Okay, okay, my title might have been a little dramatic. But you’re here now!! Here’s a list of things that I appreciate a whole lot more now that I’ve been on the Race for 5 months. Most of these are just silly and irrelevant, but kind of fun to look over!

 

  1. Coffee corner. Medium. Iced. White chocolate Americano. 2 shots. No whip. UGH.
  2. Bible studies and deep conversations over that amazing coffee
  3. My purple birkenstocks
  4. Real, hot showers
  5. Toilets that have seats
  6. Toilets that flush
  7. Toilet paper
  8. Toilets that flush the toilet paper so you don’t have to keep a garbage can full of dirty toilet paper
  9. Living close to the people that you love
  10. A strong community of believers at my youth group
  11. Clean water from the tap
  12. Free water and free refills at restaurants
  13. Efficient modes of transportation
  14. My family and being able to share meals with them
  15. Chick-fil-a
  16. Washing Machines
  17. Alone time
  18. ALL OF MY FRIENDS THAT LOVE ME SO DANG WELL HELLO
  19. Fast Wi-Fi
  20. Full size chocolate bars
  21. Salads that aren’t covered in mayonnaise
  22. Being able to read signs and understand when people talk to me
  23. Being able to drive with the music blaring
  24. All of the great conversations that happen in cars
  25. Spinach artichoke dip and applebees during happs

 

While all of this is funny and fun, being on the Race has really had the reverse effect. Instead of yearning for these American comforts, I realized how silly they are and how much I don’t NEED them. I realized how much easier and more simple life is when you’re not focused on all of the extras of life. Don’t get me wrong, I would pay big money for Monicka Eidsvoog to make me an americano right now. But I’ve realized that I would trade Coffee Corner for Nestle instant coffee any day if it means that I get to continue growing with the Lord as much as I have been. My growth has been exponential and it’s made me view my life differently. Instead of living for things of this world, I’m able to see the value of living a life of worship. Life on the Race is uncomfortable and I high key miss some aspects of America, but life is stinking GREAT.