So training camp was a wonderful week of spiritual growth that got me pumped up for the Race. However, in the 2.5 months at home after training camp and before launch, I got comfortable and complacent. I lost some excitement for the Race, and I wanted to stay at home. I didn’t want to leave and be placed in uncomfortable situations/lifestyles. I was absolutely DREADING having to tell everyone I love goodbye/see you later. And I had been feeling far away from God, which led to feelings of unworthiness for this opportunity.
The weeks leading up to launch were miserable. I was filled with dread; I procrastinated packing (which only stressed me out even more in the end); and I felt so unprepared. My amazing, God-sent friends threw me some send-off parties, but they didn’t feel real. At least, not until it was my last week at home, when I basically cried every day. And I had to be at launch a day early to train for being my team’s treasurer, which I was bitter about because it meant one less day at home and one more day away.
But I made it to launch. Barely. I may or may not have still been packing in the car on the way there (FUTURE RACERS TAKE NOTE: DON’T PROCRASTINATE YOUR PACKING), and repacking through the first few days while my parents were still there for me to send stuff home with them. But with the help of some of my amazing squadmates, we got it done!
All set!
I’m so glad my parents came to launch and got to meet other parents, my teammates and squadmates, and hear from Adventures in Missions staff. I know it helped to put them at ease and allowed them to build a support system among the other parents. But it was hard. The few days they were there, I couldn’t really focus on much because I was so dreading their departure. And once it was over with, when we had said our “see you later” and finished all the hugs, I felt relieved. And free to be excited again.
Love my parents so much! They’re the best support system in the world!
So ready or not, here I go. Look out, world!
Team Braveheart is ready to take on Cape Town!
