One of the many questions they ask you when you’re signing up for The Race is: “Have you ever camped before?” How do I put this delicately? Heck no. My idea of “rouging it” is when my Dad says no air conditioner during the night and my brothers and I role our eyes in agony as we bear another sweaty night in our custom made mattresses. Pure torture.
However, for whatever God given reason, living out of a backpack for a year sounds oddly appealing. To be broken of my cute California lifestyle will be the furthest thing from easy (yes, I’ve complained that the Starbucks drive through wasn’t fast enough) but when God calls you, saying “no” really isn’t an option…
On this trip I will be taking all things familiar and tossing it out the window, every convenience I’ve ever had will be no more. To help get there, I’m going to need equipment. I’m trading in my extra long twin bed (#TallPeopleProblems) for a backpack. My shower for a shower bag (it’s a real thing) and my Urban Outfitters summer boots for Crocs (I got so many compliments on those boots!)
Yes, financially I will need assistance, but I’m also praying that you would consider supporting me through buying some essential equipment that I will cherish while on the field. Below I’ve listed some items (prices ranging from least expensive to most expensive) and the links where you can purchase them. If you so generously decide to donate, please let me know what you bought and I’ll take it off the list, you will also have my eternal gratitude (;
- Sweatpants/Shorts – Ah yes, good ol’ lounge wear. Considering that most blogs I’ve been reading say I will live in these, I will love them forever. Size (L) here’s a couple more options as well: Option 1 Option 2 Option 3 Shorts
- T-Shirts/Tanks – I’ve always said that if I could, I would live in T-Shirt & jeans for the rest of my life. Welp, that dream is coming true, at least for 11 months. Cotton is going to be my best friend. Here are other options Size (XL): Option 1 Option 2 Option 3
- Pocket Knife – My Mother will be happy I put this on the list, she’s all for safety and consistently saying “always be aware of your surroundings!” my mom will personally hug you at the purchase of this gift.
- Towel – A towel will come in handy the three times I take a shower (kidding…!) and this guy right here will do the trick.
- Dress – Yes! There will be an opportunity for me to dress up every once and a while and when that moment comes, this dress will work perfectly. Size (L)
- Skirts – Because “crotchless sweatpants” is totally a thing and this guy embodies it, size (L) Option 1
- Pocket Shower – A shower in your pocket people. Do I need to say more? Help keep me clean!
- Croc Sandals – You could not PAY me enough money to believe that one day I would be in desperate need of Croc Sandals, and yet, here we are. These bad boys would serve me so well as I dance and worship with the children of Zambia and walk the streets of Cambodia.
- Nike Shoes – These sweet kicks will serve as life savers as I’m working the mission field, digging holes for water wells or building a church. Plus, they look amazing.
- Day Pack – I’ll be traveling in style with this guy on my back. Durable and a great fit for what I’ll be carrying with me throughout the cities and rural parts of the country. (Bermuda Turquoise/Aqua)
- External Hard Drive – I will be gramming FOR DAYS on my iPhone and I’ll want to share hilarious videos and pictures back home to all of you and this guy will help me do it. Do trust, 30 Rock and classics like “The Devil Wears Prada” will also going with me.
- Tent – Ah yes, my bed for the next 11 months. I’ll be sleeping under the stars in Africa and cry looking at all the spiders in this very needed gear.
- Sleeping Pad – Fun fact, a sleeping bag is just one half of the equipment I’ll need for the journey. The sleeping pad will serve as a mattress and the bag as the blankets. Who knew?!
- Backpack – I just want to say, that if you buy this for me know that you will be in my memoir one day. This will literally carry me through this journey and will be my new best friend. (Midnight/Cobalt blue)
- Sleeping Bag – You too will also be in my memoir if you purchase this sleeping bag. This will serve me throughout the 11 months and will be used very thoroughly!(Galaxy Blue/Squash Long)
So here they are, 15 essentials that will incredibly bless me as I head out on the field. I can’t thank you guys enough for tracking with my journey, thank you in advance for your generosity when it comes to purchasing items. I believe in a God that meets us at our level of expectation, and I believe believe in a GREAT God.
Sleeping on the floor until January!
M
