My experience at launch has been nothing short of amazing. Launch is where all the racers from the last training camp come together to leave for the start of our 11-month mission abroad. We have a few days of training for our positions and responsibilities, as well as sessions on major concepts like ministry host expectations and orphanage training.
My parents came up for launch, which I think left them at peace with my decision to pursue the World Race. By now they should be used to me leaving the country and home for long periods of time. I couldn’t help but reflect on how different my goodbye was to my parents this time around in comparison to the first time I left the country:
The first time I left the country I was studying abroad in Spain for a semester in 2014. It would be four months before I saw a familiar face again and I had never lived outside of my home city. I remember how my parents flew out to Spain with me to drop me off, as it was a great reason for them to have their first experience abroad as well. I can remember our goodbye so vividly. They were headed to the airport as I stayed behind to take a train from Madrid up to Oviedo in the north. I watched them with their hands on the glass as tears ran down their face while the van drove away. I had this pit in my gut and I sobbed. As I got on the train I felt like a nervous, anxious wreck, not knowing a soul in the country. It was the hardest goodbye I’ve had to give yet.
Fast forward to my experience now leaving for another extended period of time. It was three years ago that I first left the country and now I’ve been to over 17 countries (before the World Race). Saying goodbye this time around was such a beautiful experience as everything has seemed to come full circle. When I first left the country to study in Spain, I didn’t know how much it would end up impacting the direction of my life. It didn’t cross my mind that those experience would shape my desires and my career in the way that it has. But this time is different. This time I know that walking on that first plane for the World Race, I won’t be coming back the same woman. It’s going to change my life radically again. But this time I’m aware of it, I’m embracing it and I’m ready for it.
Saying goodbye to my parents this time, I didn’t cry or tear up while walking away. I gave them a bittersweet smile and told them a “see you later”. Walking away for me this time is with a grace, poise and peace that surpasses all understanding. I walked away with confidence, knowing my place in this world. I walked away with excitement for the cultures I’ll encounter and the lives that will change.
This time I’m ready. World Race here I come.
