We left Atlanta, Georgia early on October 9th and flew 5 and a half hours directly to LA, California where we had a great 16-hour layover. I spent the day getting a smoothie bowl and sitting on the beach with my new World Race family. Late on the 10th of October we all loaded up onto a plane and flew 14 and a half hours over the Pacific Ocean to Taipei, Taiwan for a 4-hour layover. We loaded up again for one last flight into the capital city of The Philippines, Manila. After 2 and a half hours, we landed and made our way to the baggage claim.
The World Race started immediately upon our arrival. Our teams began splitting ways, and the squad goodbyes began. My team (Tigress) was with team Vessels of Joy that month. Eleven of us shoved into the back of an enclosed truck (with small windows for the slightest amount of airflow.) It was pretty crowded with us and all of our luggage. Some of us laughed when our driver told us it was going to be a 2-hour drive until we got to our ministry for the month, but we quickly realized he wasn’t kidding when we noticed the traffic in Manila. Here is a picture of us all snuggled together in the back of the truck:
When we arrived at Kid’s International Ministry (KIM), we settled into our rooms. We also jumped into ministry as we went down the street to help with a feeding program. Feeding Programs at KIM usually consisted of a kids bible story, praying and filling the kid’s containers with soup. There was a basketball hoop at the park we went to, and some people started shooting hoops with the kids. I sat to the side, exhausted from days of travel, and observed everything. I’m in Asia. I had to remind myself about ten times. I am on the World Race. Today is day one of a 322-day journey. I had to remember it all wasn’t a dream.
After the park wrapped up, we headed back to our ministry. I showered to end the day, and I fell asleep with my hair wrapped up in a towel and my computer on my lap. Thanks, Jet lag. I honestly don’t remember a ton of details from that day because it feels like a lifetime ago. I do, however, remember being so thankful God brought me on this journey, and that feeling hasn’t left since. No matter the day.
Love y’all. See you in 11 days!
