I’ve been back in America exactly one month. One month already!? Geez. I want to apologize to everyone for this being the first blog posted since being back! I know what it’s like to follow someone’s journey (on The World Race) with eagerness to see how they adjust back to American life and then never hear from them again via blog! Those of you I’ve been able to keep in touch with in person since being back have all been very curious as to how re-entry has been. So I wanted to give EVERYONE an update/recap of my Month 12 experience in America.
The past 31 days have been an incredible whirlwind full of excitement, traveling, friends, coffee dates, and basically what anyone would consider “normal”.
Everyone has different experiences returning home after The World Race but for me, it’s been awesome, seriously. I have LOVED getting to see and spend time with all my friends and family in person. I’ve loved being able to drive my own car again, go wherever whenever I want, eat all my favorite foods, and wear a variety of clothes. I’ve even been able to hop right back into my old job, no problem.
My first 48 hours back in America were probably the most exciting of all. I was still in “World Race” mode, so every little thing seemed to be luxurious and caught my attention in different ways.
A few examples: In the airport, for the first time, traveling alone, I noticed I stuck out like a sore thumb in my Thai pants, dozen bracelets up each arm, and a 50 lb backpack. I noticed I could understand every word people around me were saying. Driving home from the airport, the plethora of churches caught my attention as they were merely miles away from each other all on one road. The variety of colors and options in the produce section at the grocery store made me want to sing the hallelujah chorus.
When I first walked into my house, after a few moments I thought, “Oh no I forgot to take off my shoes!” (but I’m not in Asia anymore!). And when I sprawled out across my nice fluffy bed full of pillows I thought, “Ah, I need to charge my iPod. Shoot, I don’t know where I packed my converter…. OH WAIT!”
The taste of ice in my cup, not bottle, of water. The feel of a fluffy towel, not REI quick-dry, wrapped around my body after a long shower. The feel of a different workout shirt of my body when I run.
ALL of these seemingly normal things really stood out to me! Crazy, right?
My friends and family have been awesome in accommodating me, giving me space, asking questions, and not asking questions when need be.
Best part about coming home? Feeling comfortable. People and things being familiar. Reconnecting with people and sharing my experiences for hours with anyone who wants to hear.
Hardest thing about coming home? Feeling like the last 11 months never happened.
Of all the expectations I had about coming home, this one never occurred to me. I thought I’d be overwhelmed with the amount of clothes I had and would want to donate them all. Or maybe have the itch to go back to another country sooner rather than later. Or miss my team like crazy and cry myself to sleep every night until Searchlight. But no. Instead, sleeping in my bed, going back to my job, going to my favorite coffee shop and running into people I know- it all seems as if I lived this routine just yesterday and no time has passed.
But wait! I just freaking traveled the world! What about the faces of the poor? The ministries in the city? The sights of the mountain peaks? The children, families, churches, and students I served? The intimacy I developed with the Lord? Why does that not feel real? Why do I feel okay with having a bunch of clothes and a car? Is it okay!? Why does it all simply feel like a dream I had one night between working shifts?
The struggle is real. The outcome was unexpected.
The past year did happen. I have changed. And I truly have not forgotten the experiences, my Brothers and Sisters around the world, the tangible needs, and the Truth that still needs to be shared in this country and every other. The desires and decisions the Lord spoke to me about different things through out the year, they are not forgotten. I will continue to pursue Him and walk in faith in this next chapter in life.
For those reading, please pray for me as I continue to live in this period of transition. It is difficult. The World Race is officially over. My best friends and squadmates have left my side. No one is in authority over me making decisions of what I’m going to do, where I’m going to go next, and giving me a food budget (wahhh).
It’s just me and God in this country. Living by faith not by sight. Walking in obedience to the words He has spoken to me. Being a Light wherever I step foot. Loving others. Pouring into the unseen. Continually giving grace to those who need it. And stepping forward, not backward, into the better plan He has for me.
Reunion with my bestest sister at the airport after being separated for 11 long months!!!
Best Welcome Home surprise ever! There were balloons! And fireworks! And a sign! And happiness!
Seeing all my sweet nieces and nephews again!! I love them!
One last traveling adventure with my best World Race pals. Roadtripped from Wisconsin to Georgia to Florida. Celebrated my quarter century birthday with them at one of my favorite places on earth 🙂
*I love talking about The Race, my experiences, Jesus, and what’s going on in the world. If you’d like me to speak at your church, to a youth group, or just want to get together over coffee, please feel free to contact me!*
