So, I've been back for a little over a week now. I had the homecoming that every racer dreams of (family, friends and fantastic food)! I asked to be dropped off a couple of miles away from my house in Hickory (for those from Hickory, I was dropped off in the downtown square). I always invisioned myself having one last prayer walk with God in my hometown before finally getting "home." And just spend some time soaking in the fact that I was actually HERE.
It was about 9PM when I began my walk. It was a very peaceful time to reflect on the year, where I've been, what I've seen, the impact God made in my life. I also spent time thanking him for the chance to see his world and be a part of HIS story… for allowing me to be a part of HIS movement around the world… for showing me what true community is like. And also for bringing me home safe.
The first couple of days back felt like a dream. Probably because I was sleeping about 12 hours a day. I couldn't really explain it. I was just TIRED all the time. But, I think I was also missing my team. I was spending 24/7 with my team of 7 people for 11 months. And then, all of a sudden, they're gone. It was a little strange not to have them around all the time. Especially considering how much they poured into me this year and how much fun we had together. But, just because the race is over, doesn't mean my relationships with them are over too, right? I'm excited to keep in touch with them and continue friendships with people all over the country (and Canada!). We've been through too much together just to throw in the towel.
Re-entry hasn't been too bad for me. I think the craziest thing was seeing my only nephew walking and seeing his personality now. When I left, he was only 4 months old. And now, being 15 months, it's a drastic change to see, you know? But, I always tell my brother (Ben) and his wife (Lindsey), "At least I'm back before his first memory."
Everyone has been incredibly supportive and eager to greet me back home. You always hear horror stories in the field of racers coming home to uninterested friends, family and churches. But, I realized how blessed I really am to have such a faith-driven community supporting me. From the very first day I committed to the World Race, I've had, what feels like, the entire city of Hickory backing me, praying for me and following my stories from the field!
I went to my church this morning (Corinth Reformed Church) for the first time since being back. I was hoping to just lay low… sneek in and out of the service, no problem. "Wow, is this real life?" I thought. I felt so loved and welcomed today! Some of my oldest and best friends sniping me out from the parking lot. I was expecting most people to have forgotten about me or where I've been. But, I had forgotten how unified my church is and how much they believe in reaching the lost. And it makes me proud to be part of a church that so much believed in what I was doing. Thank you Corinth!
Don't worry, I'll be signing off for good pretty soon. You'll no longer be recieving these pesky emails about another one of Wade's blog posts. But, first, I want to share the videos I'm calling my "Remembering the World Race" series. The first video is a collection of shots from all of Central America (Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua).
Because, as Katrina once told me, "I've traveled enough and been to more places to know that… you forget." If we're not intentional about remembering the epic times of our life, then we WILL forget, you know? And so, these videos are my way of reminding me of that chapter of my life, when I was 24 years old and was led to go on a crazy, year-long adventure with God. And when I look back on my life and wonder, "what was I thinking?" I can watch these videos and get a quick reminder.
