The World Race has a large and very unique vocabulary used to describe the things that have come to feel so very normal to us Racers (my best friend Kaitlin called me a Racer the other day and she said it was so weird to refer to me as that, even 10 months in to this thing). “Man-istry” is probably my least favorite of these terms, “re-entry” being another.
But, before I know it, I’ll be coming up on re-entry, and as much as I can cringe at that word, I can’t think of a better way to describe it. Because I am quite literally “re-entering” a lot of things. My friend circle, family traditions, my daily routine, a job… the list goes on and on.
My teammate Kayla recently wrote a blog about re-entry. As I read through her points, I had moments where I thought “YES SO TRUE” and others where I thought “eh, that wouldn’t really bother me too much I don’t think.”
I don’t think. The point being I don’t know. After re-posting her blog, I had several responses asking me what I want/need my friends and family to do when I get home. My mom even said she would tape the list to her mirror and memorize it until I get home.
GUYS. The last thing I want is all of you walking on egg-shells trying not to set me off in to a ball of PTSD and WR flashbacks.
Let’s figure this thing out together. It’s gonna take a lot of grace from both sides. I can write as many dos and don’ts as I want, but I won’t fully know what I need until I’m home and doing the thing.
On Facebook I wrote that I don’t want a coming home party. Then today, a friend told me that Abilene legend Roy Helen wanted to have cocktail hour and dinner when I get home. “HECK. YES!” was my initial reaction. Then….wait. I thought I didn’t want one of those…but that sounds so fun…. Basically, I have NO CLUE what will and won’t work during re-entry.
But I do know I want my friends and family by my side. And I want you guys to know some stuff going in to this thing. Some perspective, if you will. So yes, this blog comes with a “dos and don’t” list. Just think of it as bumpers on a bowling lane. Our path may not be perfectly straight using these, and we might make it to the end with a few bumps and bruises, but the point is we’ll make it.
Don’t:
Ask me, “How was your year?”
We aren’t joking about this one. It has become almost an inside-joke amongst racers, and it’s the one question we can pretty much all agree on we do not want to hear. Especially in line at the grocery store.
Some context: Imagine you’re on the snack isle picking out your favorite flavor of kettle cooked potato chips (because you have that luxury) and someone you haven’t seen in a while bumps in to you. “Oh my gosh, HEY! How has your year been?”
Close your eyes.
You probably had dozens of memories flood your brain just now. Some good, some bad, some you just really didn’t want to re-live in that moment. How are you supposed to sum all that up in a quick conversation?
That’s the feeling we’re dreading.
Do:
Ask me about my year.
Wait, Aubrey, how is this different?
Hear me out. Give me a little warning when you wanna have “the talk.” Take me out to coffee, invite me over for dinner. Ask me specific questions. It’s the impromptu and unplanned that scares me, not the conversation itself. Plot twist: I like talking.
Don’t:
Get upset if I go in to hiding for a week. I might get overwhelmed with things like driving, hearing English on a regular basis, or having the freedom to go to Chick-fil-A whenever I want. Those things might not seem overwhelming to you, but it’s gonna be super weird to be able to do all that stuff again, and some days I just might not handle it all that well.
Do:
Include me! Even if I’ve said no to your past ten invites, please continue to ask me to hang out.
I’ve missed you guys. Probably more than you’ve missed me.
How can I possibly know that? Because missing my dad also includes missing movie theater popcorn. Missing my mom also includes missing getting my nails done. Missing my best friend also includes missing Mario Kart and Chardonnay (classy, I know). My point is, even though I’m gone, your routines remained the same and mine was completely altered.
Side note – This is not a “my life sucks and I miss America so much how can I possibly go onnnnnn” rant. Again, I’m just trying to offer some perspective the best way I can. Trust me, it’ll be easier in person.
Don’t:
Expect to understand everything I say. Like I mentioned before, the World Race has a lot of jargon. Sometimes I don’t even know what people are trying to say.
Also, I’m probably gonna hear or see something and respond with “Ha! #WorldRaceLife, am I right?!” only to be greeted by crickets.
I was watching a movie the other day and one of the characters yelled out “I’M GOING TO BE IN MY OWN PERSONAL AIR CONDITIONING!” I’d seen this movie at least 5 times before, and I’ve never laughed so hard at this part until I’d had the World Race for comedic context. I even tried searching for a gif of the scene and found nothing. That’s how #unrelatable it was.
Do:
Expect change. I may not be 100% the same as I was when I left, but I’m still Aubrey. Please don’t be afraid of the change. I might say things I’ve never said before. I might not laugh at the same jokes. Some days I might forget to put shoes on. It’ll take some adjusting, but I promise we’ll have fun with it.
The other day my brother told me he was excited to meet who I’ve become, and I thought that was incredibly sweet.
And I know you guys have changed too. I’ve seen it, and I’m so thankful to have had opportunities to FaceTime and chat about what we’re learning.
If I’m being completely honest, those of you who are reading this are the least of my worries. You’ve kept up with my journey. You’ve probably read my blogs. We may have even Skyped a few times. Deep down, you probably already knew all this stuff because you know me. You love me. And you’ve shown it time and time again.
I love you guys, and I’m so stoked to see you all in a month.
