Last month I turned 36 in Thessaloniki, Greece. You may know that the age range for The World Race is 21 to 35.
I was 35 when I applied for the world race. The next day I received a phone call from an admissions representative. He asked me if I had any concerns about being a decade older, in some cases more, than other racers. I hadn’t even thought about it. For most of my ‘working career’ I had worked with and gotten along well with people much younger than myself. Some of my best friends are considerably younger than I am.
This is where all of these Jr. High insecurities started popping up. Will they like me? Am I funny enough, clever enough? Will I be cool enough? Will they call me mom or grandma? (Please, no) several others as well. I tried my best to dismiss these thoughts as pesky little lies from satan.
We discussed a little about my past and the next day he called again to tell me I had actually been accepted
Lasr month was month four. What I’ve come to realize is that I really enjoy being the oldest person on our squad.
Here is a list as to why:
I know myself. I know when I need to tap out, rest, or recharge. Most of my skills, talents and my many shortcomings have been pointed out to me long ago.
I don’t feel the need to prove myself to anyone (most of the time). My opinions may change but for the most part, much thought, consideration and life experiences have been put into them.
It’s pretty difficult for me to get extremely upset about much. While I can be overly dramatic about some silly things, I do have a pretty good handle on what actually necessitates my attention.
I remember a time without cell phones, Facebook, snapchat, Instagram and the like. I can live without them. I may not like it but I can do it. These kids know how to do it all, it’s like having my own personal Geek Squad travel with me.
I get to see these young whipper snappers grow in ways none of us have imagined. Sometimes, I even get to share things the Lord has shown me. Mostly, they teach me.
I enjoy that while hiking the rest of the group was light years ahead of me, apparently racing up a beautiful mountain, I was able to take time, look at the different foliage, the sparkles in the dirt and really appreciate everything around me.
I like referring to the young bloods as ‘you crazy kids’ or ‘young bloods’.
I like having friends in the countries we are visiting. Getting to catch up with them has been so fun.
I like the utter shock on the kids faces when they hear about something I did when I was their age. We’re really not that different.
I like that I understand that a difference in opinion is not an attack on my person or character. I am able to have a discussion and know that it’s ok that I don’t have it all figured out.
I like that I don’t have a constant need of attention from others. I can be content spending time alone.
I like that I don’t take BS from people, that I understand that life is too short for that business. Ain’t nobody got time for that.
I like that the kids can confide in me.
I like that I know if I did this even a year ago, I would be a ridiculous hot mess.
I like that the young bloods are handling this crazy adventure much better than I would have at any of their ages.
I like that I get to see their hopes and dreams come true.
I like that I get to see them change the world.
I like that they are talented, brave, kind, and loving.
I love that I was met with my Starbucks drink when I woke up on my birthday, that some ladies on our squad took me out to lunch, had hang time (hammock time) by the water, treated me to baklava and somewhere in there another Starbucks run happened. In the evening our team time began with champagne, cupcakes and macaroons. They are loving me well.
God has been good to us, several of us are fully funded. Some of us still need a lot of help in that area. Would you consider ‘meeting my squad’ and praying over all of our finances, trip costs and personal. See if you can help us finish this together.
I’ve recently found out that there are several heating and plumbing issues at home that will need to be taken care of in my absence. The quotes are coming in, scary numbers for someone who isn’t receiving a paycheck. You can help out by praying for provision and/or donating at www.gofundme.com/atworldrace.
As always, thank you so much for your support, kind words and several prayers! Much love!
