Since January I’ve been walking the road to the Race, and now I’m only 1 month away from launch (August 3). That month simultaneously feels like the shortest and the longest amount of time in the world.
With so many things racing through my mind, I decided to do a little “emotional inventory.” If you’re thinking of doing the Race one day, here’s what to expect as you prepare to leave. If you’re simply curious about what I’m going through, here’s a non-exhaustive list of thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Enjoy!
- Slow down. You’ll never be on this side of the Race again. Rest. You need it. Jump in the hammock. Breathe.
- You might start to feel sentimental over the smallest things, like the way the sun gives everything a golden glow in the evening, or how lightening bugs make fields sparkle at night, or the sound of you family getting ready for work in the morning or the smell of your laundry detergent. Please, whatever you do, soak it all in as much as possible.
- Your parents have probably (reluctantly) accepted the fact that they can’t talk you out of leaving now, keep praying for them. You chose this path, it fell into their lap. Give them double doses of hugs and kisses. You all need them.
- Two of the most common questions you’ll be asked are “are you excited?” And “are you nervous?” Prepare better answers than a simple “yes.”
- You might still be struggling to believe this is all real. Stop pinching yourself. The reality of what your life will be probably won’t sink in until you’re in that first country. Hopefully then you’ll believe you aren’t dreaming.
- If you’re single, at least a dozen people will comment that you can/will/should find your future husband/wife. Know they are coming from a place of love, care, and excitement for you. Resist the groan and talk about how excited you are to see God move this next year.
- You might feel torn in two: between an eager anticipation buzzing in every cell of your body for the journey ahead and an elephant-sized dread at the thought of leaving your loved ones behind.
- Every time you hug your pint-sized niece and nephew you might be afraid of bursting into tears. You’ll miss their giggles and snuggles so much it hurts.
- You might be overcome with curiosity over what will happen on this journey. Don’t forget to be present. God is in the waiting. He wastes nothing. Let Him lead you to those in front of you now. Let Him move in your heart to prepare you even more for the Race.
- Your phone might be positively blowing up with texts as you plan fundraisers, schedule time to see everyone, and still go about your ordinary, everyday business. You might be tempted to ignore them all and just nap. Don’t do this.
- You’ll be confused that two weeks have already passed since training camp. You half-expect to wake up each morning in your tent.
- You are glad you still have running water, for things like hot showers and flushing toilets. Enjoy them while you still can.
- It’s possible you’ll experience some FOMO (fear of missing out). That’s normal. In those times remember your calling. Sometimes you have to leave the good to see God’s best.
- You’ll miss your teammates terribly. It might feel like part of your family is missing. That’s because it is.
- Sometimes you’ll feel overwhelmed with all you have left to prepare. That’s ok. Be still and remember who God is in those moments. Feel Him scoop you up in His arms and remind you that He’s got this.
- You might experience some spiritual attacks. That’s understandable given the obedience to the Lord it took you to commit to this. Satan doesn’t like that. Remember who you are: a child of the God of the Universe, the King of Kings, a child whom He dearly loves.
- Don’t question if you’re up for this task. Chances are, you’re not. That’s the good part, because it means God will shine all the more through you because you couldn’t do it on your own. Remember: He has the tools and the skill, all you gotta do is surrender to His will.
- Take every chance to hug and kiss your loved ones. It’s gonna be a looong while before you can again.
Finally, despite all the conflicting feelings, an unexplainable peace might bubble up from somewhere deep inside you. It feels somewhere between invigorating and exuberant, knowing that you are precisely where God wants you to be.
– Psalm 46:10 –
He says “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”
