After I accepted the spot offered to me on the Race, I eagerly looked over all the information given to get me "mobilized" for the trip. Let me tell you, this information is overwhelming! Fundraising, travel insurance, vaccinations, gear, packing lists, etc. I'm sure you can imagine that getting ready for an 11 month trip that takes you all over the world, literally, is no easy feat!
If you know me, then you know that typically my very first thought when it comes to going anywhere is, "What am I going to wear?" The World Race was no different. So one of my first stops when perusing the mobilization information was the packing list. As I was reading I came to the portion about the three pairs of shoes I would need. And I believe that was the first of many times I uttered the phrase "I'm sorry, what?" This was followed by much laughter. You see, the day before I read this list I had just returned to Lynchburg from a weekend trip. On this 3 day trip I had taken 5 pairs of shoes and purchased 2 more while I was gone. I am freely able to admit that I am a chronic over-packer, but to be honest I am very thankful for the extremely specific packing list provided to us. This list comes from a group of experienced people who know what you actually need for this trip as opposed to what you think you might need. I can only imagine the difficulty I would have fitting my idea of the proper amount of clothes for an 11 month trip into my newly purchased Osprey Xenon 70 Hiking Pack (oh yeah, check out that lingo). Let's just say there probably wouldn't be enough room to fit those other essential things, like my tent.
TENT?!?!
Insert our key phrase "I'm sorry, what?". Yes of course I knew that I would be sleeping in a tent before I applied for the Race. It's not like they hide that fact from you. I think I was just so excited about traveling all over and sharing the hope of Jesus that "little details" like tents and hiking packs kind of slipped my mind. I have never once camped in my life. Friends of mine would kindly invite me on camping trips and I would decline. And I don't mean the kind of declining where you come up with some lame excuse about a prior commitment and politely say no. I would respond with, "No. I don't camp."
So let's fast forward to this past Thursday night as my dad and I are helplessly wandering around the REI store until Nick, our hero in an employee vest, walked us through our shopping. We were there on the suggestion of the Tapscott family (is that good enough Lauren, or do I actually have to mention you by first name specifically?) and the plan was simply to familiarize ourselves with all of the gear I would need to purchase. As we stood at the giant wall of hiking packs, with what I can only assume were blank stares, Nick asked how we were doing. My dad gave the most accurate answer, "We are doing well, but uneducated." And with that phrase, Nick quickly became our best friend for the next hour or so. As we explored different styles and fits of packs (and I tried to figure out how in the world I was ever going to really know what all the buckles and straps did) Dad and I slowly began to learn. At first I really enjoyed wearing my pack. I felt pretty cool and was imagining myself traveling in Kenya with this thing strapped to my back. Then Nick very professionally suggested we put some weight in it as, apparently, an empty pack doesn't really give you an idea of what it will be like. So he proceeded to fill it with three 12-pound bean bag pillows. And I proceeded to nearly tip over backwards once I was wearing it again. No worries, I plan on practicing walking around with some weight in the pack. I also plan on practicing sleeping outside in my tent once I get one (anyone want to join in that adventure??).
I knew that going on the Race was going to stretch me in many ways mentally, physically, and spiritually. While I've never really had a desire to camp in the past, I'm getting excited about it now. God is already showing me that the comfort and safety of four walls and a roof aren't things I actually need. What I need is a God bigger than my fears who desires me to trust Him and put those fears behind me. How wonderful that I have Him! And this thought reminds me of why I am going on the Race–there are so many people around the world who don't have God and therefore have no choice but to live in their fear. So if me sleeping in a tent and traveling the world with three pairs of shoes means the hope of Christ reaching those who need Him, I think I can do it 🙂
