Yes, I’ve gone the Whole World Race trip on 2 pairs of boxers. Exofficio’s to be exact (it’s a special brand). They aren’t torn or faded, and they still work quite nicely. Am I boasting? Ha, Not really, just stating that it can be done and have everyone criticize me of how “unsanitary” I am. Have one pair on and the other clean, and swap out every other day…or 3. What’s Wrong With That? Judge me all you want, but I really don’t care. Would I recommend doing this? Only if You want to on Your trip.
Why do I mention this? Well, there are of course Pre World Race Expectations. You’re “suppose” to leave them at home and GO with an open mind. Hey, that’s a Great piece of advice in every aspect of Life. What do I do? I expect/prepare for the worse, and so then when you get into difficult situations…hopefully they are better than what you expected. My expectations are usually blown out of the water and blessed beyond belief. God’s Awesome.
At the beginning of the trip my mind literally went Crazy of all the Possible places of living situations and having to Rough it like no other for a whole year. Being in Boy Scouts and having the mentality of “be prepared” ingrained into every time I pack has me bringing random things “normal” people wouldn’t bring. Let me say this that EveRyOne has a Different experience than even the people on their own team. I’ve only had to use my tent once this trip, while others had to use it about 5 times. I’ve had AC in 4 of the months, and used my -25 degree Fahrenheit sleeping bag 3 times. Also, I Highly recommend a Sleeping Bag Liner. It’s amazing…get one.
For clothes, one will probably want to buy the cheap clothes in S.E. Asia on the route and get rid of/trade shirts you are absolutely Sick of wearing and seeing after several months. A pair of convertible pants/shorts, quick dry shirts, and a collared shirt or 2 and you’re ready to go! I say these things for the guys. If you’re crazy like Tiffany Berkowitz (1 of our squad leaders) you could also go the entire trip bringing just a pair of flip-flops. I personally wouldn’t recommend that.
My nice head-ware while in India (joking). I’ve had this Valdosta State shirt the whole trip (Go Blazers), and I’ll add that my VSU hat has survived the trip. Except it is falling apart and smells weird even though washing it doesn’t seem to help.
Food has been good overall. Occasionally one might encounter Typhoid or a few parasites, but honestly you’ll be fine. You may even lose about 65 lbs like our logistics guy Ryan Hughes. Some places you cook for yourselves, and then other countries people in every house you visit gives you enough glop on your plate to feed 3 American teenage girls (I really don’t know what this means). You won’t starve to death, OK?
Other than a few knives, iPod with ear-phone splitter, frisbee, rope, at least something resembling a first-aid kit, soap, mirror, bug spray, sun-screen, what I mentioned before, sleeping pad, journal, and Bible one can be pretty much set for the World Race. Honestly, those who go on The World Race listen to what the people tell you before/at training camp to pack for your specific route and trip.
Be Prepared to have your Life and everything you Think You know about this World ROCKED. God Will Blow Your mind like No Other on the World Race. I speak from personal experience. Heck it doesn’t Have to be even while on The World Race. Get rid of Expectations, especially of what we Want and Expect to See. God will show up in miraculous ways.
