When I signed up for the World Race I knew I would be making sacrifices. I would be giving up my security, rights, and all comforts of home. What I didn’t realize was that giving up the right to watch sports would affect me so much. Yes, I did say sports…
Ok so my beloved Baltimore Ravens made the playoffs this year for the first time in 9 years. As a hardcore fan, I was obviously upset to see that I would be leaving for the World Race at the start of the 2009 NFL playoffs. Last Tuesday I found out that Ravens beat Tennessee and would be in the AFC Championship. I was shocked. Rookie QB and rookie coach! What?!
After taking some time to process the situation I realized that I was feeling homesick. I guess the feeling was intensified by football because watching sports with my family and friends was a huge part of my life that had been taken away. I never thought I’d say this but yes, I miss America. I miss the camaraderie of friends and comforts of home. Luckily I have some amazing teammates that knew I was missing home and made Champion Sunday unforgettable.
How to celebrate the AFC Championship on the World Race:
1. Write the names of players on the back of a purple shirt.
Jenn was Willis McGahee today!
2. Put the players numbers under their names.
Rachel is crafty and made numbers out of ducktape.
3. Eat trail mix with your teammates.
It’s totally a football food!
4. Play a game of football
Key Ravens players! Matt Stover, Ed Reed, Joe Flacco, Ray Lewis, Todd Heap, and Willis McGahee.
5. Eat quesadillas, guacamole and Tostitos, and other football foods.
This was definitely the best meal we’ve had in weeks!
6. Invite Coach John Harbaugh in on the action.
Dave was sick and missed the football game but wanted to get in on the action.
7. Walk around San Juan for an hour trying to find a hotel/bar that will show the game and when you realize that no one here cares about American football, goof off with your teammates on photobooth and watch a movie.
Have I mentioned that I just adore my teammates?!
So I had no idea that the Ravens lost until now because the internet was down all day yesterday and my Dad and brother (who were at the game) didn’t pick up their phones at 11 when I called. Nevertheless, It was a good day and I wouldn’t have spent it any other way!
