I think by now the jet leg has worn off. My huge backpack is finally unpacked, and plans for my next steps after the World Race are underway.
However, right now, I want to take a moment to share what I have learned from my family on the World Race, now that I am home in the United States and that I have taken a few days to process what just happened with some amazing people in my last 11 months around the world:
A little over a week ago, right before we were going to all head back to the US, I realized something: the race has been one long trust exercise, a leap of faith and a launch into the unknown– all in a deeper way than I was expecting.
Yes, we traveled to 11 countries in 11 months, and there is plenty of risk and uncertainty in that. But what was even more of a risk for me personally what to let myself be known to my squad—the real me—and let them accept me.
Over the course of the race, I learned that if they see my flaws, whether I want them to or not, and they all love me just the same, that means I can too.
Since high school, it has been a temptation of mine to always try to earn acceptance and be good enough for myself and for others. I set high expectations for myself to prove my value, instead of realizing the value God has ALREADY placed in me.
I didn’t fully realize this, until my community on the Race graciously held up a mirror and helped me become more of the real me, instead of who I think you should be. I found such a generosity and freedom with my squad to tap into things I had been hiding, things I thought I would never be good at, and things that I truly care about. I can see more of God’s work in me and in my life through the love and acceptance of my squadmates.
To my V-squad, THANK YOU for being such great friends and true brothers and sisters on this global adventure. I know God has done an amazing work in us and through us. He has called each one of us to something AMAZING, and I have no doubt each one of us will THRIVE doing what God has called each of us to do.
Love you all!
-Abby
This was us right before leaving for the World Race:
And this was us when we FINISHED the World Race:
