Dear Friends and Family,
We've made it! In just five days Q squad will be back on American soil, and on Sunday I will be home in North Carolina. The Race will officially be over. As I packed my bags to leave last year, and many times throughout this past year, my return home felt so far away. But, here I am, a week from home.
And I am so excited to see each of you!
I have watched your year via Facebook and Instagram, as you have mine. Each text, Viber message, Facebook chat, email, and Facetime has left me even more eager to simply see you in person. Desiring to finally be able to hold a conversation without worrying about time differences and whether the wifi or electricity will go out again. I can't wait to catch up.
As time draws closer for me to arrive home, I want to share some things with you. Ways that you can love me as I end this season.
I ask for grace and patience as I figure out what it looks like to rejoin life at home.
Over the past year I have lived in ten uniquely different cultures, and I have picked up strange habits from each one.
I have lived out of a back pack. I'd say I've become similar to a turtle, everything I need to survive I have carried on my back this past year. I have taken cold bucket showers and washed my clothes by hand.
Most months I have shared my room with five or more girls. Alone time is a journal and headphones.
Each day is completely different from the last. And yes, I have many crazy experiences to share, but as unreal as this past year may seem to you, remember for me it has become normal. So if you want to hear about something and I don't automatically share…ask. Likely I am not keeping it from you, it just seems normal to me and I haven't thought to tell about it.
This year things I once took for granted such as a pillow, hot water, a real towel, etcetera have become luxuries. So bear with me as I get excited about odd things.
Honestly, America will be a culture shock.
As excited as I am to see each of you, I have spent the last year with the same 41 people, moving from place to place. And we have created a culture among ourselves that is even different from America and the countries we have lived. Over the past year we have gone from strangers, thrown together, to a family who loves and supports one another.
Even more, over the past 7 months I have spent almost every moment of the day with the same five women. We have served, lived, and adventured along side one another. They've seen me at my best and worst. Pushing me toward God no matter the situation. These women have become my best friends. They know my life story, hopes, dreams, and fears. And likewise, I know theirs. Their names (Candice, Katie, Nicole, Aline, and Bethany) will come up often. I will make every effort to see them when chances arrive and will miss them often.
Them coming up in conversations and my missing them does not negate my excitement to see you.
Believe me, they heard your names often over the last year. Each time I got excited about what was happening in your life, they were the ones who had to listen to the stories and look at endless pictures. They probably feel like they know you I talked about you so often.
Over the past year I have met people all around the world who I've come to love. Even if I never see them again they hold a special place in my heart.
World news is now personal.
Things happening in Thailand, Transnitiria (Ukraine), Turkey and other places aren't disconnected. They're personal. My friends lives are being effected. So please understand if I become emotional about the news.
Lastly, I have spent the last year pursuing God. Falling deeper in love with Him each day. Learning new things about myself and seeking to become more of the women God desires me to be. Every crazy step of this year has been simply to glorify His name and to know Him more.
I am not the same person you said, "good-bye" to last year.
In some ways I know how I have changed, the rest I will learn as time continues. Please have grace with me as I figure these things out. Neither of us are exactly who we were a year ago.
Most of all, Thank you. Thank you for caring about my life. Thank you for your patience as I disappeared from all communication for days at a time. Thank you for your prayers and words of encouragement. I would not have finished this Race without each of you at home supporting me.
I really can't wait to see each of you and to catch up on all that has taken place over this past year. Know I will have as many questions for you, as you do for me. No matter what this year has held for me, I believe that your's has been just as exciting!
See you soon (:
