When I first said I was going to do the World Race, some of the most frequent comments I got were things like “are you really going to be travelling with all Americans?” , “why would you want to travel with Americans” and “how are you going to cope being with that many Americans?” I’m sorry to say guys, that British people seem to have a lot of stereotypes of Americans. I also did have some concerns about what God had called me to. I had spent some time with Americans when I interned in New York, but never had I spent so much time around them, and I wasn’t sure how I would cope or what it would be like. Would I fit in, or would it be too much.
It’s fair to say that training camp was pretty overwhelming for me, and as I met my new family for the first time, I wondered where I would find my place and voice amongst so many others. (I can’t pretend that the stereotype that Americans are a little louder than us Brits isn’t true!) It was hard feeling that at times people only saw me as the “British girl”, and only wanted to speak to me to hear my accent. Still, I knew I had to persevere past this, because the whole time I felt so sure God was asking me to do the race and if that were the case, He must have put people in the squad who I was going to build friendships with.
And of course that has happened. I have been on two amazing teams with women who have not only become friends, but sisters to me. We’ve shared and experienced so many new things together, been through the good and the hard times together, laughed together, cried together, prayed and worshipped together, ministered together. You name it, we’ve done it! I’m so incredibly grateful for all we’ve shared and that I now have a family of 50 something Americans. So that being said, here are a few things I’ve learnt about Americans along the way….
1. They are friendly – yes they can be a little loud, but maybe us Brits shouldn’t be so reserved. Being with them has highlighted to me that British culture is very individualistic and we tend to keep ourselves to ourselves. Seeing how friendly and willing to talk to new people my squad mates are, has pushed me out of my comfort zone to try to be the same.
2. They are intentional – my squad mates see people who they can build relationships with and they go for it, they don’t hold back. Again, I think as Brits we tend to err on the cautious side, being a little shy or reserved. Seeing my squad mates be intentional with people, has encouraged me to get out of myself more and do the same.
3. They aren’t afraid to ask the hard questions – whether it’s discussing faith with one another, with other believers or those of no faith, they aren’t afraid to grapple with the difficult questions. I have really appreciated that even when we don’t always agree, this has pushed me to really think through what I believe and why.
4. They are bold – I’ve seen so many great examples from my squad mates and leadership of people who are being bold for the sake of the Kingdom. The example they have set has pushed me to walk in faith instead of fear.
5. They really love the Lord – our generation may be the most unchurched, but I’ve just spent 11 months with people my age who are on fire for the Lord. He is working in our generation and these people are the proof of it.
And a few less serious ones…
1. They really like peanut butter – never in my life have I eaten so much of the stuff! Who knew you could live off peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for 11 months!
2. They share my passion for dark chocolate – I love having a team of girls who (almost all) will go through the grocery stores looking for a supply of dark chocolate!
3. They speak a whole different language – I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve been given a weird look for some word or expression I’ve used! Sorry to my fellow Brits for the inevitable Americanisms you’re going to have to put up with for a while..!
There’s so many more great things I could say about my American family. Suffice to say, if you are a Brit who is considering the Race, my advice is to go for it! If the race is in the Lord’s will for you, He is going to provide you with just as an incredible squad of brothers and sisters as He did for me.
Side note: if you’re worried about how funding can work, or the extra costs, first, God will provide, and second, I’d love to share with you in more detail about that if you’d like to get in touch!
