Training Camp for The World Race had us sleeping in tents, taking cold bucket showers, using porta-potties and generally being cold. I didn’t look at myself in a mirror for nearly 10 days. I caught my reflection in someone’s sunglasses and decided immediately that my self esteem didn’t need that. All of this led me to believe that most of our time on the field would be spent in the same or similar manor. So far, that hasn’t been the case. ?Our team has been in three Capitol cities in South America, have had access to wi-fi pretty regularly, slept on bunk beds, inside, had access to filtered or bottled water, had laundry services nearby or been able to pay our hosts for the use of their machines, and have been within short walking distance of a Coca-Cola.?This has been a blessing and a curse.
Remaining in some of the comforts of home has heightened my neediness. I catch myself wishing we had something else to eat, wishing the hot water lasted longer, adding my sleeping pad on top of the mattresses provided, Princess and the Pea style, wishing the wi-fi signal was stronger so I could watch an entire movie without it buffering (I didn’t even have wi-fi at my house). ?These aren’t things I anticipated being concerned with. I didn’t think I would miss Jimmy Fallon so much (really, it’s a lot, I’ve tweeted him about it). I didn’t think I’d miss watching the news (most of it is bad anyways) or the election coverage. I want to know what is going on and to know how the USA is perceived on a global scale during this process.
While in Peru, I had frequented the Starbucks enough for one of the baristas to recognize me by my drink order (it helped that I had told her that I worked for Starbucks in the States and I speak minimal Spanish).
?Packing for The Race was a struggle, only one pack and a day pack. I chose to pack one pair of Chacos (if you don’t know what those are, www.chaco.com), one pair of tennis shoes and a pair of dress sandals. The Chacos have been my main mode of transportation and have done so on all of the international trips I’ve been on over the last seven years. Two weeks ago the sole began to crack. Super glue is holding them together now, hoping and praying for 8 more months. You may be wondering what the big deal is. Get another pair of shoes. I get it, it shouldn’t be that big of a deal, it is though, my size 11 feet are difficult to fit, I have plantar faciitis. These are the only shoes I could find at home that support my feet in the way they need to be.
Things have happened at home that I didn’t anticipate. The second weekend I was away, my house ran out of propane, of course over the coldest weekend of the year. Two weeks ago, I received a message that there was a plumbing issue as well. It was fixed but will need much more attention in the next few months. As I sat to edit this blog, I read another message, the furnace went out, still chilly in SD, my friends need heat. These are things I hadn’t planned for, mentally, emotionally or financially. The thought ‘Will I had to leave The Race to go back to work?’ Has run through my mind multiple times.
Do I have the faith required to know that this will all work out without added stress to the people living in my house? Will the God I know provide yet again as he did with my trip costs?
?
The great thing is that through all of these doubts and gross stuff I have running around in my head, the Lord loves me and gives me purpose. He sent His son to earth with the purpose of dying for my sins! That’s incredible love, inconceivable love! (Easter was only 2 weeks ago at home and is coming up here in Greece)?
He shows me new ways to be grateful daily. ?
Our hosts in Colombia love us so much and care for our safety that they will not allow me to watch a soccer game in the street without a chaperone. So much that when I mentioned I always want hot chocolate, they have served it for breakfast almost every morning since…also, I got served breakfast, lunch and dinner on the regular. No one does that for me at home. The mountain we are stayed on has an amazing view of the city of Bogota, the sunsets are unbelievable, the place is crawling with dogs, most of which are friendly. Kids crawl all over me most of the day and the hosts are really cool. I was able to visit friends from years gone by, it was good for my soul. There is a World Race alum that volunteers here, she has opened her home to us and shown us the city she now calls home (she is pretty awesome).
?Basically, I need to remember to be grateful, always.
Ways you can help:
-pray for our safety and sanity
-pray for the provision of my home needs and my needs on the field
(if you would like to contribute go to www.gofundme.com/atworldrace)
-meet my squad and help them finish out their fundraising
