Today is a very big day.
Today is World Race Day, because the date is 11-11.
We Racers love the number 11. We go to 11 countries, and it takes 11 months.
I made the decision to go on the Race this January: that means this is my 11th month of being committed to the Race.
Today, I am asking you to consider giving $11–that's a dollar a country!– to my World Race fundraising. Or more or less: any amount, as always, is appreciated. Click the Support Me link to your left to make a tax deductible donation and know that I am, as always, so encouraged by and thankful for your support!
Also, in honor of World Race Day, I wanted to share one of my favorite World Race blogs. I didn't write it; this is by Emily Chant, a September 2012 Racer.
Since it is World Race Day, you're probably thinking, "Gee, I wish I could be a World Racer, if only for a day…"
No? Yes? Maybe?
Check it out: this is…
How to be a World Racer for a Day
- Wear the same clothes you wore yesterday. Make it even better by wearing mismatched clothes and maybe even some socks with your sandals.
- Don’t shave or shower, but if you do shower it has to be a cold shower! No ifs, ands or buts about that.
- No 3G. Only wifi when you can find it. Don’t make phone calls unless it is through Skype. The best communication is through email. Email people to make plans or tell them how are you doing.
- Don’t go anywhere alone! If you break this rule, you will never be considered a Racer.
- Drink instant coffee. Nescafe 3-n-1 = nothing but the best.
- Do not drive your car. Walk, hitchhike, or public transportation only.
- Spend $4.00 on all three meals for the day. No more.
- Put headphones in with or without music if you do not want to be bothered.
- Hand wash your clothes and hang dry them outside. Yes, even if the forecast is terrible. You will realize your day may revolve around whether your clothes are dry or not.
- Hover over the toilet, no matter how clean it is. A Racer rarely sits on the toilets found overseas.
- Bargain for everything you buy.
- To have alone time, wake up as early as possible.
- Tell those around you how your heart is doing, even though it can be so awkward.
- Take pictures with the children you come in contact with on the street.
- Wear Chacos or Toms everywhere you go.
- Read books only on your iPhone or Kindle.
- Don’t watch TV unless it is international CNN or foreign music videos.
- Cook your meals without an oven, microwave, or toaster. Really, anything other than a stovetop.
- Drink only boiled or bottled water – don’t drink water out of the tap.
- Eat rice at least once a day.
- Use your forward facing camera on your iPhone as a mirror.
- Do not sleep on a bed. Sleep on a sleeping mat with a sleeping bag and under a mosquito net. A bed is not a necessity.
- Play cards as an evening activity.
- Instagram at least twice throughout your day (photo suggestions: food, mode of transportation, or kids).
- If you haven’t noticed, to be a Racer you should probably have an iPhone.
- Ultimately, find joy in the little things! Know that God has given you this day for a reason and live intentionally knowing it is a gift from above.
Enjoy being a Racer for a day!
