What’s been your most unexpected lesson learned so far? –Vanessa O.
Learning to live with people who come from different lifestyles than me, learning that I can do things I never imagined I’d have to do (carrying water a half mile uphill, cooking over a charcoal fire, cliff jumping, sleeping in an airport, running a café in Estonia), to make sure you put your camera lens cap/iphone/nalgene in the same place all the time so it doesn’t get lost and have to do a miraculous return, that methliquine (my malaria med) causes some weird dreams and the spins
What are the challenges in assimilating with your team? -Monty Cash
One of the challenges I’ve had with team assimilation has been not being known. In the past I’ve lived with my family and friends I’ve known for a years. It’s been an adventure living with people and getting to know them at the same time, but our team has grown into quite the close little family.
What surprised you the regarding your initial expectations. Best surprise/ worst surprise? -Monty Cash
Right off the bat I was surprised by how much I enjoyed tenting. It’s kinda like having your own little palace (key word: kinda).
I’ve had lots of great surprises:
- My birthday was full of surprises: cake, balloons, and thoughtful gifts!
- The men spoiled the gals on Valentine’s Day with the day off, chocolate, and then they washed our Africa-dirty (a whole new level of dirty) feet.
- During a 13-hour layover in Ethiopia the squad was surprised with hotel accommodations for the night made complete with a dinner and breakfast.
Worst surprise: Waking up at 4 am to lots and lots of unexpected tent guests. There were ants on ants on ants crawling all over me.
How do you deal with the language barrier? -Monty Cash
So far the language barrier hasn’t been too much of a problem. In Zambia, English is the national language, so that was pretty easy communication. In Malawi we learned a couple basic phrases and the best means of communication with the children was to smile and hold their hands. Estonia has been the biggest challenge, but most of the youth we run into speak English very well. With the older generation we use the point, smile and laugh technique. It’s golden!
How do you deal with late night munchies attacks? -Monty Cash
Well, I succumb to them in the form of ice cream, ice cream and more ice cream.
How’s your health holding up? Sleeping well? -Lacey
Besides a little cold during the first month, my health has been in tiptop shape! Thanks for everyone who has been praying for that! He hears and answers! I have been surprised at how well I have been sleeping especially in some of the conditions. In Zambia, my tent was under a light all night, but it didn’t keep me from catching any Z’s. The African buses would rock me right to sleep during our long travel days. In Estonia we have built a fort to separate the boys’ room from the girls’. The five girls sleep in a row of mattresses on the floor. I seem to visit my bedside neighbors occasionally in my sleep, but haven’t lost any shuteye from these social encounters.
Our fort bedroom
What have been your favorite experiences so far? -Allison
I’ll give you a top 10 list of favorite experiences (in no particular order):
1. Chasing giraffes and zebras during our makeshift safari!
2. Living with 6 puppies!
3. Team time telestrations
4. Naming a baby
5. Helping with physical therapy in a special needs clinic
6. Being invited into a Malawian pastor’s home for lunch
7. Cliff jumping
8. Talking with Jane, a Zambian pastor’s wife
9. Zealous Love ladies late night giggles
10. Seeing Victoria Falls!
Are there things you miss about Africa? –Teta Cindy
I miss all the daily surprises of Africa. The things that are too random to make up. Some examples; cramming our whole squad (40+) on a flat bed truck, having vendors come right to the bus window to sell me anything (I’d love a roast corn about now), and pulling over next to a cornfield, which doubles as a covert gas station.
Why are you so stinkin’ cute? –Xhaxhi Matt and Teta Ciny
Well my mom and dad are pretty cute! Not to mention our hosts have hooked us up with some great free winter apparel from their secondhand store!
My favorite secondhand items!
Thanks for all your questions and faithful support!
If you are looking to support another racer some of my teammates are still working toward their April deadline! Email me and I’ll send you some names if you’d like to support them!
