So we are nearing the one month mark left on the race. And I’ve been starting to think about culture shock and readjustment back to life in the States. I have no idea what it’s going to be like. But I think about all the things that have become normal for me here on the race. Things that are very different from life in the States. I know it’s a little long, but I promise it’s worth your time reading and is helpful in knowing what spending time with me may look like. So I just wanted to take the time to apologize in advance for a few things for when I return to the good ol’ US of A.
I’m sorry…..
1. For not knowing anything about music, movies, or culture.
Let’s face it. I’ve been living under a rock this year. Although I have seen a few movies in the theaters. But I can’t sing along with the radio. I have no idea what shows are on tv or playing in theaters. Don’t be surprised if I ask you what the name of a song is on the radio, even if it is the most overplayed song.
2. For not being able to decide anything.
You mean I have to choose because there’s more than one option? I have more options than just what’s in my backpack? Oh crap. I don’t know how to choose anymore.
3. For wearing the same outfit all week.
I didn’t sweat in it. I’ve been able to take multiple showers this week. I can still smell the detergent. Surely it’s clean. There’s no point in putting on different clothes when these definitely still smell okay.
4. For asking you if the tap water is clean.
You mean I can just drink it? I’m not going to get raging diarrhea? Or parasites? And I don’t have to pay for it?
5. For wanting everything to eat.
Chipotle. Chick fil A. Hacienda. Red Robin. Sushi. Thai. Chinese. Indian. Aladdin’s. I don’t know. I’m sure I’ve forgotten something. Everything. All the things. I. Want. It. All.
6. For accidentally throwing my toilet paper in the trash can.
Flushing it down the toilet won’t break the toilet and plumbing? I think we’ve been throwing away our toilet paper since Asia. So since April. Old habits die hard. But I promise I’ll take care of it if I do throw it in the trash.
7. For getting excited about every little thing.
It’s all so exciting! I haven’t seen this in a year! This is so great!
8. For starting many conversations with “This one time when I was in…”.
So many stories. So many great memories. So many laughs. So many tears. I want to share it all and let you into my world and the rest of the world.
9. For accidentally slamming on the brakes in the car.
I haven’t driven a car in 11 months. Traffic has been crazy in all the different countries. Driving on the left side of the road at times. I don’t know what’s normal anymore. And I’m praying, more than anything, that there isn’t snow yet on the ground until at least December.
10. For not replying to emails this past year.
I so appreciate every one of you that has reached out to me while I’ve been on the race. Whether it’s a text, Facebook message, email, birthday card – I’ve loved it all. They have been a huge encouragement to me. And I’m sorry if I never replied. But just know that your efforts weren’t lost or not appreciated! So thank you!
11. For kissing you on the cheek.
That Latin America culture has me automatically kissing you on the cheek before I give you a hug. It’s crazy how quickly that becomes natural.
12. For speaking in Spanish.
No, I’m not fluent. But some responses and phrases have become way more natural than English. So natural where I’m not even sure what the proper English response is anymore. Hopefully you’ve become fluent in Spanglish this year too so we can communicate.
13. For crying.
I’m not sure if this will be true because I don’t really know how I’m going to feel. But please excuse me if I just start crying randomly. Please just give me a hug and a moment to collect myself.
14. For not knowing everything going on in your life.
It’s been surprising how much I have been able to keep in touch with some people. But there has also been a lot of information about your life that has fell through the cracks. Please don’t get upset or frustrated when you have to remind me of things going on in your life. I’ll do my best to catch up as quickly as possible.
15. For being a hermit.
I’m an introvert. And I’ve constantly been with at least 5 other people for the past 11 months. Never a moment by myself. Need I say more?!
16. For being outraged at the prices of everything.
You mean going out to a nice sushi place is going to cost me more than $4? And I have to pay more than $2 for a plate of pad thai that doesn’t taste quite like the real thing?!
17. For ignoring people who talk to me in stores & other public places.
Not that I have ignored everyone in public for the past 11 months. But most people that talk to me in public are either trying to sell me something or are yelling at me to get my attention because I’m a white girl. So ignoring is my go to. It’s not you. It’s me.
18. For automatically going to the back seat of the car even if it’s just the two of us.
With the exception of the occasional taxis, I haven’t rode in the front seat of a car this whole year. And when a majority of your teammates get car sick and you don’t, you get well-acquainted with the back seat of vehicles. Back seat middle, with my feet on the hump.
19. For nothing surprising me.
I thought I was pretty flexible from working at camps before the race. Once I’ve been served guinea pig at lunch and am expected to eat it, well, there’s just not a whole lot that is going to surprise me or throw me off guard. Being told to say something in front of a crowd? Still not my favorite, but I’ll manage and word vomit something.
