If I wanted my friends to be completely honest with me back home, I would tell them, “Keep it 100.” It was our way of saying, “Don’t hold anything back. Give me the honest truth.” So in the same light, I want to keep it 100 with everyone who reads my blogs. It is month 6 of the World Race and everything is not sunshine and rainbows. Believe me. Here are my honest, raw, and real emotions for what is happening on the World Race.
Keeping it 100…Community is the only hard part of the Race. Some of my squadmates struggle with the heat, living conditions, and diet. However, these items do not strike me as difficult. I don’t mind the heat. As long as I have a bed, I don’t mind how or where I sleep. I actually enjoy rice, veggies, and chicken for the majority of my meals. On the other hand, community is incredibly difficult. You are constantly surrounded by your teammates. You hardly have a second to yourself. Going out and doing something by yourself is discouraged. I feel like I have a leash and constantly have to report to someone about my whereabouts. I often feel stripped of my independence.
Keeping it 100…besides family being the the obvious #1, I miss driving my car, playing pickup sports (soccer, basketball, ultimate frisbee), and Beto’s pizza.
Keeping it 100…I still love rice. Even though I have it for practically every meal, I still love rice.
Keeping it 100…having an external hard drive on the Race is one of the most clutch purchases I made. Immediate access to TV shows, movies, and music. It’s the best!
Keeping it 100…any time I get to play soccer, a game, or just any activity with a child is the best part of my day…hands down.
Keeping it 100…saying goodbye is really hard. After building relationships over a period of a month, you have to say goodbye to those relationships. You create connections with these people. You hear their stories, their hearts, their passion and then you leave. The constant bonding and separating of two souls each month hurts…every time.
Keeping it 100…you do not grow numb to poverty. Every where I go there is extreme poverty and it breaks my heart every time I see it.
Keeping it 100…I still wake up and cannot believe that I am on the World Race. I thank God everyday for this incredible opportunity.
Keeping it 100…being on a squad with 30 girls is not all that great. As a guy, we are severely outnumbered. It makes me miss my guy friends back home a lot.
Keeping it 100…I miss my siblings, nieces and nephews, and parents more than anything.
Keeping it 100…I have beatboxed during one of my sermons and multiple English classes hahaha.
Keeping it 100…I do not always feel like myself. I am confused. I am constantly changing. I am constantly reflective. What is life but one grand adventure?
Keeping it 100…music is my escape. Music is the language of the soul. Whatever may be going on, I can listen to music and all is right in the world.
Keeping it 100…sharing the Word of God never gets old.
Keeping it 100…ministry is the best part of the World Race. Seeing cool monuments is fun, but that is not what I signed up for.
Keeping it 100…sometimes I want to do the World Race by myself.
Keeping it 100…it is really hard being stripped of your comforts.
Keeping it 100…the World Race is really tough and I constantly have to pray to the Lord to give me strength, wisdom, discernment, and clarity.
With much love,
Spencer James Belkot
