A little joke that has gone around our squad is called “Remember November”. This joke refer to relationship within the squad and out of the squad. Basically if we came on the race single, we are supposed to stay single until we get back from the race in November. Everytime one of us would make a comment about an attractive member of the opposite sex, we would all say, “remember November!”.
But really now, relationships aside, we are going home in November…that’s exactly 59 days!
I remember in Peru (month 4) when I finally realized I was on an 11 month mission trip…horrible.
Now Y squad has made it to month 10 of the first ever Spanish route of the World Race!
I enjoy the race, I love every experience that I’ve had and God has renewed and will continue to renew every part of my life.
but can I be honest….?
I know I’m tired of the race and l would like to go home. I also know the moment I get home I’m going to miss this Latino culture I’ve been immersed in for the last 11 months.
So how do I reintegrate myself into the great country of Canada (or America) where they don’t speak Spanish, don’t have salsa parties on the regular and don’t kiss you on the cheek?
Some things to consider integrating a Spanish racer back into real life…
1. We will say “hola” instead of “hello” for at least a month
2. Please turn off the hot water and remove the shower at home, we do not know what either of these are anymore..
3. When we get into a taxi we won’t want to wear a seatbelt and we will be looking for 6 more people to squeeze into the backseat with us.
4. We won’t know how to walk down the street without hearing cat calls, “ayayae” and “mamacita!” from the passing males.
5. We will need to find someone on the street to buy coca cola in a bag from.
6. We will need someone to pluck us down coconuts from a tree at any given time.
7. We will need someone to repeatedly call us white girls/guys throughout the day (blancita/gringo)
8. We cannot allow ourselves to flush toilet paper down the toilet anymore, please just accept this.
9. I personally will dance on the spot in public every time I hear salsa music.
10. I will definitely…need someone to passionately serenade me in a fiery Spanish accent.
I’ve learned so much from a culture that I’ve felt so welcomed into and I will miss everything about it. There were good times, bad times but no regrets…even Bolivia (see worst country every created by evil).
I hope I can take all I’ve learned from these beautiful people I’ve met and all I’ve learned from God and speak, encourage and be a light to my family and friends back home. I encourage every racer on the field right now to enjoy the time left on the race and be present because this is truly an opportunity of a lifetime.
