Yeah… so I decided to write a blog that is not about me and what I am doing haha! World Race is teaching me to be oh so unselfish… anyway. I am currently sitting in a small room with a couple of bunk beds and a load of World Race luggage. I just took a bucket shower and the breeze is blowing through the window all to the sound of Hey Jude by the Beatles… by the way, my iPod is completely done… it won’t even turn on, but luckily I have some good friends that bought me an iPod touch before the race, so I have a little room for some tunes that I can’t live without. This month, because everyone is on the verge of burnout exhaustion, we all decided to take an individual day off, and this is mine… back to this blog NOT being about me…
I guess, because I am small bit homesick this month, I wanted to write about my family. After all, they are my whole life and I wanted to at least let my readers know who they are. I want to take these few sentences also to say that even though this blog is mainly about my immediate family, I have the most loving, caring, most selfless, hard-working, hilarious, fun family that exists, so Finleys, Richards, Claytons, Baldridges, Ryfuns, Wallaces, Carts, LeBlancs, and Eldelmans-this line is for you! Don’t hate me if I forgot you…if you are in my family, know that I love you…
So, here we go. I will first tell of the ones that have been there from the beginning… they’ve seen it all, the good, the bad and all the ugly. Happy 25th anniversary by the way. Yes, I’m talking about Tod and Melanie Finley… my parents. I have been absolutely blessed to have the best parents that you could dream up. I have seen so much in my life and on this trip that has shown me how completely blessed I am to have not only both of my parents, but that they are so wonderful as well.
My daddy is like Superman when it comes to life, even though he would never tell you that. He has a big deal, hard, hospital career that he loves, but other than that, he is a pastor, a musician, a writer, a visionary, a friend to so many, a youth leader, a counselor,music teacher ;), and anything else you need him to be. I cannot recall ever a time when my dad has said no to someone who needs him. He has taught me more than I can explain about respecting and loving everyone that I meet no matter who they are, what they look like, or what their story is. Don’t let him fool you, he is pretty legit if I’m being honest. I love you, daddy.
So now for the lady of the house… my mom. Again, one of the hardest workers alive. My mom is a nurse, a women’s leader, a CPR instructor, a Mary Kay saleswoman, a wife, a sister, a friend, a daughter, and my mother. As far back as I can remember, my mom has been tirelessly seeing to the cares and needs of everyone, always giving, never expecting anything for herself. She takes even the smallest rewards and kind words to heart and appreciates even the smallest hints of gratitude. My mom doesn’t overlook the lesser. To me, she is a shining example of what a Proverbs 31 woman is. Thanks mom, I don’t feel like I have always said it, but you mean the world to me, and I wouldn’t trade you for anyone else.
Ben!! My brother… wow, I’ll try to keep this one in one paragraph… After all, I seriously have the best brother that I could ever imagine. He is in college, 19 years old, awesome at every sport imaginable, and the best musician that I know personally (I know I am a bit biased, but he really is that good). We made a pact before the race that we wouldn’t cut our hair until we see each other again and at month seven, he is ready for dreads, and my hair is disgusting without a drop of conditioner in sight. Ben, through everything, I know that you are my brother, my shoulder to cry on, my blood haha, my night-time drive with good music buddy, my secret keeper, my strong place, my inspiration, and my best friend. I seriously could go on and on about this kid, but he knows I love him and miss him more than I am willing to talk about, because I am in tears right now and I need to move on. I love you, bub.
Last but certainly not least, Sophie… or “Soap on a Rope” as I so affectionately refer to her as. Yes, she is my sister, the little one… she’s nine and the most confident, beautiful, strong nine year old that I know. To be honest, she may be one to thank for actually doing this whole thing. On some days, she was the most encouragement that I received from anyone. Sophie, I know that you are young, but know that I love you with everything that I have. I remember when you were a baby, but I don’t see a baby anymore. God has so much for you, my love. You are a powerhouse, and by that I mean that you are going to do so much in your lifetime… so much good. I believe that you are going to sing better than me one day haha. You are going to change so many lives… I love you, my rose.
Wow… if that wasn’t the sappiest thing I have ever written, than I don’t know what else you want. Sorry for the tears mom… I really do love you guys and just wanted to remind you that even though I am on the other side of the world, you are my everything… besides Jesus of course… love you.
