Hello, world. Sorry for the lack of writing lately. Preparing for this journey has kept me pretty darn busy. But alas, here I am. And here's a quick update on my life.
Training Camp was amazing and challenging and hot and sweaty and the list goes on, but above all it was an awesome week filled with love, community, and vulnerability. I learned so much about myself and was able to find a sense of self-worth that had been missing for a long time. I learned that I'm worthy of being loved by God but also by my squad-mates. I learned that it's ok to let someone else serve me – and that I actually deserve that! Crazy! I saw acts of worship that challenged my faith but ended up bringing me into a deeper and more intimate relationship with my Creator.
…And then I left camp, and the reality of leaving my family for a year hit me pretty hard. I lost my excitement for the race because I was consumed with sadness and worry. This will be my first time living in a different zip code from my sweet momma, and it's really challenging for both of us. But I know this is exactly what I need to do. So yesterday, as hard as it was, I kissed my family for the last time and sobbed audibly and uncontrollably in the hotel lobby. It was quite beautiful if I say so myself. Beautiful in the full of snot kind of way.
Luckily, I know the heartbreak that comes from our goodbyes is only a sign of the rich relationships that I have in my life. So in a weird way, I'm blessed to be so sad to leave these people. It will be hard, and there will be times when I get homesick, but we will all get through it. It is an honor to have this opportunity and I am so grateful to each and every one of you for helping me get this far! I'm so excited for the journey that lies ahead and the chance to see the world and love people who are deemed unworthy of love. I don't want to waste away this season of my life because I'm focused on missing my family, or my dog, or anything else. All of that will be there when I get back.
Sooooooo the final countdown has begun! *cue trumpets*
Tomorrow morning we head to the airport here in Atlanta and prepare for our 1:30pm flight to China!
Also, we found out tonight our route changed for the third time. Epic changes occurred!
China > Thailand > Cambodia > Malaysia > JAPAN > Albania > Bulgaria > Romania > TURKEY > SWAZILAND > SOUTH AFRICA
I am so pumped!
The race has officially begun. We are World Racers!!!!
Let's do the dang thang.
