I remember it like it was yesterday.
I was standing in the hallway of my High School (post-sprint out of class) when I answered a phone call from Deb Jones.
As she slowly asked me how I was doing, how school was, etc., I couldn’t help but think “GET ON WITH IT!!!!!!”….. which eventually she did 🙂
That was the day I was accepted into the World Race. AND I FREAKED OUT!!!!
(I sat on the floor and cried tears of joy…. trust me. My english teacher can verify.)
Nine months ago, I was given confirmation that this was the Lord’s plan for my life and my future. I had no clue how on earth I was going to raise $5,000, let alone $13,805, but somehow I knew it was going to happen. I was doing this.
So now I’m sitting in the Norfolk airport and headed to launch.
It’s taken me a week to pack my bags, (not to mention the fact that I’m convinced I have both under packed and over packed at the same time), but regardless it’s happening.
So, thank you. Thank you a million times over. Whether you donated $1 or $1,000, thank you. Whether you donated or prayed for my journey or read my blog or shared it on Facebook, thank you. Thank you for sacrificing your hard earned funds, your prayers, and your time to me! Thank you for the hugs, the tears and the good wishes. For the letters and phone calls and emails and text messages. Y’all mean the world to me.
And a see ya later.
My sweet Virginia Beach. Wow, have you been good to me. I have never failed to struggle in answering the question “Where are you from?”, but I’m told home is where the heart is- and that’s Virginia Beach all the way. Oh how I’ll miss the Virginia Beach weather that is nothing shy of bipolar. I’ll miss the gorgeous sunsets, and even the ghost crabs on the beach that freak me out. I’ll miss making y’all coffee as we chat about our days. I’ll miss cheering on the Kellam football team, and dancing on the stage, and as Dakota so lovingly reminded me, “the free clothes from Vans” :). It’s here that strangers have become best friends, friends that have become my family and teachers that have become parents, role models and friends. Y’all make leaving MUCH too hard, but I am forever grateful for a community that makes goodbye so difficult.
Love y’all dearly and I’ll see all of you soon!
xoxo,
Hayds
