Dear future racers,
Here are some hopefully helpful tips as you prepare for your journey!
I’m in month 7 of my race and here are some practical and spiritual tips I’ve learned so far to keep in mind as you prepare and enter the field!
*please know this is in the perspective of a female racer, so please note that, especially when it comes to the packing list*
Prepare for short term missions
I know you’re about to leave your friends and family for a year, and you think that means because you’re leaving on a yearlong/ long-term missions trip, however, that’s not entirely correct. You’re actually about to embark on 11 short term trips that just so happen to be back to back. This is actually way harder and more taxing in some ways than if you would just stay in one place for the whole year. New culture, new food, new language, new people every month. And just when you get to the point of a strong foundation in a relationship with people, it’s already time to leave again. It’s a continuous journey of opening up my heart to new people and new ministries just to be left with a small gap in my heart as each month comes to an end.
But don’t let that stop you from opening up every month! Don’t let the fear of the end stop you from diving in head first as soon as you get to each new place. It becomes so tempting halfway through to start going through the motions and stop caring as much about each relationship; maybe it’s because you can’t take any more breaks in your heart from goodbyes, or maybe it’s because you don’t see as much meaning in it knowing it will end so soon, but don’t limit God because of your own opinions. Just remember he brought you hear, to this place, for this time, for a specific reason, a specific person to encounter which could change the course of their life. The aspect of short term missions is really hard, but just know God is working regardless of how long you are actually in each place.
Let go
God got my attention of the beginning of this month. The race has been hard for me in more ways than I ever expected. I’ve had to surrender control of things I never ever thought I would have to: things like my diet, my sleep schedule, my dress code, my workout routine, my family etc. Anything I could possibly think to surrender to God, he’s found a way for my to surrender. I used to think he only wanted me to surrender the big things in my life like where I was going to study in college, what my career would be, who I was going to marry, but he’s taught me that he wants even the smallest details of my every day to be surrendered to him because he wants my whole heart. Because of this constant surrender, I have longed for home, in the first half of the race I just missed home and always wanted to be there and missed everything of the past and what I used to have. Then as we got to the halfway point and started being closer to home and realized I had less days on the race til I actually get home, I kept imagining what life will look like when I get home, and all the time I’ll have back, and all the things I get to control again.
But God spoke to me. He said “Let go. Let go of the way things used to be/ how they could be in order to fully embrace what you have today.” Keep this mind set throughout the whole race in order to fully enjoy every second you have and in order to not miss a single moment of the great things he has for you. Stop comparing; start enjoying. You’re most free when you aren’t holding on to anything at all!
Fundraising
Pray into everything. God cares and God provides. If he wants you on this journey, he will make a way for you to be on this journey. It’s a lot of money, yes, but it’s not a heavy burden for you to carry. Give it to God!
He is your father, and he owns literally everything. As the Bible says it, he owns a cattle on a thousand hills. Like any good father, if you went up to him telling him you needed money, would he not give it to you? Approach God the same way you would approach your dad when you were younger and wanted gas money or money to see a movie, “dad can I have $20 to go out?” If he saw it was good for you, he’d provide for you. God is the same way. You don’t have to stress over finances at all, because if God sees it’s good for you, he’ll make it happen for you. You can be confident that if God wants you on this trip, he’ll provide for you and open the door wide for you. If not, he’ll close the door and make his plan for you clear through it. Either way, if you put him in control he’ll make a way and do what is best for you.
The biggest lesson I’ve learned over the course of my life is God gives to me so I can give to others and when I give to others I then have more room to receive. Don’t forget to give. Be generous with what has been given to you. The more you give the more room you have to receive so the more space God has to work and pour out over you. God operates in an upside down kingdom; all things with him are reversed and flipped. I can assure you he’s this way with our money. You always end up with more if you give than you would have if you save what you initially received. I can testify to this on numerous occasions, but recently I even wrote two blogs about it if you want the whole story!
Don’t sweat it, your father will make a way for his child down the path he wants you to go.
