On July 2nd my perspective took a turn into reality as I had said my ‘see you laters’ to many friends in Roanoke and as I drove out of Virginia (also known as Vermont…) I had turned in my apartment key, my office key, my work phone and now all my belongings were packed. It was a big gulp moment knowing that now, July, my prep time, is here.
I have been anxiously waiting for this new season to begin. While trying to finish strong at Jefferson and set the stage well for the transition, I was occupied with soaking up all the moments. The Race was in the future, but I couldn’t quite grasp that it was getting closer. There have been so many precious moments in the last few weeks as I shared meals, played games, soaked up conversations, went on runs, banked a few hugs for a later time and learned a few last ‘southernisms.’ I have appreciated all the many blessings of my time there. But now, here was the moment. I grabbed my keys, that were a lot lighter and reality began to sink in.
On the road I began transitioning to being mindful of the Race. It began to sink in that I don’t have a permanent home when my nephew was asking where I lived…”uh, I’ll be moving a lot.” And my to-do lists are needing some attention as I gather my shots and as my days in the United States is down to double digits. There are many unknowns ahead and it’s fun to put them into prespective. As much as I am confident that God has prepared LSquad (those I’ll be traveling with) to be exactly what we all need; I also know that I don’t know them yet. I don’t know where I’ll be sleeping or eating or doing in September, or even 10 months after that. I’m excited to be in this preparation state and to be getting my ducks in a row.
I’ll be preparing by getting my logistics in order, by soaking up time with family and friends, by processing and reflecting on my time in Virginia, by enjoying some American sweets and most importantly asking God what He has for these 2 months ahead before departure.
Time until training camp is short, I’ve got 2 weeks to learn how to back my backpack in the most efficient way. I’ve got two weeks prepare myself to meet my new buds for the next year. I’ve got two weeks to continue to remind myself that the big departure is only 2 short months away. And I’ve got two weeks to soak in all the blessings that have come in this Race adventure up until now.
July is here. This is real life.
*** FUNDRAISING NOTE***
Passing $14,000 has Blown my mind!!! I never would have thought that I’d be here after 2 months of fundraising. I”m incredibly grateful for all the contributions to this trip and for teaming up with me on this journey. Thank you for all your support, both tangible and emotional. Thank you, thank you, thank you. It’s an amazing blessing!!!
