In less than 48 hours I will be headed to launch, LAUNCH! I don’t know where the year has gone, just 12 months ago I was applying to be a part of the Race, and here I am getting ready to leave.
Everyone around me keeps talking about how weird it’s going to be and how different I am going to be, and when I’m in the conversation I do the same thing, but I don’t think it has fully hit me yet; denial is still my best friend, or have I already separated myself from everything I’ve known and I’m just ready to go. I guess I’ll find out soon enough.
In an effort to fully grasp where I am and where I will be in 11 months, World Race has prompted all racers with an open letter to our pre-race self, so without any further delay, here we go.
Nikki,
You’re leaving Saturday, you’re really leaving! Did you ever think this day would come? I know we’ve talked about it, planned for it, prayed for it, but then we had set back after set back and had to defer twice, but we’re not deferring any longer. To be honest, if we did, I think Kayla would have to murder us for missing her wedding.
This is really going to be the adventure of a lifetime. The stories and bonds you are going to gain are going to be worth more than anything you’ll ever acquire. It’s terrifying, isn’t it? I’m nervous to find out what you’re going to think of yourself in 11 months and how you’re going to respond to all the changes. Are you going to make it the full 11 months, or are you going to chicken out and not finish another thing we’ve started?
Why don’t you make it a priority this year to learn self-discipline and gain more motivation? We’ve always been quick to start a project, a new lifestyle, or whatever else it may be, but how many things have we actually finished? You can’t wait for life to start anymore, it’s already begun and it’s going to leave you behind if you don’t open your eyes.
On a lighter note, we’re heading back to Eastern Europe, although there is some unrest happening right not, I think big things are going to happen while you’re there. After watching Holy Ghost Reborn the other night and hearing stories from people in South Africa, I’m excited to see what you do there. Jesus is needed and you’re one of the lucky ones who get to bring him to them.
This is your time in life to figure out what you want to do, what you’re strengths and weaknesses are, and what you were called to do. I think the tool belt we’ve been carrying is going to be emptied and filled back up with different tools than we ever imagined. Are you ready? Even if you’re not, hold on, because we’re taking off.
Oh, you’ll still have the most adorable pup in 11 months, you’ll just appreciate her more then J
Adios Chick,
See ya back in Illinois.