20. For giving you feedback.
This year, I’ve learned a lot about saying the hard things even when I don’t want to or it’s hard. I’m not really sorry about doing that to you. But I’m sorry if it catches you off guard and you don’t know what to do with it. Saying the hard things is good. And produces a lot of growth in both you and me. Say the hard things to me too. And let’s add some more depth to our relationship.
21. For standing in the aisle at the grocery store and potentially crying.
You mean there’s more than one kind of peanut butter? And actual coffee creamer? You’re telling me I can actually know what the store will and won’t have and won’t have to go all over creation to find what I’m looking for? There’s specific departments and like items are in the same aisle? And one-stop shopping?
22. For being incapable of doing anything by myself.
Like I said before, I’ve always been with at least 5 other people this year. Decisions are made collectively. We do everything as a team. I can barely go to the bathroom by myself. It’s been a while since I’ve done much on my own. So if I ask you to do something with me, humor me, okay?
23. For asking how much things cost in USD.
So you’re telling me the price I see on the tag is what I’m actually going to pay for it? I don’t have to do any conversions in my head? I can’t barter for a lower price? I’m not going to be overcharged because I’m a Mzungu?
24. For taking too long of showers.
The sweet relief of not worrying about the water running out or stopping as soon as I have shampoo in my hair. It takes time to scrub off all the layers of dirt from Africa.
25. For singing a little too loud in church.
Hey, I know this song. Well maybe I don’t, but I can at least read the lyrics on the screen and try to sing along. I’m so so excited to worship again with my family at Harvest. See you November 27th at the 11am service!
26. For not having as tight of a filter out in public.
For the past 11 months, I don’t have to worry about many people understanding what I’m saying, especially when I’m out in public. So I’m sorry if I embarrass you with something that I say and someone overhears. I’ll try to tighten my filter again quickly. At least when we’re out in public.
27. For not being appropriately dressed for the occasion.
On the race, most of the time, you’re never appropriately dressed for the occasion. And you get used to it. So most times, you don’t even think about what clothes you’re putting on and wearing. It will take some time getting used to actually thinking about what I need and should wear again. Don’t be afraid to tell me I need to go back to my room and change. I’ll thank you later for it.
28. For talking to every kid I see.
Stranger danger? What’s that? Kids I’ve never met before aren’t going to run to greet me and then hold my hand as we walk around with no parents in sight? I promise I’m not a creeper. My goal this year has been to at least try and make every kid I see smile and on a good day, laugh.
29. For being super complicated when I order food at a restaurant.
It’s an exciting day when I don’t have to point to what I want to order, not really knowing exactly what I’m ordering. So excuse me while I actually order what I want to eat for once in my life.
30. For not answering my phone when you call.
I haven’t had my phone for the past 11 months. The only time I get texts are if I have wifi. So first I have to remember to take my phone with me places. Then I’ll try to know what to do when it starts ringing and vibrating in my pocket. But I’m sorry if I don’t answer right away. It will take time to know that’s my ringtone sounding.
31. For complaining about the cold.
For the majority of the year, I’ve lived in a state of everlasting summer. I’ve sweat more than I ever have, even more than running two half marathons. I’ve worn sandals all year. I don’t know what hats and gloves are anymore. And I’m pretty sure my blood has thinned out. Which is harsh considering I’ll be coming back to the midwest at the start of winter. I’ll do my best to get it together, but I may be a whimp when it comes to the cold. Just hand me a warm cup of coffee and extra blanket and that should shut me up.
32. For asking where I can hang my clothes to dry.
You mean I don’t have to strategically plan when to do my laundry because I can get them back clean the same day? There’s a machine that exists that makes my clothes dry in an hour? I don’t have to put on slightly damp clothes anymore? What is this gadget? And how do I work it?
33. For not remembering how to get to the places I once knew.
Please don’t make fun of me if I ask you for directions to your house. I know I used to know it by heart. But since then, I’ve learned how to get home in 11 different countries without getting too lost. I promise to only ask for directions once. And then hopefully it’s just like riding a bicycle.
34. For getting confused on how much money is worth.
All these bills look the same. And these coins are worth values. I don’t have to give the cashier exact change? They won’t run out of change to give back to me? Are you sure, because in Africa there were times when I lost money because they didn’t have any change to give back to me.
35. For zoning out in church.
The only time I’ve been able to understand the messages in church is when one of my teammates was preaching. But other than that, I’ve noticed that I’ve let my mind wander. I’m not used to being able to understand every word. I want to pay attention. I promise. But I think it will take a couple of weeks to focus for that long.
36. For talking too long/too much to the waiter or cashier.
I can hold a conversation! Wahoo! So that means you’re going to have trouble getting me to shut up. Especially in every day conversation. With everyone.
