My life of living out of a backpack, throwing toilet paper in the trash and cold showers is coming to an end. At the end of this month my family of 24 who have laughed, cried, adventured, snuggled, shared and grown with me will get on a plane to finish our lap around the world. I can’t begin to describe how this year has stretched me and shaped me more into the woman God is calling me to be. It’s overwhelming to even try to start and remember who I was before the race and the person I never want to regress back to.
Yes, I have started to process this amazing journey God has taken me on with the help of my lovely squad mates and I am trying to be prepared for my month 12: re-entry. This is where you come in. As my family and friends I am going to need lots of grace and understanding as I readjust to the western ways. I may act differently, think differently…weird ya out a little bit. lol Please just love me and invite me in.
One struggle I still am working through is the lie Satan puts in my ear of being alone and feeling lonely. Coming from a year being surrounded by people 24/7 to having my own room, my own bed, is going to be an adjustment. One way you can help is to just invite me in. Invite me into the little things like a walk, to coffee or to go on that errand you have to run. I would also love to hear about your life this past year; the funny moments, the crazy adventure you went on or new restaurant you tried. I would love it if you ask about my life, not trip, this past year only if you are willing to listen.
I have compiled a list of suggested topics I would love to share to help you help me. I am open to any and all questions of course but if you need somewhere to start take a look at these:
El Salvador:
1. Not giving up Americanized sweets!
2. Why we were balancing rubber bands on straws, climbing under tables and stacking cups?
Guatemala:
1.What’s a chicken bus?
2. How’s my Spanish?
Honduras:
1. The faces of compassion.
2. My mattress, the table, the closet. The gate. Stuck, pacing.
Nicaragua:
1. Poured into until we could serve out of overflow!
2. Is that a banana on steroids??
Côte d’Ivoire:
1. What do you say to a group of tough, Muslim truckers?!
2. How Africans celebrate a dowry.
Ghana:
1. My African sister and her great food!
2. Importance of GNO (Girl’s night out) and how we do it in Africa!
Nepal:
1. What in the world was I doing?
2. Caring for the poor, widows and orphans…
India:
1. Dance parties and little brothers.
2. Konchem konchem.
Thailand:
1. Making up for my food struggles!
2. My mud bath with some giant beasts.
Malaysia:
1. Patie, who is she and what is Kefir soda?
2. How did this busybody sit through 7 hour prayer/intercession/worship sessions?!
Indonesia:
1. How I embraced the spiritual vibes yet stayed true to the truth.
2. Breaking bread; my mission to share all meals with others.
See y’all soon!
Fun Fact:
We are ending our race in Bali…little did I know Bali is a huge island with diverse regions! We are in this hippy town, Ubud, embracing the culture. I am loving the vegan and vegetarian options and all the natural things here 🙂 It’s our first time crossing the equator on our journey which means we escaped the rainy season and it actually cools off a bit at night here since it’s entering their cooler season.
All the offerings…
Rice Patties in beautiful Bali
