Im writing this blog after being inspired by my teamate Lindsay’s blog. She pretty much rocks so I’m somewhat borrowing her idea.
So I have this awesome pair of avocado socks. I don’t remember when or where I bought them; but I just know that they are awesome.
As month eight of my world Race came to a conclusion, I began the reminiscing stage. Little moments in my everyday life would spur a memory of some grand adventure had in another country.
If my avocado socks could talk they would tell you about this grand adventure I’ve been on. They would tell you how it all started. My “avo socks” as I call them, would tell you that it all began in Atlanta, GA in August of 2017.
My avo socks would tell you of cancelled planes that ended in fancy hotels. They would tell you of 16 hour plane rides with great conversations and spilled tea. If my avo socks could talk they would tell you of chai tea and biscuits. They would tell you of the many overnight bus rides and loads of melatonin that it took to arrive in India. If my avo socks could talk they would tell you what curry smelled and tasted like. They would tell you of the many floors we swept and mopped. They would tell you of the many grounds we’ve walked; palaces, temples, after school facilities, AIDS hospitals, and more. If my avo socks could talk they’d tell you of the many goodbyes weve said and the many planes we’ve boarded.
If my avo socks could talk they would describe how the Himalayas peaked through he clouds as we flew into Nepal. They would tell of the trash filled streets, busy with cars. They would tell you times of sharing the gospel and a young man accepting it. They would tell you that this young man’s name is now Samuel and that his new name is written in the Book of Life. If my avo socks could talk they’d would tell you what Amad time was and what it feels like to spend intentional time with Jesus every morning. They would attempt to tell you what the slums looked and smelled like. They would tell you of the thousands of children that live there and play there. They would tell you what incenses smell like and how the smell and spiritual heaviness of temples hits you like a ton of bricks when you enter. They would tell you what a cremating body smells like and what the pain of watching loved ones mourn as there relative passes to “the other side” feels like. If my avo socks could talk they’d tell you of dol bat and tea.
If my avo socks could talk they’d tell you what the humid, jungle air of Thailand felt like. They’d tell you what it is like to hear 40 little girls greet you every morning. They’d tell you of giggles and tickles that are unending. If my avo socks could talk they’d tell you of the many bible stories told and hugs given and received. They’d tell you of the pictures colored and carts finished. They’d tell you of the hundreds of water balloons filled and just how quickly the fight ended. They’d tell you of the slip n slide and just how many bottles of soap were used. If my avo socks could talk they’d tell you that though they thought we were just playing, we really were loving and being loved.
If my avo socks could talk they’d tell you of the cotton candy sunsets each night in Cambodia. They’d tell you of the sweet Canadian family that so sacrificially loved us. They’d tell you of the mischievous behavior of the cat and just how so many sleeping pads were popped. If my avo socks could talk they’d tell you of hard goodbyes and sweet comfort. They’d tell you of all the paint spilled, dumped, and placed on all surfaces. They’d tell you of slimy pools and bicycles. If my avo socks could talk they’d tell you of lake jumps and Thanksgiving dinners.
If my avo socks could talk they’d tell you of the plane, train, cars, and buses it took to get to Vietnam. They’d tell you of the blessing of beds and AC. They’d tell you of Thao. They’d tell you of long (as in 15 mile) walks to(wards) the beach. They’d tell you of Uno games and chess and hours of small talk. If my avo socks could talk they’d tell you of Bob Mi (egg sandwiches) and Pho. They’d tell you of chocolate ice cream fish and strawberry koala candy. If my avo socks could talk they’d tell you of close friends and Amazing Grace.
If my avo socks could talk they’d tell you of grand plans to travel all of Ethiopia in a Jeep. They’d tell you of Lily Pension, the hotel with a club. They’d tell you of Shema the kitten and coffee on rooftops. They’d tell you of no water or electricity and how you can actually live without either. If my avo socks could talk they’d tell you of star-tripping and peeing our pants. They’d tell you of late night tent talks. They’d tell you of going to bed early because the solar lamps died. If my avo socks could talk they’d tell you of searching for hatchets and retrieving buckets in wells. They’d tell you about building churches and preaching. They’d tell you about walks through the village that ended in slapping and spitting. They’d tell you of laughter and tears, but also love and growth.
If my avo socks could talk they’d tell you of the lush, green mountains of Rwanda. They’d tell you of water ballon fights and Mexican food. They’d tell you of our sweet neighbors Pumplei and Princess. They’d tell you of rice, noodles, and potatoes. They’d tell you of thousands of school kids playing duck duck goose. If my avo socks could talk they’d tell you of dancing in church and laughing so hard, you cry. They’d tell you what it felt like to hug my mom after 7 long months. If my avo socks could talk they’d tell you of handing out a thousand bibles and praying over the little hands that received them. They’d tell you of playing eye spy in a safari jeep and swearing the dirt mound was a lion. They’d tell you of burnt arms and surgery. If my avo socks could talk they’d tell you of the power of prayer and loved.
If my avo socks could talk they’d tell you of the cold, icy mountains of Bolivia. They’d tell you of the 5 blankets I slept under. They’d tell you of the many girls we met that needed love more than ever. If my avo socks could talk they’d tell you of sanding doors and dirt biking through mountains. They’d tell you of sorting books and being in awe of Gods creation in the Salt Flats. If my avo socks could talk they’d tell you how much they were thankful for propane to boil water for showers and the laughter of friends over tricycle races.
If my avo socks could talk they’d tell you of the long-windy roads to get to Peru. They’d tell you of the hidden lagoons in the mountains. They’d tell you of the historical Machu Picchu and how amazing it was to worship there on Easter. If my avo socks could talk they’d tell you of bunk beds and frozen snickers. They’d tell you of english lessons and recess. They’d tell you about seaside walks and home cooked meals. If my avo socks could talk they’d tell you the importance of amazing girl friends and late night chats. They’d tell you of “This is Us” and what an amazing show it is. They’d tell you of pollo alabrazo and sharing the gospel in the local schools.
If my avo socks could talk they’d tell you of the fishermans protest below the border of Ecuador. They’d tell you of hostage situations that are nonviolent and long. They’d tell you of talking to the embassy and making PB&J’s on the side of the road. They’d tell you that every moment is ministry. If my avo socks could talk they’d tell you of long days and house visits. They’d tell you of sharing the gospel and praying for healing. They’d tell you of pirate ships and cookie cakes. If my avo socks could talk they’d tell you of healing and restoration.
If my avo socks could talk they’d tell you of the love I have for Colombia. They’d tell you of the beautiful people and beautiful land. They’d tell you of the safe haven of Ciudad Refugio and just how amazing it is. They’d tell you of the brokenness addiction causes and the pain you can see in people’s eyes. They’d tell you of the thousands of homeless. If my avo socks could talk they’d tell you of the 20 year old drug dealer we met and loved. They’d tell you of the times we preached and prayed that God would help these people. They’d tell of hard goodbyes and sweet endings.
If my avo socks could talk they’d tell you of just all that we have seen, smelled, heard, touched, and tasted this year. They’d tell you of the many miracles that we have seen or experienced. They’d tell you of the people that we have loved and the people that have loved us. They’d tell you how hard it was to say goodbye to Wonder Church and just how exciting it was to say hello to my family.
If my avo socks could talk they’d tell you that the next adventure is just around the corner and it’s bound the be even better than the last.
Thank you so much for reading! This journey has been amazing!
Love,
Gabbie 🙂
