Life hacks and tips from a World Race alumna (!)
Don’t skimp on the pillow, towel, or sleeping pad. I triumphantly brought home a tiny camping pillow from REI, thinking of how much extra space I’d have in my pack. It’s the worst. I hate sleeping on it. I’d rather sleep on my laundry bag, if it wasn’t for the smell. Being a legit pillow– your neck will thank you. Same goes for the towel and sleeping pad– go for high quality.
Don’t pack a ton of toiletries. You can find almost anything abroad.
Bring extra headphones and chargers. Also a headphone splitter is gold.
Label EVERYTHING. You think you’re the only one who shops at Target?
Bring a conspicuous passport case. I have one that can hold all my documents, boarding pass, and pen as well. It makes airport dealings significantly easier and I’m convinced that this is the only reason I haven’t lost my passport on the race. Don’t bother with just a passport-size cover, because immigration will make you take it out anyways.
Don’t bring any clothes you want to wear again at home. Even if you manage to keep them clean and stench-free, you’ll be so tired of wearing them you won’t want to see them again.
Even if you don’t regularly write, spend some money and buy a good quality journal with tons of pages. I’ve gone through five journals on this race and it’s a pain to carry/rifle through. You’ll want to record what you’re learning and doing on the Race.
If you’re a reader, bring a kindle.
The best thing I brought on the Race was my study bible. I’ve learned so much over the past year and God has given me such a desire to read his Word. It’s also so useful for planning sermons, bible studies, devotionals, and the like. I brought another small bible to carry around.
Apps to download:
Postagram: 99 cent postcards with a pop-out photo. Send them to supporters and family.
Podcasts: The greatest thing ever. Especially when wifi is nonexistent and you’ve got 24 hours on a bus. Sermons galore and other fun stuff like Serial, NPR and Ted Talks for nerds like me.
AirBnB: The best places I’ve stayed on time off were AirBnBs.They’re incredibly inexpensive abroad, especially if you share with a whole team.
Tripadvisor: Enough said. Please don’t spend every off day at Starbucks.
Things I wish someone had said to me before I left:
God is never purposeless. Even in the dreariest of days, there is always something to learn and someone to love.
Just because something is different or uncomfortable doesn’t mean it’s worse or wrong. Your perspective is valid, but not sufficient. You deserve to be heard, but so does the person next to you. And Jesus always listened first.
The emotions will come, probably more intensely than ever before. They are important, but not necessarily true, and therefore should be processed but never solely dictate your actions and words.
This year isn’t about you. This year isn’t about the people you’re serving. It’s about God bringing his kingdom here to earth.
There will be days you wish you could fast-forward to home, but don’t. Savor every single second.
