The excitement arose as the men of P squad told us ladies to be ready at 6 p.m. for dinner on Valentines Day. The most asked question by the ladies was “Do we need to get dressed up?” The boys responded that it was up to us and we took that as an invitation to go put on our best attire, World Race style, for most of us girls that meant a tank top tucked into a long maxi skirt that is tied into a “missionary knot”(a common look that allows you to feel cute while being modest at the same time). We were all running around, taking showers, borrowing each other’s clothes, doing each other’s hair, and doing each other’s makeup. It was like we were getting asked out on a first date. As I came down the stairs I saw them setting up for the night and not once did I think that the night was going to turn out the way I did. The men then instructed us to get in line because they were going to serve us by washing our feet, massaging our feet, and painting our toe nails. I found myself with this overwhelming feeling and was slightly nervous, had the giggles, and got slightly teary. So, I got myself in line to be pampered. As I sat in the chair to have my feet washed, coincidentally by one of my teammates, I was overwhelmed. My teammate began to tell me all the things that I have helped him through and the impact that I have had on his willingness to love. In that moment I was taken aback by the love I was feeling. It only grew stronger as he began to pray for me and encourage me.
I then moved on to the next station where I got my feet massaged, again by one of my teammates. Feeling more relaxed this time; I began to embrace the fact that people are willing to do nice things for me/us as women. He too began to encourage me and tell me the things that I have to offer to the team and to the squad. I left him feeling even more humbled. Then again, I moved on to the next station where I was greeted by a squad mate who then proceeded to paint my toenails, EW (in the Saturday night live voice). I mean, we are on the World Race, in the middle of the dessert where our feet are NEVER clean and even though we just had our feet washed, it by no means means that my feet look pretty and are pleasant to paint. However, he did it and joyfully at that. I, again, left that area humbled. I’ m sure these men had to humble themselves as well to make this possible. They all did it with a smile on their face and were so joyful and so willing to serve us with all they had. They also verbally encouraged us as a group of women that we are an asset to this squad and have helped them grow in so many ways.
Once all 47 women were through getting pampered, we were served dinner. Like any other night we ate a good meal and had good conversation. Dinner finished up and then the men had one last thing for us. The 11 of them came out with roses and cards. They personally handed out a handmade card and one rose to the each of us. Again, my card was from the same teammate that washed my feet and encouraged me as I have encouraged him. It was such an incredible night but I guess now the question is why this experience was so life changing and so humbling.
First things first is that it was Valentines Day, a day that most women dread when they are single. This Valentines Day was different. I, not once, even thought about it. On the race you kind of forget about what day it is anyway but I really had no recollection of what day it was until we were told to get ready. These men made this a Valentines Day that I have never experienced before. I have never been in an official relationship with a man let alone ever had a “valentine”. Those are things that I felt like I could only dream about and hope for one day. Well, I not only got my “wish” but it was more than I could have ever imagined. No man has ever treated me that well, and that well without impure intentions. I have never been given flowers let alone a handmade card with words straight from the heart and more importantly straight from the Lord.
Secondly, I realized who my true valentine was. It was God. He poured out through the men of my squad and was able to show me that His love is the only love that matters and it is way stronger than the love that any man could ever give me. He is immeasurably more and will always be there to love me.
That night was the night that I was “kissed by a rose” and my rose was God. He loved on me so much that night and was able to show himself through others.
