While figuring out my “authentic self”, I have realized so many moments in my life where I have tried to “suppress the silly” for fear of coming off as “immature”, “unintelligent”, or just plaid weird. I know there is a time and a place to keep it together and to let loose, but part of what makes me “Victoria” is the goofy, silly, usually weird, side that the Lord has given me. And I really like that side of me.
Even in my commitment at beginning of the Race to post blogs that are true to self, I have noticed that I solely post blogs of lessons learned, truths to be told, and significant stories that the Father has used to impact me on this journey. They are of utmost importance and I do not want to take away from their depth and significance. However, the blog is lacking this another piece of me– a very important and essential piece: the whimsy.
So here’s just a little bit of fun because I really love The Walking Dead and the World Race.
Embrace the silly. Enjoy! 
1. When you get to a new country and your host utters the words “hot showers” (and you sincerely believe you must have heard incorrectly):
2. When you try to ask your Squad Leaders about team changes, ministry locations, or debrief details too far in advanced:
3. When your team needs to meal plan and you need to just make a decision:
…but you might run into this slight dilemma:
4. When Travel Day comes and your Logistics Team is running around like crazy:
5. When you suddenly become REALLY protective over anything “peanut butter related”:
6. When you attempt Feedback for the first time:
Well, it was a solid attempt. We’ll keeping working at it.
7. When you find out your teammate has lice AFTER you had let them borrow your hairbrush:
8. When you’re in a foreign grocery store, see an item you recognize from home, and show all your teammates IMMEDIATELY:
9. When you’re in a ‘closed country’ and a local asks what your team is doing there for the month:
10. When you have a Vulnerability Night and things start getting real deep:
…and you show your teammate that you love them anyway:
11. When you grow to love your Squad just like your family:
I have been so grateful that God has given me this community to do this crazy journey with. You people are a blessing to my life. Thanks for continually challenging me and pointing me towards Jesus daily. (Alumni Squad Leaders, Mentor, Coaches and Logistics Guru included too, of course!)
…and who knows, maybe a Harry Potter related blog lies in the future! 