Research
I’d advise you to do your research. If you have found this blog, you are already a step ahead, but don’t stop here! Research is something I didn’t do because I didn’t make the time to do so. In hindsight I think it would have been more beneficial for me if I looked into racers before me and their experiences. I’ll try to make this into a resource for you that has practical tips, and important lessons I have learned that can potentially help you on your journey.
Research other religions. Learn what they believe verses what you believe so you can hear what they say and gently redirect the conversation to the truth we know!
Research your countries; their cultures, their climates, etc. This will help you quickly immerse yourself into each culture and not miss a moment while you’re on the field. Also, knowing the climates of where you’re going will help you immensely in knowing what to pack.
Packing list
World Race has created an extensive list, however just because it’s on there doesn’t mean you’ll need it! This is why it’s important to know your route and its climate.
For example: A tent. The only time I have needed my tent so far is for training camp. In 7 months. I actually sent my tent home in month 3. This is a risk you have to decide if you’re willing to take or not because you don’t learn each month’s ministry location or accomodations until about 2 weeks before you get there!
*Also keep in mind there are stores overseas, and people in other countries also wash their hair, brush their teeth and wear clothes! You can always buy things you need, so don’t load up on all the extras! One mistake I made in overpacking was packing a years worth of toiletries- don’t do that! You don’t even have to buy them for your first location, unless you desperately want certain brands, because you can buy items monthly. (also by taking less toiletries you save alot of weight and space in your pack!)
*GIRLS* there are 2 items, I’ve learned, that are extremely hard to get in other countries: tampons and dry shampoo. If you’re one who can’t stand the alternative to tampons, I would encourage you to bring enough. You’ll be so thankful you did! Dry shampoo isn’t as big of a deal, but if you’re one who lives on that stuff, it might be wise to bring a full one from home and just cross your fingers you’ll be able to find more!
When it comes to meds, their are pharmacies overseas. If you have prescriptions then you can get a year supply to bring with you , but don’t worry about a year’s supply when it comes to OTC meds because you can get those in other places.
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*Less is more* for everything except when it comes to socks and underwear; the more the better! 10 days – 2 weeks worth is best.
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Bras; a normal one, two sports bras, and a bralette is what I’d advise
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Packing cubes: These aren’t just for organization. You want ones that have compression in order to make your clothes more compact! I didn’t even know that was a thing until last month and I wish I did! You can literally compress everything to make it smallers; and you’ll be so thankful if you have tools to do so.
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Dri-fit shirts are a life-saver. Although comfort colors shirts are more comfortable, they don’t last near as long. Especially as most months you will be hand washing; they take forever to dry and they end up getting really stretched out. Also if you dry them outside they will get sun-bleached, so keep that in mind.
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You really can get away with 5-7 shirts. Bring 2 that can get ruined, 2 for everyday casual, one “cute” (for church and such) and one long sleeve. Remember, things will get ruined, and if you ever do need more, you can always buy more!
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Bring at least one dress-code length dress or skirt. You’ll need it.
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When it comes to pants, you will want to know your route’s weather. However, most people say they have too many. I’d advise 2 pairs of appropriate shorts, 2 pair of athletic joggers or sweats (1 warmer / 1 dri fit that can also be worn in hot weather) and a pair of jeans. You will live in cities, or just visit them and you’ll want to look decent.
* if you’re like me and lived in leggings at home, then bring leggings; although you can’t wear them in public, you’ll be thankful you have them for your rest days, to sleep in, or even to layer your clothes during cold months!
*A mistake I made in packing was thinking I’d never want to look cute in public, lol. Jokes on me.
*Also know that your squad will have a free table after every debrief, and you might even encounter other racers where you can also have a free table. This is where you can get rid of stuff you don’t need/want and can trade out for anything other racers have gotten rid of.
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Flannel, sweatshirt, rain coat: If you combine all three you’ll be set for your cold months! Flannel is perfect as a sweater on mild months, and you’ll always be thankful for your sweatshirt on travel days, or even to sleep during your chilly months!
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*** DO NOT SKIMP on a cheap raincoat*** in my mind, a good rain coat is essential. You’ll use it as a windbreaker, in the snow, in the rain, all the time.
