“You’re off to great places. Today is your day. Your mountain is waiting, so get on your way!“ ~Dr. Seuss, Oh the Places You’ll Go
As I sit in Ft. Lauderdale en route to the Dominican Republic, it’s really hitting me that I’m not going on the World Race sometime–I’m on the World Race. Oh my.
Before I drop off the grid and become unable to reach, I just want to thank everyone who has made this journey possible and also made it hard to start. Because I’ve been blessed with such incredible family and friends who have responded so generously to my needs, I’m leaving for this trip with the relief of being fully funded. Because of the same people and their amazingness, it’s hard to say goodbye. The past few days have been exhausting as I’ve spent time with the people I love and said so many hard goodbyes. I know this is what I am supposed to be doing, but that doesn’t make the separation any easier. So, no matter how long you go without hearing from me, know that I’m thinking of you, I’m thankful for you, and I love you. Send me updates about your lives because you’re not blogging your every move like I am! And if any weird numbers call you, it’s me using Skype so answer your phones!
Not surprisingly, one of my favorite TV shows has always been CBS’s The Amazing Race. At the beginning of every season all the racers assemble with nervous stomachs and full backpacks. They line up in a stadium, on a cliff, or on top of a skyscraper somewhere in America to be sent off. Phil Keoghan, the show’s host, gives them the same pump up speech every season. In a moment of huge nerdiness, I admit that this might be one of my favorite parts of the whole show. I always wish he were talking to me and that I was on the receiving end of his final statement. And now here I am, about to embark on a journey even longer, more intense, and more amazing than The Amazing Race. Wow.
So, to myself and my fellow World Racers, I quote Phil:
“Good luck. Travel safe. The world is waiting for you. GO!!”
