When I first learned about the race I was relieved that I still had time, since the age range is 21 to 35, but that's a big age difference. I even asked in my phone interview if there were others in their 30's, and was extremely relieved when we had a small "30's club" on my squad. An alumni racer in her 30's even pulled us aside during Training Camp for a word of encouragement.
So if you're a racer about to embark on your journey and you also happen to be in your 30's I wanted to share a few words of encouragement with you. It's very true when we are told that everyone's race is different. You're with a team and you're all in this together, yet God has things to teach all of us individually and as a team.
First, chances are you've been living on your own for quite some time now. You've had roommates or a place of your own, and you're going to be surrounded by others who are just coming out of their parents house or college life, so perspectives are different. Embrace the community living. This means that you are part of the community, but you're not the mom. So don't get into the pattern of trying to take care of everyone- that will become burdensome. Community means that we all live together, but are all capable of cleaning up after ourselves, doing our own laundry, and keeping our space as neat as possible.
Second, the lessons that you learn on the race might be a lot different from what those around you are learning. I found that I had already grown in a lot of areas that those around me needed growth in, yet I also discovered that there is ALWAYS room to grow. On or off the race, we are not finished until we leave this earth. Be open to what God has for you. You will also find that years you live do not necessarily equal life that you've lived, I've learned a lot from my younger brothers and sisters on the squad.
Third, you're never too old. Sometimes we would joke about my age, and whether or not I would choose to do some things because of it. I may not have gone bungee jumping; however, I did ride an elephant, climb waterfalls, go zip lining and enjoy each and every moment. Sometimes, I felt my age when we would go hiking and realized that I wasn't as fast as I once was. Don't let that get you down, go out and embrace the World Race life. Carpe diem, my friends.
