My final blog is here and answering all of the questions you guys sent in!
What was the favorite thing about each team?
I was apart of 2 teams while on the Race.
For the first 4 months, I was with Team Overflow. (S/O to Mama K, Hals, Calla Balla, and TJ). My favorite thing about being on a team with them is how diverse we were. We honestly felt like we were the misfits that were thrown together at the last minute, however, we were way wrong. The Lord knew we needed each other for those first few months. We all grew so much, especially after we learned how to give good and constructive feedback….in Malawi. (The 4th month we were together lol) Thanks, Amy!
For the last half of the Race, I was apart of Team BiP aka Bachelorettes in Paradise. (S/O Carl, Brock, Averie, Estie Bestie, Nicoli, and Layne. Man, this team went through a lot! From sickness, team members coming and going, and the craziness of the everyday Race life, it was challenging. However, my favorite thing was that no matter what we were going through, we always found something to laugh about. 🙂
How did each help you grow and in what ways?
Both teams helped me grow immensely! With Overflow, I had to learn to love community. If you know me, you know that I love having my own space and lots of alone time, but that just didn’t happen much…thanks, Haley 😉 But really, sharing spaces with people was hard for me, so it was definitely an adjustment. Although, I still love alone time, I find myself craving the 24/7 community that the Race gave me. With BiP, I learned how to listen, sympathize, and be flexible.
Did you miss me?
Yes, Heather Bates Carson, I missed the heck outta you!!!
Was it hard to eat the food/favorite “weird food”?
For the most part, I ate really good food and mostly normal stuff. I wouldn’t say I have a favorite weird food considering the only weird thing I tried was chicken feet. NEVER. AGAIN. Thanks to my translator for eating it for me so I wasn’t rude!
What was your favorite song in any of the countries that you could really feel God’s presence?
Made a Way by Travis Greene. We played it a lot in Zambia!
Not necessarily spiritual, but they deserve honorable mentions:
Waka Waka by Shakira
Let It Grow from The Lorax
Jolly Phonics – just search it on Youtube (totally kidding, but if you need homeschooling tools, this may be a thing for you)
What are some things you learned from it?
So many things, but two of the biggest things I took away is boldness and flexibility. *shows up to church and gets asked to preach, share, or do a dance with no preparation at all…..ok cool, we can do that*
Would you do it again and why?
As much as I’ve said no, and jokingly said “I would NEVER do the Race again!”, I most definitely would. While sharing the Gospel with others was amazing, the growth I saw in myself was amazing. I learned how to “live on mission”, how to walk in boldness, and learned how to be more flexible.
Would you do or bring something different?
If I could repack, I would’ve brought more normal clothes for sure.
What were some of the most difficult things/situations you faced during that time?
One of the hardest nights for me was when we were in Laos. We were invited to a temple party. The whole island was there and all of the tourists. Most people were drunk or high, even some little kids, all trying to find things to fill a void. It was like I had a weight on my shoulders, a burden, to just shake everyone and share the Gospel with every single person. It was heartbreaking for me.
What was the one thing you missed the most from home (excluding family)?
Walmart!!! (In Africa, we would have to go to multiple places to get our groceries for the week)
Chick-fil-a
Sweet Tea
My closet
My momma’s cooking
My car and freedom to roam as I please
Couldn’t narrow down to just one!
What impacted you most of the whole race?
How hungry people are for Jesus and how much worshipping together with other believers meant to each person I encountered.
