As I am about to turn 34: Looking back, I cannot think of a better way to have spent my 33rd year aka my Jesus year then to have traveled the world serving his people like he would have.
I can also honestly say that this past year was the best year of my life as I got to do and experience things that I never thought that I would get to do in my lifetime, and not to mention getting to do it all with 32 other pretty incredible people as well by means of P squad.
I’ll admit it did feel strange to be back on American soil when I landed in Boston for the first time since January when I had a layover in both Orlando & Chicago when I was headed to Vietnam. But once I got over the shock of that I was nothing but excited for I knew what was ahead of me as I finally was able to go out and explore on my own for the first time in a year. It was hard to say goodbye to my world race family especially Kaitlin at the baggage claim at Logan, and yes I did get emotional but that sad emotion quickly turned to excitement as I walked out of the doors to meet my uber ride to take me to my airbnb where I dropped my bags off at the apartment, freshened up a bit before heading out to do a little exploring because I knew that I was in historian heaven, and I wanted to soak up every second of my newfound freedom.
My time in Boston was so amazing as I was living it up! I embraced the freedom of being able to go out sightseeing on my own in my own time, and at my pace. This was my third time visiting Boston so I knew what I wanted to see and do, and I did it all! From spending the day in Salem to walking the Freedom Trail/touring Fenway park and just generally walking around the city then spending my last day in Lexington & Concord.
Coming home to Michigan was also so surreal to me as this was the first in 11 months that I got to see my parents. I actually hugged my car before I hugged my parents, and walking into my house and into my room for the first time since I left felt strange, but in a good way. Later that night we had some of our longtime friends over, and I also invited Andrea over as well for ice cream cake. My reunion with her was so special for staying in touch with her was one of the many things that helped to push me to continue on whenever I felt down or wanting to quit, and my homecoming with her was all that I had dreamed about for the past 11 months.
One of the things that I learned while being on the race is how to be adaptable, and that ability has come in handy for I have been able to very easily settle back into my life at home. I know that this may sound bad as this was one of the things that we were warned about might happen to us, but in my case its how I process what I have done and my sense of normal. Yes I have been changed my my experience as I’m not the same person compared to when I left, but in a way I am the same person just a year older & wiser who has a better sense of a world view. I have so much exciting plans both short term & long term.
There are times where I still feel like this past year wasn’t real that it was all just a dream. I feel at peace about being home and what my post race plans are, and I’m ready to tackle all the new challenges that God will throw at me. I miss my P Squadmates, but I know that it won’t be the last time that I hear about them for great plans are in the works for us in God’s kingdom, and people need to be ready cause noise will be made by us.
Don’t be afraid to ask me questions about my year as I am a totally opened book, and would LOVE to share with you my stories and maybe even my testimony.
Til next time you fellow Sister in Christ,
Bonnie
P Squad 5th Gen Alumni
Psalms 18:2
