This blog was made especially for two of my Squadmates Brooke and Michaela (who spammed my Facebook with questions for me). Thanks for all of the questions, ladies!
How often do your clothes get moldy?
I only had problems with mold twice- once after a weekend I spent away from home in the Philippines (I had left my big pack in my tent. Bad life choice. There was a typhoon while I was gone.) The other time was, again, when I was tenting- this time in Africa. They told me Africa would be dry. They lied. I salvaged most of my belongings… some things, unfortunately, had to be tossed.
How many cups of coffee do you drink at debrief?
All the cups. For real. Debrief is for “relaxing” and “resting,” both of which I decide to not do- little sleep is had and this girl typically has a cup of coffee in her hand at all times. That, or I’m looking for my next fix.
Best way to kill mosquitoes- by hand or by swatting devices such as shoes?
Doom! At least in Africa, we had some bug spray… but when that ran out, I’ve always just used my hand. It’s more fun that way because then you get your blood all over your hand and since you’re in the bush in Africa you have no way to easily wash your hands.
How do you cook or what do you eat if you have no utensils? Peanut butter sandwiches- just use your fingers. At least 45% of my meals have consisted of PB. Or… an apple. And bread. And if you buy single-serve yogurts they typically come with their own little spoon!
Does the Race give people a newfound sense of courage?
Yes and no. Would I ever have had the courage to shave my head if I hadn’t been in Africa? Who knows… I think the Race forces you to choose- either shrink back and do the same old same old… or jump out of your comfort zone with courage and do some awesome stuff. You can do the Race either way: courageously, or in the shadows, “buying in” doesn’t happen automatically the choice is up to you.
On average, how many times do you wear an article of clothing before washing it?
So many times. I seriously don’t keep track. Some things like socks and underwear only make it a time or two but I can rock most articles of clothing multiple times and only do laundry once or twice in a month, especially if I’m washing it by hand (because, let’s be real, I don’t get it that clean anyway so what’s the point?) Being in Europe and having access to washing machines has definitely changed things up a bit and I will usually do laundry now at least twice a week.
About how many minutes a week do you spend completely by yourself
Zero. Or, maybe 5. This is mostly my fault- I legit love my teammates and I tend to follow them around like a puppy, even if we aren’t interacting. For example, right now I’m sitting in the sanctuary of the church we are living in with a group of people- we are all doing our own thing and not interacting at all, but I like sitting with them. At the beginning of the Race, I thought I would want more time alone but I realized that quality time is such a big love language for me. Sometimes I will walk a block to the grocery store by myself. Or go for a walk to the town center to get gelato by myself, but, more likely than not, I’ll choose to be with people.
What’s the best piece of feedback you’ve gotten?
Feedback is great because it’s a friend shining a light on a blind spot, enabling you to grow. At the beginning of the Race, I got a lot of feedback about my tone when I respond to people. I found out that it sometimes seemed like I was really irritated or dismissive in my responses when that wasn’t what I wanted to have come across at all. Lately, I’ve gotten a lot of feedback encouraging me to walk in the freedom and confidence I’ve discovered over the past 9 months. Good stuff.
What is the best thing you packed in your big pack?
Packing cubes. They are by far my favorite things. Or my Tieks (ballet flats). It was dumb for me to bring them (they molded up hardcore in Africa) but I’ve loved having them over the past couple months in Europe.
What’s the most awkward story you have about using a translator?
I’m always awkward with a translator. I always forget to give them time to translate so I stumble a lot. Also, when you’re having a conversation and the translator and the other person talk a bunch and laugh and then look at you and then doesn’t actually translate what just went down so you awkwardly laugh.
Preferred toilet: Regular (western) or squatty potty?
Western. Any day. All day.
Have you peed your pants or something else in your pants on the Race?
Um does peeing on myself while trying to figure out the squatty potty count?
What do you do when you have officially run out of toilet paper?
Drip dry. Pull up your pants and move on with life.
Thanks, ladies, I couldn’t have done this without you!
XOXO