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Shoes: bring shoes you’re used to wearing everyday. You’ll still want to wear them everyday. A pair of tennis shoes is a must; especially if you want to work out / run ever. A pair of sandals is another good thing to have, especially for hot weather. Birks/ chacos/ tevas are all good options. Alot of people, including myself, have also regretted not bringing their converse or vans with them. Trust me when I say what you’re used to wearing at home you’ll want to wear on the field.
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I started the race with my birks that I’ve had for 3 years and wore basically every day of my life. Unfortunately they broke, so I bought a pair of rubber birks off the street market in Cambodia- best purchase of my life.
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3 pairs is a normal amount of shoes people bring, but remember less is more and shoes weigh a lot so if you can get away with only 2 you’ll be thankful!
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Towels- bring ones that compact very small and are quick dry.
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One of the best packing decisions I made was bringing 2 towels; one to use for the shower and one to use on adventure days when the opportunity arises!
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Bathing suit
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Sleeping:
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If you use a pillow at home; you want a pillow on the race! On my squad most people bought compact pillows, but some even brought the very pillow from their bed! Either way, it is worth bringing and comes in very handy even on travel days! *Make sure to bring 1 or 2 pillow cases though! (I have two, one to use on travel days, and then I change it to the clean one once we get to our ministry loc to use until I wash the other)
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My favorite item in my entire bag is my sleeping bag; it is so comfortable and warm. Even during the hot months I used it under me for extra padding!
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If you bring a sleeping bag, make sure you have a compact bag for it. This is something I didn’t know what a thing and would’ve been very helpful to have a bag that compresses the sleeping bag. It would’ve saved so much space in my bag!
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Sleeping bag liner is my second favorite item! It’s light, it’s soft, and it’s especially nice to have on your overnight bus rides during travel days!
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Sleeping pad; you won’t want to skimp on this! Although I haven’t had to use mine every month, they are your bed some months. If you value sleep as much as I do, you’ll be thankful you have a nice one during the months you don’t have a bed. (Also in some places, the mattresses are NOT what you’d find in the states, so being able to use your mattress pad on top of the mattress as extra comfort has been an absolute blessing).
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Bring earphones- multiple pairs, and extra ear buds (I have lost mine all the time).
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Bring chargers and extra ones. These unfortunately break so easily and aren’t always sold other places
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Bring a flashdrive, it surprisingly has come in handy more times than I expected
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Bring a cord/ electronic organizing case: this is one of my favorite things I bought on amazon. It’s seriously so nice not to have all my cords in a jumbled mess in the bottom of my bag.
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Paracord
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Bible, notebook, pens ( I think that’s a given but hey)
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Bring a book, you can swap with others on your squad once you finish your own
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Small laptop or ipad; for blogging and watching movies!
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Hard drive* Important* you don’t want to lose your pics, especially if your computer breaks. You can also download movies and watch them when you have months without wifi or travel days! Trust me you’ll be thankful you did. (also if you get your squad mates together you can share movies with eachother and download theirs onto yours!)
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Head lamp
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Portable speaker
- a good airporter for your pack; and make sure you test it! (this is something I don’t have but everyone I know highly recommends it!) (An airporter is a bag cover you put on packs before when you fly)
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WATER BOTTLE
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Miscellaneous (that I’m thankful I have/ wish I had)
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Tape
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Scissors
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Pocket knife
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Extra earring backs
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Bobby pins and extra ponytail holders
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Fuzzy socks
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Nike shorts (although out of dress code they’re nice for off days when I’m just chilling at our host location).
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Tiny washcloth
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Batteries
*Last final tip*
You will not return home with the same things you left with on the race. You will lose things and trade things, and some clothes will simply just get ruined (whether a dog eats them our paint gets on them!) I thought this was a joke and thought to myself “surely that won’t be me” but only about 1/4 of what I originally left with do I still have (and I’m only half way done!). Don’t bring your absolute favorite items you can’t bear to lose, and but also don’t bring your most hobo looking clothes. This isn’t church camp, it’s real life for a whole year. Bring clothes/ items you typically use in day-to -day life.
