I’ve been asked “What are you going to miss most about the race?” multiple times this month. To be honest, I’m not sure. Will I miss the constant community, or will I be excited to have complete independence back? Will I be excited to sleep in a bed by myself, in a room alone and have my own bathroom? Or will I long to be back in a cramped room sleeping with 5 other girls all sharing one bathroom?
Will I feel guilty when I go out for a nice dinner with my friends or buy an outfit at the mall? When I walk into costco will I cry because of the surplus of “essentials” and food knowing most of the world couldn’t fathom a place like costco or will I run Down the isles with a smile on my face looking at the unlimited options, brands, and fruits and veggies although not in season are still available? Will I get frustrated with family and friends when they complain about a first world problem? Will I miss taking public transport or walking everywhere? Or will I be relieved to hop In my car, blast my music, and not have to look at the bus schedule to decide when and where I’m going. I could keep going on and on but the truth is I’m not going to know how I react until I’m in that moment back in the U.S.
So for those of yall who will be with me as I transition back, I ask that you bare with me and give me grace. This past year we have lived completely different lives and it’s going to take some time to merge our lives back together. I’m excited for this new season of my life, living in Orlando, Florida full time for the first time in 5 years but I’m also mourning a part of my life I will never get back. Just like most people mourn their college career I’ll be mourning my World Race career.
I have 14 days left of the World Race. I’m exited, sad, nervous, anxious, relieved and so much more all at the same time. I ask that you pray for me as well as the rest of my squad as we say goodbye to our best friends and family we have gained and our transition back to the U.S.
