away all my winter clothes when I moved to Africa. Africa was hot except for the mornings and evenings and Asia was hot, well, all of the time.
Serbia
Romania
Bulgaria
Macedonia
Zambia
Botswana
Namibia
Malaysia
Thailand
Cambodia
Vietnam
To Bring:
A full sized pillow: It’s easy to travel with and not having this was one of my biggest packing regrets on my Race
2 pillow cases for your pillow: This is much easier to wash than your actual pillow; bring one for travel and one for everyday living on the field
Leather working gloves: Not every team will do manual labor, but my first team did quite often and working gloves would have made hauling branches with thorns much easier
Small speaker: This is wonderful for watching movies with your team and worshiping together
Makeup: You won’t need it or want it very often, but trust me, a little mascara to remind yourself you are female is a pick me up you’ll be craving at debrief. It is especially good to bring if your route goes to Europe
Jeans: bring one pair-especially if your route goes to Europe, after 4 months of wearing sweat pants, putting on a pair of jeans reminded me that I’m not living in Finals Week constantly and I can wear something that gives me a shape other than potato
2 Extra Large quick dry towels: At REI you’ll think uh, I definitely don’t need an extra large! yeah, ya do, the large is basically a hand towel (this goes for every body type btw)
Laptop: don’t bring an iPad, you’ll regret it-having my laptop saved my sanity
Kindle: This has been my outlet, physical books all the way, but they are nearly impossible to bring along with you on the Race
Loofa: girllll, exfoliate.
Ziplock bags: bring a few, these are difficult to find on the Race & they come in very handy
Cards/card games: We played dutch blitz & loved it!
Leatherman: When you don’t have a can opener, you’ll want this handy multi tool
External Hardrive: Movies people, you’ll want to download them from other Racers, they are a nice escape when you get the chance
Powerstrip: They also sell smaller ones with 3 or 4 outlets including a USB port
For the ladies: Tampons are difficult to find overseas and they don’t include an applicator, if possible pack a years supply
Pictures from home: Something else I really wish I had brought. I would have loved to tape them up around my bed & have a tiny bit of home with me
A nice toiletry bag: Eagle Creak makes a really nice waterproof bag that comes with a hook so your items don’t have to be set on the floor
Plot Twist Item: A rolling backpack! I was the only person on my squad who brought a rolling backpack and I LOVED it! A lot of people have read not to bring one because of the added few pounds from the wheels, but my pack was still only 36 pounds at launch (lightest on my whole squad, yes I’m bragging) But I honeslty loved the way it opened like a suitcase more than I loved it having wheels. It unzipped fully and wasn’t just a deep dark hole like the other packs.
Not to Bring:
Mosquito Nets: You will be needing them, but more than likely your host will provide them for you
French Press: don’t bring this unless you are 1,000% committed
Boots for Eastern Europe: buy these from a second hand shop & give them away when you change continents
Extra journals: they are so heavy, take up a lot of space and in my Race experience I was able to find journals in every country
Study Bible: Too large and heavy, and not having this will force you to rely of hearing from the Lord during quiet time, but download a commentary to reference
Extra toiletries: I was able to find everything I needed oversees; toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, etc. (except good feminine hygeine products)
Maybe Bring if you have the space:
Compressible bowls and silverware: You’ll more than likely have utensils, plates, and bowls that your host will provide, but some of my squad mates used their compressible items quite often
Go Pro: This is incredible to have if you’ll use it. It is also more discreet than a large camera, so you can possibly get some shots you otherwise wouldn’t be able to capture
If you happen to be reading this blog and you are a future Racer’s friend or family member, write them letters to open as they journey on their Race. Either a letter labeled for each month or a letter labeled for certain events on the Race such as their birthday, for when they feel like they want to leave the Race early, when they need a good laugh etc. If possible, sneak into their big pack at launch!
To All Soon To Be World Racers:
Journal often, laugh a lot, press into your community, and try your very best to be present; keep your head and heart planted the same place your feet are planted. (also reminding myself of this as I sit here 12 days away from hitting American soil)
As a month 11 Racer about to travel home to America, good luck, brave friend.
God’s Speed
Elizabeth
