Dear Family and Friends,
Can you believe it? My 11 months on the Race are done. This year has flown by and feels like it has been a dream. I’ve learned so many things and changed in so many ways. I’ve seen people healed, hearts changed, and the power of prayer. I’ve climbed mountains, swam with sharks, hiked to waterfalls, ridden elephants, played with tigers, and explored caves. I’ve experienced heartbreak and pain, but also overwhelming joy. I’ve been so tired that I didn’t think I would physically be able to make it through the day. I’ve been so tired that I felt like I didn’t have any more love to give. I’ve used the bathroom everywhere imaginable – side of the road, woods, squatty potties, outhouses (I will never again complain about American gas station bathrooms). It’s become a habit of mine to carry toilet paper and a water bottle with me everywhere I go. I’ve eaten strange things and realized that my stomach is stronger than I thought. I actually really miss Asian food (I never thought I would say that). I’ve gone a whole month without washing my hair, and I don’t shower as often as you probably do. Broken English has become an actual language that I am fluent in. And I will probably have to constantly remind myself that Americans drive on the right side of the road. I’m excited to come home and see you all, but coming home and transitioning back into America will be difficult for me, so I wanted to tell you how you can help me through this process.
First, please don’t ask me “So, how was it?” and expect me to sum up my whole experience in a few short sentences. I would love to share with you about this past year and everything that God has done, but that will take time. I am still processing this past year, and will be for a while. But I would love to meet up and chat away, answering questions and sharing stories.
Second, please be patient with me. Life on the Race was very different than life at home. Please be patient when I feel really overwhelmed. Be patient when I break down and cry over little things. Be patient when I don’t remember how to work technology. Be patient when I can’t decide what I want to eat or what I want to do. Be patient if I accidentally throw my toilet paper in the trashcan instead of flushing it.
Please give me grace. Give me grace if I still don’t know what’s next for me after a few months of being at home. Give me grace if I can’t answer all your questions or if I don’t feel understood.
Don’t take it personally if I give you feedback. It’s something we learned to do on the Race in order to challenge each other and push each other into growth. We give feedback out of love and wanting each other to grow. It’s not a bad thing!
Community looks different to me now. I’ve lived with 42 people the last 11 months. I’ve learned how to live with them amidst frustrations. I’ve learned how to share my things and my space. For the past 11 months, I’ve always had someone there to listen or talk to. Because of the World Race’s buddy system, I haven’t been completely alone since I left home. So coming home will feel really, really lonely.
Please challenge me. Ask me what I’m reading in the Bible. Ask me what God is teaching me. Ask me if I’ve been taking risks and getting out of my comfort zone. Ask me what I’ve been doing to get involved and build community.
Last but not least, please encourage me. I may get discouraged coming home, and feel that I haven’t changed as much as I thought. Point out the change you see in me. Encourage the change and allow it to continue.
I know I’ve been gone for 11 months and you want to hear all about it, but your past 11 months are just as important, and I want to hear everything about YOUR past year! I will see you all soon!
Love, Katie
