Since I first heard about The World Race at the end of 2014, I knew it was something I wanted to be a part of–the catch being I had to wait until I graduated from college (personal decision). And from that point on my “future plans” had forever changed. After that point The World Race became an integrated part of my life as well as my family’s lives. I had initially heard about WR from my sister, Joy, who was a part of Y-Squad which launched in September 2015 and fell in love with every aspect of the race.
September 2015, Labor Day weekend but more importantly the weekend my sister’s squad’s parent launch was held, will forever be a defining point in my life. Up to that point, Joy and I were inseparable, to the point where it was just assumed if one was somewhere, the other was there as well. It was unbelievably hard to say bye to her after walking her back to her hotel with the other racers. I cried the entire time as well as on the plane ride home, and practically every moment I thought no one was looking for the next couple of weeks. However, looking back, I am able to see how this was laying the foundation for some of the most powerful growth I have ever experienced.
Everyone says that there will be growth when preparing for, and certainly while on the race. Heck, I even told it to everyone on my sister’s squad while they were preparing for the race and training camp through my sister’s blog (“You Are Taking Half of My Heart–Please Take Care of It”). Reading back over that post, I remember every detail of when I was typing it up– from the tears I was so desperately trying to hold back while on my lunch break while on co-op that summer to the millions of thoughts running through my head while trying to formulate my thoughts, feelings, and emotions into words and phrases that were able to truly express them to their full potential. But most importantly, with those memories I am able to look back and see how I have grown–mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
Mentally, my growth consisted of learning how to not use my sister as a crutch and to recognize and grow my own self-confidence and independence for life as a whole. Emotionally, my growth was learning to give up my stubbornness, pride, and mentality that “I can do everything on my own.” Single-handedly, that last lesson was not learned until it broke me–literally. Being confined to a walking boot and crutches for a couple of months after an unexpected motorcycle accident tested every fiber of my being and it was only then that I learned that it is okay to ask for help at times, nor does it make you weak. Lastly, my spiritual growth has been more than I would’ve ever expected (this is a topic for another post probably because there is more than I have time to write and I don’t even know where to begin).
Now, I look forward to the continued growth that is to come now that I am on the other side of the race and actually preparing myself for leaving in just a short eight months. Every time I think of my own WR route I am over come with excitement and terror, but no matter how daunting the unknown future may seem, I am excited to be open for any growth and changes God has planed for my life during my 11 months on The World Race.
With the posting of this first blog post, I feel it is the closing the end of my first chapter in my journey of experiencing The World Race and my second chapter is beginning–let Part 2 begin!
I will soon be writing a post over the big “F word”–fundraising; but in the mean time I ask for prayers of support and discernment. Thanks!
