Adapt or Die

Most people assume that the World Race is an excellent adventure, which it is. But it's also life, not just a trip. It's not a vacation. It's not a break from your day to day (or year to year). It's life. Just as much stuff happens on the Race as it does at home, if not more. Many racers have had close family members pass away or get so sick they have to go home. I've heard a few former racers refer to each mont of the Race as its own year because it expedites your growth as a person. It creates an environment that sets a fire under your emotional and spiritual self. Just as life brings about change, the World Race does too, a LOT of it. Peers, family, physical environment, geographic location, weather/climate, emotional stability, living arrangements, job title, etc. They all change. Monthly (if you're lucky). Sometimes weekly, or daily. On the Race, you learn to adapt. You must or you'll drown yourself. I've found myself holding my breath and clenching my fists, waiting for things to go back to the way they were on several occasions, but nothing will ever remain the same on this journey.

My team (and squad) seems to be one that CHANGES. Starting at the beginning of last month, our team leadership has changed, our treasurer changed, we lost a member and gained a new one. Team Veracity now contains all three Sarahs: Imperiale, Riddlebarger, and Workman. We're going by last names if everyone cooperates or nicknames if they stick. At training camp, I was already annoyed about being on a team with another Sarah. But now, I'm excited to see what having Workman with us will bring to the table, how our team is really going to change, because it definitely will.

Occasionally, I have to wait until my feelings spill out of my mouth before I realize how I really feel about something. For example, I was mostly confused when Workman was put on my team. But I was talking to my friend Kacie on the bus on our way to the Santa Cruz airport about how I feel about having all the Sarahs together. I found out that although I'm excited to have these ladies with me, I also feel that I'm losing part of my identity as an individual member of my team. Well, not losing my identity but it often feels like it is now overlooked. I'm not Serah. I'm one of the Sarahs. I know that all three of us are known and acknowledged for our strengths, individuality, and uniqueness but once you put us all together, only our similarities are recognized. And yes, we do have a lot in common:

We are all 5 feet tall.
We're all feisty but can be very sweet.
Workman and I both have Presbyterian pastor dads.
Riddle and I both live in the west and love our mountainous homes.
Workman and Riddle are well versed in the Bible.
Riddle and I are introverts and napping extraordinaires.
Workman loves napping too but is so extraverted,
she can't even brush her teeth alone.
We're all on the "less girly" side of things. We don't wear much make up, we like sports and being outside, and most of our friends have been boys. (Funny, now we're on an all girls team.) But we don't mind getting dressed up and looking cute either.

Above all, we all desire a strong, intimate and unique relationship with the Lord. As far as personality goes, I believe the more united we become, the more our differences will shine and strengthen our team.  

Change is a lot to handle. Handling it poorly can result in serious heartache, bitterness and often loneliness.