As the date for my launch creeps closer and closer, the amount of things running through my mind to get prepared continue to multiply. One of which is writing on my blog. I’ve been looking forward to writing my first blog post, but was waiting for the perfect opportunity to do it with a spectatular topic flowing through my head. However, my crazy busy life doesn’t consist of days with a lot of extra time and day’s that I really feel God making moves in my life, I want to share with people, but don’t have the time to sit down and type. So I apologize for the lack of posting on here!
I cannot believe that I leave in 96 days! That seems like a lot of time, but I know that June 28th will creep up on us all before me know it. It feels like it was just July of last year, when I first stumbled apon the World Race, and ran upstairs to tell my mom that this is what I want to do next. I am trying to get things prepared, but as you can imagine, leaving for 11 months with only a pack on my back is slightly overwhelming. Luckily, I have a ton of resources from past racers, explaining what will be the best gear to purchase, things to bring and not to bring, etc.
Beyond the packing aspect of preparing for my trip, I have to mentally prepare myself to leave my life here in Colorado. I am leaving my job of seven years, my family, friends, my routine. Though that may seem impossible to some, I think routine can be dangerous. I am excited to completely abandon my normal and let God guide me for the next year. People ask me constantly if I am scared or nervous to leave. I am not fearful, or worried that bad things may happen, because bad things can happen anywhere. There are days where I do feel anxious, days where I feel sad that I may miss out on a big event, such as a best friends wedding, my sister graduating from College, my parents 35th wedding anniversary, birthdays, and holidays etc. Days where I know that I may feel really homesick, or feel that I just can’t handle the challenge that God may place in front of us in a given country. Somehow, whenever those thoughts are flowing through my brain, someone or something pops up to remind me how wonderful this is going to be! Whether that is God reassuring me that this is where I am supposed to be, my family and friends simply offering their continuous love and support, or a combination of the two, I am grateful. Those are the days where I can just sit and cry because I am overwhelmed with joy and happiness that I am actually going on this amazing journey. God has truly blessed me with wonderful people in my life!
From now until I leave, I will continue to work full time, saving as much as I can. I am getting gear and travel needs knocked out one by one. My mom and I are working hard on wrap bracelets to sell for my fundraising. Really excited to see what people think and how well they do! (If you’re interested let me know) I still need to get my shots, though I imagine a lot of them will be good still from going to Africa in September. I have my flight booked for training camp in Georgia in May. I will have so much more information about my trip after training camp, which will be great! Day by day I am trying to knock stuff out as well as enjoy my time with family and friends before I go.
Thank you to everyone who has offered me support and a little extra love through all of this! I appreciate it more than you know!
With Love,
Jami
