1. You will no longer have personal space, we fit 38 people in a 16 passenger van once… No matter how many people there are in a vehicle, there’s always room for more.
2. If you don’t get car sick in the states it’s still possible to get car sick overseas from the constant stop and go (bring Dramamine)
3. It’s important to rest and have alone time on the race. I catch myself becoming so drained emotionally and physically when I don’t make time for myself. When your body is telling you to rest, REST.
4. If you’re eating something and it tastes a little funny, DON’T EAT IT. Having diarrhea and vomiting on a squatty can get messy.. (I write this as I’m lying on a couch that’s as comfortable as the floor because it’s the closest thing to the bathroom… the less distance to run the better nah I’m sayin..)
5. ALWAYS TRY NEW AUTHENTIC FOOD. (Check out my food blog where I’m posting what I’ve eaten so far on the Race!!) If it makes you nervous, do your research before so you know what you’re getting yourself into BUT LIVE A LITTLE.
6. Never set expectations, JUST DON’T DO IT.
7. Be open to everything, it makes life on the race easier when you are flexible.
8. Showering once or twice a week is okay, lice doesn’t like dirty hair so you’re doing yourself a favor. Also don’t be surprised if you wear the same shirt for 4-5 days in a row, it’s okay that’s less laundry to do. When you think you smell, most likely everybody else does too.
9. Side note you’ll appreciate baby-wipes in a new way, it can be used to wipe but also to bathe.
10. Time is eternal (at least in India and Nepal it is…) for example, you could be told that you need to be ready for church at 8am when in reality you don’t go to church until 9:30. Life just moves slower here, don’t let it frustrate you.
11. New things become a luxury: western toilets… paper towels in the bathroom… add soap to the mix and it’s as if you’re at the Hilton..
Always remember this trip isn’t about you, it’s about Him.
