In honor of having just 14 days left on the race, I thought I would share 14 things I am most looking forward to when I get home
14. Portillo’s: Chocolate cake, shakes and french-fries oh my! We have been able to find Subway, McDonald’s, and KFC in almost every country, but they don’t bring me as much joy as Portillo’s…or Chick-fil-A.
13. Fluffy Towels: I did not know how much I loved big fluffy towels until I have had to use the same small and flat travel towel for almost a year.
12. Not living out of a bag: I have never packed and unpacked so much in my life. No wonder they encourage you to pack light! I very much look forward to having a permanent place to keep my things.
11. My own room: One of the best parts of the race is the community you find in your squad. They have truly become family, and it will be extremely hard to say goodbye to them in two weeks. However, as much as I have enjoyed the 330 day long sleepover, I’m looking forward to being able to turn the lights out when I want…grandma alert!
10. Fall: I love fall. I love jacket weather, pumpkin flavored anything, leaves changing color and not sweating when I walk outside. Since November we have been in hot climates and sweating through my clothes just became a way of life. I am excited to return just in time for my favorite season.
9. Holidays with family: I will cherish the memories of thanksgiving with my squad in Romania, Christmas in Malawi, Easter in Cambodia and Fourth of July in Costa Rica. But nothing beats Grandma’s cooking!
8. My closet: It’s embarrassing to say, but I have caught myself daydreaming about opening my closet at home and having access to more than 5-6 outfits. It has been amazing living simply, but I am excited to have a little more variety.
7. Fast Wifi: Technology is amazing. I am so thankful that I have been able to stay connected with home through whatsapp, facetime and messenger. I am also thankful for Jesus growing my patience tremendously when the wifi has often times been slow. However, it will be nice to return to reliable internet access.
6. Personal transportation: This year would not have been as adventurous without the 12 hour plane rides to Europe, 32 hour bus rides in Africa, 35 hour train rides in Asia, and all the various uber, grabs, combis, tuk tuk, songthaews, and taxi rides in between. However, I am ready to be boring again and drive a car.
5. Washer and Dryer: Although we have been pretty blessed with a washing machine almost every month, they have not always been very functional. And I have only used a dryer for my clothes maybe 5 times this year. The sun gets it done, but I cannot wait for that small luxury when I get home.
4. MY BED: This year has been an adventure and I have loved being in so many places. I have slept on a variety of questionable mattresses, my sleeping pad, in my tent, underneath a church pew, and in the middle of the wild. I wouldn’t trade it for anything, but I get giddy inside thinking about falling into my comfy, cozy bed when I get home.
3. Church: It has been incredible experiencing the Church all over the world. We have amazing brothers and sisters in Christ who are following the Holy Spirit and loving people well through service, relationships and intentional programs. I am excited to return to my home church and connect with my church family. They have been incredibly encouraging throughout this year and without their support none of this could have been possible.
2. Friends: I miss them! I have some solid people back home who have stayed in touch with me throughout the year and have encouraged me along the way. I can’t wait to get back and share stories, hang out and be in the same room!
1. Family: I cannot wait to hug my family. I really miss just hanging out in the living room and talking together about life, memories and whatever else is on our minds. They have been my biggest supporters and I am so grateful for each of them. Love you fam! See you soon:)
