I wish there was a word, or maybe there is, that shared how truly thankful I am for my life this past year. God pulled me out of the rubble and my life did a complete 180. I decided that although I am very thankful for many things, I would share a few things that I’ve been thankful for since being on the race.
1) I am thankful for toilet paper…of any kind.
If you have never been in a country where toilet paper is almost nonexistent, count your blessings. Since being on the race, toilet paper has not been a common item any locals around us used. It is also something that cannot go down the toilet (always carry a trash bag!). Since being in India, and a remote location at that, toilet paper seems to be hiding and napkins have taken their place. You don’t know life until you are squatting in a squatty potty without any toilet paper. Need I say more?
2) I am thankful for chocolate.
I love local food. I love all the spices and the flavors. I love how different it is from our food back at home. However there are days when a girl just needs some comfort food and the go to is always chocolate. Especially anything with caramel or almonds in it.
3) I am thankful for headphones.
There is no greater power than being able to put in headphones and block out the rest of the world. Sometimes my introverted side needs some peace. That isn’t always possible when you are living with five other girls, children are all around you, or it’s all squad month, and sometimes it’s all of the above. Headphones provide me with that moment to gather my thoughts and remind myself that this is what I signed up for. Headphones provide that sanity each racer needs.
4) I am thankful for all the international friends we have met.
In each country so far we’ve met people that without them the whole experience would have been much different. They have been there to guide us around the town and show us to all the best markets. They were there to share stories with, grab some ice cream, and plan future visits with. They were a breath of fresh air and an understanding we couldn’t get back at home. They share a love for food, even if they thought we ate way more than we should. There were countless times where my stomach hurt from laughing way too hard and many tears when it was time to say goodbye. Each of these friendships I will cherish and be forever grateful for.
5) I am thankful for my relationship with God.
Since being on the race I have put so much pressure on myself to have this perfect relationship with God. I kept seeing how others around me had this amazing relationship and I wanted the same thing. I tried so many new things and it wasn’t until this month that I finally realized God doesn’t care what I do to get closer to Him, He just cares that I do. My relationship with Him is my own and it doesn’t have to make sense. I am thankful for the little moments I get with Him. Whether it is through a conversation with a friend and they say just what I needed to hear or through the beauty in His creation, each day, I grow more and more in love with everything He is doing in my life and those around me.
6) I am thankful for my team, OnePulse AKA Hottie Chapatis
The beginning of this race we were all pretty skeptical about how we were going to grow as a team and become that “one pulse.” I am in awe about the transformation we have made. I love these girls to the bottom of my soul and I couldn’t have been the woman I am today without all their support and feedback. Each of us is so individually unique but when we come together we bring what this team needs to the table. We created a safe place for us to land and have been vulnerable in a way that we couldn’t with anyone else. I am thankful for all the laughs and inside jokes, the memories, and the tears. Each of us has grown so far already and I cannot wait to see what God has in store for these women, not only for the rest of the race, but for their future. No matter what next month brings, we will forever be team OnePulse, or as we call ourselves in India, team Hottie Chapatis because that is what our bodies have become. LOL
7) I am thankful for my family, friends, and supporters back at home.
There are no words that I could say or type that would come close to how grateful I am for each of you who have supported me in anyway that you could. My heart swells with the amount of people who are praying for me and constantly sending me encouraging words. Even if I don’t get to all the messages or comments, please know they are seen and they are greatly appreciated. My church family, Living Truth, I thank you for believing in me after only knowing me for a short period. You showed me so much love and support I didn’t even know was possible. Every day, you are all here with me because without you I wouldn’t be here. I hope my blogs make you feel like you are here with me enjoying God’s glory just as much as I am. I look forward to many coffee dates when I return to share even more.
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Have an extra piece of pumpkin pie for me!