37. For trying to use my converter.
You mean I can just plug in my cord? It’s a normal outlet? With space for 3-prongs? And there’s more than one outlet in the room! What sweet relief to not have a string of cords that is most definitely a fire hazard. No more back up battery packs either.
38. For not knowing which way to greet you.
Do I shake your hand while holding my elbow? Do I kiss you on the cheek? Do I bow to you? Do I give you a hug? Surely not just say hello. That’s can’t be right, can it?
39. For not being able to answer basic questions.
I know I know the answer to this. But the words just aren’t coming.
40. For sitting on the floor instead of the chair.
That floor looks pretty comfortable. And there’s carpet. Bonus! I think the nicest chairs I’ve sat on this year were plastic lawn chairs. So if you offer me the couch or the recliner, there’s a good chance you’re never going to get me to move.
41. For getting sick after you feed me a really great meal.
Rice and bread. My only two basic food groups on the race. So anything else, especially any processed food just will be rough. I promise it tasted good and I enjoyed it. Eventually my stomach will be able to handle it again.
42. For thinking any trip under 20 hours is a short trip.
A two hour layover? No big deal, and quite short. We don’t have to take a bus? This trip is luxury. I’ve had many travel days that took multiple days. So if we can get from point A to point B in less than a day, it’s a win in my book and I’m game.
43. For drinking too many cups of coffee.
It may be because I’m super tired. Or because I love flavored coffee creamer and the taste of that sweet sweet nectar called brewed coffee. Sorry, not sorry, for always having a cup of coffee in my hand. Sure, I’ve had my share of coffee on the race, but not that home-brewed-fresh-from-the-coffee-pot goodness waiting for me in the morning. Don’t be offended if I bring my own coffee creamer with me to your house. I’ve got to make up for lost time.
44. For not knowing what I’m doing next.
11 months later and I still don’t know what I’m going to do with my life. The only thing I do know is that I’ll be back in Indiana at the end of the year. I have roommates. I have a place to live. I have a church to go to. I have ministries I want to get involved in. But I have no job. And I’m trusting the Lord to provide me with that. If you have any ideas or a good fit for me, or know people, let me know. I would love to hear them!
45. For not being able to just tell stories.
Sure I’ve got tons of stories from my year. But I can’t just whip them out of the blue. Sure you’ll hear a lot of them, but they’ll come out in conversation. So don’t expect there to be an hour of storytelling with Michelle at your local Barnes and Noble. I would love to show you pictures. And I’ll tell stories as I show you them. But it’s not about me. You’re just as much of a storyteller as I am. And I want to hear your stories from this year too.
46. For missing the big things.
You’ve gotten engaged. You’ve gotten married. You’ve had babies. You’ve had birthday parties. You’ve celebrated new jobs. And you’ve moved. You’ve gone through really hard and sucky things. So many things. All this year. And I’ve missed them all. And it’s sucked to not be there with you in those things. Know that I have wanted to be. I can’t wait to hear about them all. I can’t wait to meet your new littles. Your new husbands & wives. Your boyfriends or girlfriends. To cry with you. To laugh with you. To see pictures. I know I can’t pretend that I was there, but I sure would like to try.
47. For being leery of your dog.
There’s been multiple times where a dog has chased me and I’ve been certain that I won’t make it home with both legs. Don’t worry. They are both still there. But because of those experiences, I’m not going to go over and pet and love on your dog. I may or may not be a little bit more jumpy and cautious. Give me a few minutes and I’m sure I’ll come around to loving Koby & Toby again.
48. For assuming that every new person I meet wants to take a picture with me.
Who knows where my face has ended up after this year? I know I don’t know every person’s name that I’ve taken a picture with. Some strangers on the street. It’s perfectly normal. And it’s perfectly normal to expect to take a picture with someone I just meet. So are you sure your friend doesn’t want a picture with me? I won’t charge them for it.
49. For making you play weird and new group games.
So trying to pick up a cereal box from the ground with your teeth isn’t what all the rage this year? What is this Pokemon Go thing? So many cultures. So many group games. You better believe I’m going to make you try some of them.
50. For not being the same person that I was before.
Sorry, but not sorry. I don’t apologize one bit for not being the person I was before in January. As you can see, I have experienced so much this year. The Lord has done such a mighty work in my life. And has given me so much new perspective. And taught me so much. So I may (hopefully) be someone that you don’t quite recognize or feel like you know anymore. That’s not a bad thing, at least to me. And I can’t wait to share with you all the things. It will take a little bit of time, but we’ll get to knowing each other again. And I promise, I’m still the weird Michelle you once knew. If anything, I’m a bit weirder than I was before.
I can’t wait to see, or at least talk, with all of you in just a little over a month! Praying for grace for and from each of you as we figure out together what this life looks like after experiencing the World Race!
