More than a year has passed since I signed up for the race. I remember staying up until 2:00 a.m. most nights reading racers blogs and watching their videos. I highlighted the fun stuff and ignored the hard realities. I pictured myself holding a kid in one arm and painting a house with the other. I was so excited for what was to come. I would tell people,
I will visit orphanages and hospitals, do construction work, lead children’s sports camps, minister to women and children who are trapped in prostitution, and love in every possible way we can to a world in need.
Once my first deadline rolled around, everything started to become more real. I’m living out of a pack that I carry around on my back for 11 months… COOL. Not to mention my AWESOME route that I loved so much was ripped from me during training camp. Not only was I not going to have the comforts of my stuff and people back home, but now the 11 countries I have always wanted to see were taken from me ?!
Though I didn’t realize this right away, not choosing the route on where to go was the biggest blessing. When I signed up for this trip it was never about the countries and places I was going, it was about the laughs and love I was going to experience with people in all walks of life.
I look a little different from the Nicole who left 5 months ago:
-I wear the same clothes at least 2 days in a row, sometimes 3,4, & possibly 5
-I take cold bucket showers from water collected when it rained
-I no longer pick up my phone to call or text whenever I want, my only source of communication is when WIFI is around and hopefully it’s strong enough for me to Skype back home
-I am constantly with someone and my only alone time is at 3:00 a.m. when my 5 other teammates are sleeping around me
-I walk most places to get around and use public transportation when available
-I survive off $5 a day for all 3 of my meals
-I hand-sign/charade/do the robot in order to communicate with strangers
-I cook meals without an oven, microwave, or toaster
-I drink only bottled water
-I use my forward facing camera on my iPhone as a mirror
-I sleep on a sleeping mat with a sleeping bag and under a mosquito net
-I hand wash and hang dry my clothes-pray it doesn’t rain
-I am use to weird bugs and the scars they leave on my legs
-I have learned to live with less
-I have learned nothing is owed to me
-I have learned to stop expecting and start thanking
I knew what I was getting myself into when I said yes to this life. Despite how much harder it is going to get in Africa and Asia, I still say yes. I have more love than I’ve ever felt in my heart and I want to pour onto those unnoticed groups in Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique, Thailand, Cambodia and Malaysia.
CONFESSION:
My biggest fear signing up for the race was not being fully funded before leaving the U.S. I tried my best to sell as many brownies and speak at as many events and schools as possible to raise all the money. When I didn’t succeed I promised myself I would not let the money distract me from the focus of going on this trip. I haven’t mentioned fundraising in my blogs and posts the past 5 months because I don’t want anyone to think that’s all I’m focusing on. I wanted to work hard and make those who had already supported me proud that I followed through with all that I said I would. I wanted to work even harder to prove to those who are skeptic that I am making a difference and deserve to stay out here.
Most days I am weak and wonder, “why me?” But all of your supports back home and each message on how this trip has impacted your lives keeps me going. Through you caring for me, I have been able to care for others with no limits.
WHERE I STAND:
I must still raise $4,500 in order to stay on the field
The 6th and final deadline to raise this $ is July 1st
Checks: Please make checks payable to Adventures In Missions and mail your donation toAdventures In Missions PO Box 534470, Atlanta, GA, 30353-4470. Be sure to include my name in the memo line so they know who is receiving the donation!
Response cards: Checks should be accompanied by a response card, which will provide AIM with the information necessary to send you a receipt for your donation. I have included a link that will take you to a page with the card on it (http://www.adventures.org/valkyrie/mystuff/mobilization/documents/support_card.asp?FirstName=nicole&LastName=bouza&PreferredFirstName=&Account_Type_Id=1&Appeal_Id=BOUZANICOLE&AccountType=World%20Race?). Print it off, cut off one of the copies, and send it with the check.
Donating online: If you would prefer to make your donation online, you may do so by visiting my blog site at nicolebouza.theworldrace.org. Just click the “Support Me” link on the left side of the page and complete your donation as instructed.
So please consider financially supporting me with any amount placed on your heart. Truly, any amount is greatly appreciated. I can’t do this alone.
ENJOY & GIVE JOY
