July 3, 2012
World Race – Day 1
Today was the first day of “Launch” for my World Race. I flew to DC yesterday to meet up with a couple of my best friends, stayed at my Grandma’s house in DC last night, and today all 3 July squads (of about 55 people each) met at the Dulles Airport in Washington DC to kick off the July 2012 World Race!
After packing and re-packing my bag about 3 times over the last few days, I still feel like I have way more than I need. But I think that’s because my bag is almost 50 pounds and I don’t love the thought of lugging it around. Every time I go through my bag, everything seems to be a necessity.
I need bug spray to hopefully not get eaten alive.
I need the sunscreen so I don’t get lobstery or skin damage.
I need a years worth of contacts and contact solution so I don’t have to resort to glasses.
I need the vitamins for my low iron so I don’t get miserably tired or sick.
Right?
Somehow most of the world lives without these luxuries and they survive okay. But, I’m keeping them all for now and we’ll see what ends up getting the boot after a couple of months with this massive bag.
I made it to the meet up spot with my squad and was absolutely filled with joy seeing all of their wonderful faces. They are truly already family and I love each of them so so much.
Once we met up with the squad, we had dinner with our teams (the team of 7 people that I’ll be doing everything with when we’re not together as a squad). We ate whatever our team leader and finance person chose for us from their grocery run on our now very meager budget (average $12/day for transportation, lodging, and food). The canned soup was a great choice (thanks Chip and Jaime!).
Then, we had a wonderful night of worship and teaching on the culture of the World Race. Parents were invited to attend and I’m so grateful my Gradma was able to come. I could tell she really enjoyed it and that she respects the organization now that she’s had a taste of what it’s all about. She said she already had confidence in my decision to go on the race but the interaction with the staff confirmed that feeling. It was wonderful to have her here!
I am full of excitement and anticipation as I get ready for bed in a Holiday Inn with 3 of my lovely squad mates. I feel like I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.
Please pray for me and my squad these next couple of days as we get some last minute training and team time in before heading for India probably Friday.
I can’t say thank you enough to everyone who has supported me these past 6 months to get me to this point. Your support through finances, prayer, and all your love has meant so much to me and I feel so blessed to share this journey with you.
My next post will be from across the world!!
(I have a team picture we took tonight but it's not working right now so I'll try to add it later)
