Two weeks ago, my nephew was born. I knew before applying for the World Race that if I did it, I would miss the whole first year of his life. But, I didn’t quite realize how hard it would be until he was born. After that first time seeing him and holding him, I knew this was going to be harder than I thought. He is so precious and brings me so much joy!
Realizing how much I will miss him has inspired this fun blog… Over the past week, I have thought about the top things I will miss while on the World Race… Here are 50 things I came up with. They are in no particular order at all, and I know I probably forgot about some things. So, if you think of something I did not put on the list that you think I will miss… leave a comment at the bottom to add to my list please! I would love to hear what you think of that I may have forgotten.
So… here we go!
1. Who else but the one who inspired this list… Rylan Robert Spencer. Hopefully some day you will enjoy hearing all about why I missed the first year of your life.
2. Of course all of my wonderful Family and Friends!
3. Christian Campus House (a campus ministry at EIU)– You have been a huge part of my spiritual growth the past few years. Thank you to the wonderful staff there (Roger, Danah, Matthew, Lydia, and the interns) for everything you have done to impact my life and help me grow. I have met some of the most wonderful people there and will miss being there this year. Also, thank you for the leadership opportunity and the chance to serve… you have prepared me for my leadership role on the World Race and for this mission.
4. Air Conditioning!
5. My bed… or even having one at all, a comfy one, or just one to myself.
6. Common Grounds – A local coffee shop that I go to often. Amazing food, and my favorite drink ever (Strawberry Tea Blast), very nice and friendly people working there, and a wonderful atmosphere.
7. Pastor Dan and Toni Grondin from my home church. You two have played a huge role in the person I am today. I cannot thank you enough for always being there for me and investing in me. I look up to you and will definitely be missing you!
8. Watching Criminal Minds with my mom.
9. Having privacy… For the next 11 months, I am going to be in constant community. And, even though I am a person who feeds off of being around other people, I know I will get to a point when I just want to be alone.
10. My amazing two year old class that I teach at daycare. I spend so much time with these little ones. They may be in that “terrible 2” stage and drive me crazy at times, but at the end of the day, I love them so much and will miss them terribly. I absolutely love walking into that room everyday and hearing little voices yell, “Miss Kayla!!!” and to see some of them come running with huge smiles on their faces. Oh how I will miss that!
11. My awesome co-teacher Rachel!!!! We spend a lot of time together and she has become such a good friend. Love you Rachel!
12. The rest of my coworkers.
13. My phone… for the reason of being able to talk to anyone I want to, when I want to.
14. Ice Cream!!!!!!!!!!
15. My best friend Emily! We have been best friends since 5th grade. You are my sister! Love you Em!
16. Clothes – Having lots of choices and having clean clothes lol…
17. Variety of food and being able to control my diet.
18. Walks with my dear friend Allison! Love you Al!
19. My dogs.
20. The beauty of fall and harvest this year.
21. Holidays and times with my family! Especially Thanksgiving and Christmas!
22. Being able to fix my hair.
23. Getting mail. Seems silly, but I love getting mail!
24. Conversation with my awesome friend Kayla! I could just sit and talk to her all day… I have learned so much from her and she is such an inspiration to me. She has also been a huge encouragement and support for me in preparing for this trip. Love you girl!
25. Electricity – Or at least reliable electricity.
26. Internet access anytime I want.
27. The western toilet … it will mainly be back to holes in the ground. I will be an expert squatter after this trip!
28. Hot showers.
29. Watching my guys play church league softball. They are so fun to watch.
30. Early morning runs with Beth and our wonderful conversation. You are awesome Beth! Love you!
31. Cool weather.
32. Going to the Passion conference this next year. That is a huge part of why I am going on this trip. If you are a college student… go to this… look it up online!
33. Weddings! Lots of my friends getting married this next year. I wish you all the best in advance!
34. Tara – Our silly adventures and moving my mom’s massage table into my room so you have a bed when you stay. Love you girl! Keep Rachel company for me while I am gone.
35. My house – living in the middle of nowhere… the quiet and the amazing view of the stars!
36. Having my own room.
37. Cardinals games… I don’t even get a chance to watch them too often anymore since I really never watch TV… but, I had to put this one on here for you Courtney! Haha… should I bring my jersey on the trip???
38. Game nights with friends and family.
39. My guitar and jam sessions with Emily Sinkes– still working on learning how to play.
40. Steady, light rain on the roof – I live in a poll barn, and let me tell you… that is a beautiful sound to fall asleep to.
41. Gatorade.
42. Snow.
43. The Barn Dance at Christian Campus House… so fun!
44. Spending the New Year and Super bowl with my family! Always a good time with family.
45. Wild 5 Reunions! These are the 4 girls I went to Kenya with in 2009. And, the girl on the far right is a sister to one of the girls. They are some amazing girls and I will miss our weekend get-togethers! Love you all so so much! You all are part of the reason I am doing this now. Thanks for the encouragement at our last reunion.
46. Clean water and easy access to it!
47. Going to Shiloh Children’s Ranch to chop firewood with Campus House!
48. My car and being able to go where I want to, when I want to.
49. Having an income.
50. Knowing what is going on in the lives of my family and friends. Everything will be so different when I get back.
So, there you have it. Please add more that you think I may have forgotten. I would LOVE to hear from you!
