I am currently spending 24 hours in the Kingston Airport in Jamaica. We have arrived for month 3 but first we must wait for the whole squad to get here. And that doesn’t happen until 5pm- TOMORROW!
It’s time to reflect on the past 3 travel days I’ve had to Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and now Jamaica. I’ve been learned a lot in these days and thought I would share them with you. For future racers, for avid travelers, for friends and family looking for a glimpse into our travel days, or for those who are just curious as to how I stay sane, this is for you…
10 things you need to know on a travel day:
1. There will be a half of dozen people filming and capturing you in all your glory. Be prepared. That may mean showering before travel day or just having a good attitude when someone shoves a camera in your face and asks you where you’re going.
2. World Race budget for food on travel day is $5 USD. Five dollars is not a lot. So, be prepared to spend your own money so you don’t pass out.
3. You must decide- save your phone juice for vlog or save it to watch a movie on the plane! Very hard decision. Please pray this one through.
4. Any surface found in said airports or planes can be formed into a bed. Do not let the cold hard ground keep you from your well deserved 8 hours of sleep! Eye masks and ear plugs encouraged.
5. Life is ministry and ministry is life. Love the person in front of you! Don’t take off your “ministry hat” just because you’re traveling. This may entail talking to a stranger, or cracking a joke for the airport employee, or sharing your Doritos! Be open and be ready.
6. There will Be chaos! Buses will lose their way, luggage will be lost, squad mates will be grilled and not let through customs, or you will be kicked out of the airport! Who knows! As my dad would say: BE A DUCK! Not totally sure what he meant but I think it means let it roll of your back and go with the flow! You’ll eventually get where you need to be.
7. Bring an extra change of clothes! Sometimes you’re on a small plane, sitting in the sun, waiting for the captain, and there is no AC and everyone will sweat and smell together. It’s a glorious smell that only true travelers can appreciate. You’re treat to your future self will be a fresh pair of underwear.
8. Snacks. I don’t need to say anything else.
9. You have A LOT of time on your hands. Use it wisely! That might mean a book to read, some quiet time with the Lord, or laughing your butt off with your squad mate! Travel days are minimum 24 hours and maximum maybe 60? Who knows. Bring cards, bring a good book, schedule some one on ones, download those Netflix episodes, or find that WiFi to talk to Home!
10. Have fun. You’re in a new country, you’re making memories with your best friends, adventure is everywhere, even in the sweat, blood, and tears (okay hopefully no blood). These will Be the stories you tell for years to come! Soak it in!
I’m still in the midst of Jamiaca travel day, just now beginning the 24 airport hang out, so I still don’t know how that video is going to end! But heyyyyy the blessings of airport hangs is free and actually GOOD WiFi to upload month old videos! So for your enjoyment from the cold hard ground of the Jamaican airport floor to your computer screen, iPhone, or comfy couch, last months travel day:
