As I sit in the air conditioned training center, surrounded by my squad mates, it is still hard to believe that we will be leaving for Guatemala in just a few short days. Our squad was asked to travel to Atlanta a few days before the rest of the squads for storytelling training. I definitely was not sure what that really meant. My mind was filled with thoughts of saying goodbye to my friends, family and coworkers during my flight from Washington to Georgia. I kept thinking of my dad hugging me at the airport and telling me how I am doing it, I’m following my dreams and how few people actually do that in their lives.
I was thrilled to be greeted upon arrival to Atlanta by many of my squad mates who had arrived before me. We all had this palpable energy for the adventure that is ahead of us. After a bus ride from the airport to Adventure in Missions where we were reunited with the rest of our teams, leaders and team from Gray Media. Soon it was explained that the original idea for the World Race documentary project has changed a little from the original idea; and that our teams all had the opportunity to carry cameras to catch stories along the way. The following days would be spent teaching us to use the cameras, audio equipment and the heart of storytelling. A nervousness filled me from head to toe as I heard these words and looked at the technology before me. I had heard about the documentary a couple months after my acceptance to World Race and thought it would be fine— some people could be filmed whenever the film crew flew out to see us while I’m in the background loving people, playing with orphans, teaching or building. Now this project would be all around us and a part of our everyday life.
It was in seeing the hearts of everyone with Gray Media that I was able to calm my nerves and become so excited about becoming a storyteller and the possibility of bringing a voice to the voiceless. I may not be slick with a camera; but am surrounded by a team that can help me with the technical side. It was incredible to watch people’s fears morph into excitement as time went on.
Yesterday afternoon we had the opportunity to go out into Gainesville, GA with our teams and film a video inspired by the word “feedback.” Although the technical side of the video still had kinks, the video about the funny things World Racers say during team feedback. It was a blast to make. While we were in a local Mexican restaurant for brainstorming ideas; we met the beautiful family who owns the business. When we returned hours later to work on editing, we were able to meet the father of the family, Gustavo. He was a very kind man who played guitar, sang and shared his heart with us. It was such a great time for our team to work together and bond!
We have a couple days left and are expecting to head to a hotel tomorrow for launch. We will be meeting with 6 other squads who will be leaving for their adventures at the same time.
Additionally, our route has changed again. The new route that was announced is:
Guatemala
Nicaragua
Philippines
Vietnam
Thailand
Cambodia
Nepal
Botswana
Swaziland
Ukraine
Albania
Thank you again for all your thoughts and prayers!!
