Dear Future Racer,
Here is some practical advice you might find handy. I’m sure there is much more than what we list here, but this will get you started. Check back later… we will add stuff as we think of it!
· You will probably be doing ministry with at least one other team if not more. It is VERY important that you protect other teams from YOUR team’s issues. When you work with great teams, they will rub off on you. And when another team is having problems, that will rub off on you too if you aren’t careful. Please be aware of this.
· I will put this in the packing blog too, but remember to bring clothes you like. DO NOT go out a buy a bunch of missionary wear unless you already dress like that at home. Bring lounge clothes, work out clothes, and cute clothes. That is seriously all you need. Girls, if you like to dress cute at home, YOU CAN DO IT ON THE RACE TOO! You aren’t leaving to live in dirt for a year. Bring clothes that you normally love to wear. (Accessories too!)
· BUDGET FOR MORE! There will be unexpected costs that come up (all the time) and money is one thing you do NOT want to have to think about. Also, there will be opportunities to do really fun things (like safari’s and such) so you’ll want extra money for that. Whoever said to budget $100/month was a little off, haha, so do yourself a favor and go ahead and budget for more money than you think you need. Also, you will probably pay for Internet often.
· Speaking of dinero, if you are struggling with fundraising, PLEASE get help! DO NOT wait until the last minute to ask people for support because then your squad will have to fight for you. While they will do so willingly, don’t make them. They have their own funds and supporters to worry about. Do what you have to do to meet your deadlines on your own. (Lots of people on your squad probably have amazing fundraising ideas!)
· If you like to eat a lot or if you’re a picky eater, budget for it!! Yes, WR has a food budget for your team but it is very small. You will not starve, by any means, but you may not be as full as you want to be after every meal. Therefore, have money to buy extra snacks for you. The same goes for soda. Water is free but if you’re tired of it, you will have to buy your own juice/soda/bottled water.
· Speaking of food, our team has some good advice for meals. Teams do this differently every month and you can find what is best for your team. But our team has found that it’s best to pool our food budget and cook together. A lot of places you go, you will buy your own groceries and cook your own food. Our team has a food person (that’s me) who makes a menu and grocery list every week. I plan out every meal for 7 or so days, grocery shop with our budget, and then we all take turns cooking. I’m the southern belle on the team so I usually end up cooking a lot (plus, I just love being in the kitchen) but your team can figure out what works best for you. Also, my squad mates are convincing me to write a WR cookbook…. So if you need/want help with meal ideas on the race, contact me!! : )
· You cannot hear this enough: KEEP YOUR HANDS ON YOUR STUFF! My teammate Amy laid her MacBook down right next to me and two other teammates, turned around to pay for Internet, and when she turned back around it was gone. When you go to impoverished areas you will stand out because you’re American/Canadian and people will assume you are rich. We never saw it happen and neither did she. You are dealing with professional thieves; keep your hands (not just your eyes) on your stuff at all times.
· GET A CHARLES SCHWABB CARD. Just trust us. Do it.
· Don’t freak out over malaria medicine. Before you leave, everyone and their mama will give you their opinion on which medicines you need to take and all the reasons why. If you can’t take Doxy for some reason, just ask your doctor or malaria meds and stick to it. Don’t compare with squad mates when they are starting theirs and how much they’re taking. Just do what your doctor says and it will save you some stress.
· Put EVERYTHING you can in Ziploc bags or waterproof bags. Trust me, my tent flooded.
· Think of something fun you want to get from each country. For example, I am buying fabric in each country and my mom is making me a blanket with all the fabrics!
· Get your friends/family to write you 11 letters or cards before you leave. You will LOVE the day of each month that you get to open a new letter. We have countdowns… we love it!
· You will probably get homesick. Own it.
We hope this advice comes in useful to you and please feel ultra-free to contact us! We love answering questions and helping future racers!
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!
Love peace and mosquito bites,
Team Fierce Pursuit
