Dear future racer (whether your gap year or 11n11 I’m sure this applies to both). Well your officially signed up or looking into doing the world race and I thought I would share a little something with you. The race is going to be everything and nothing you think it will be. There are going to be amazing, adventurous, and fun days, but there are also going to be difficult, mundane, and normal days. For some reason when we think of doing the race or look at all the social media that has anything to do with the race we automatically think that every single day is going to be something new, crazy, adventurous, miracle packed, and that things we struggle with at home won’t be a problem on the race; because I mean come on we’re living in a country miles and miles away from home why would I have the same struggles?(Don’t worry I was one of these people). Well let me tell you a little something, as you’re trying to figure out how the heck you’ll fit 9 or 11 months of your life in you’re pack, just know that all your struggles and insecurities will also be along for the ride. The race is just living life in a place with different cultures and people than you are used to. Don’t get me wrong, I am incredibly thankful and happy that I did the race because it has taught me things that maybe would have taken me longer to learn while being home and it has also stretched and grown me into becoming the person God has created me to be, however just know that not every day will be a mind blowing day. For example just the other day…..
I have to tell you this story because it’s just so pathetic, it was our off day and some of us girls just bought a bunch of chocolate and junk food, piled it on a table, sat around it eating, and to be honest we had a pity party. We talked about how we are missing home, how living with over 20 people sometimes is actually the worst, and all the other struggles you will soon find out if you are doing the race. As we were talking I had just eaten an Oreo ball (they’re the best) and I looked down at my fingers covered in sticky chocolate syrup and started laughing. There are going to be days where you are tired of the race and you just want to go home but just know it’s okay and it’s normal to feel that way. Also maybe just maybe you will find yourself having a pity party with your best pals with your fingers covered in chocolate.
