In my life before the race, I was known to be somewhat of a “selfie queen.” Sounds vain, I know. The race has truly humbled me in ways that I never knew were possible. These days, I often find myself jumping in fear of what I see in the front-facing camera. However, I continue to defend my title as selfie queen and I like looking back at myself to be reminded of where I’ve been and how I’ve grown. Below are 10 selfies taken at significant times throughout my race.
Taken on September 7th, 2018: the day before I left for launch. Fresh highlights, glowy makeup. Younger and fairly naive but excited, adventurous and ready for the journey to come.
Taken on September 16th, 2018: after four brutal days without wifi, I snapped this selfie and sent it to all my friends at home to let them know that I was not yet dead. Guatemala was beautiful and I was thriving.
Taken on September 27th, 2018: the humidity in Guatemala made my face break out. I sent this gorgeous pic to my mom to ask her why. I looked cuter than ever in my thrifted forest green pullover, but I was tired after my first two weeks of ministry. I was still learning the value of rest at this time.
Taken on October 14th, 2018: month one debrief. WOW I was so happy. The race was everything I had hoped for and more. I was building deep friendships on my squad and at my ministry. I was genuinely concerned that one month had already flown by and I only had 8 to go. In this pic I’m eating pita bread and looking out at the gorgeous lake Atitlan.
Taken on December 12th, 2018: this was during our 24-hour layover in LA. I had just left target and I was extremely overwhelmed by all the options, the lighting, the self-checkout, etc. I didn’t understand how one of my favorite places in the world could bring forth so much anxiety. I felt betrayed.
Taken on December 18th, 2018: we had just moved into our new house in Mae Ai, Thailand. I felt challenged in my ministry and I had free time to work out, journal, and read. I loved my students and I felt like I was becoming the best possible version of myself.
Taken on January 11th, 2019: I was in Chaing Mai, a big city in Thailand, for our halfway debrief. This smoothie contained strawberries, bananas, and coconut milk. I had just finished what I expected to be the most difficult season of the race, which was the holidays (literal tears streaming down my face as I taught my Thai students Christmas vocabulary–so much drama). I didn’t know where Myanmar was or what the Lord had in store for the rest of the race, but I felt brave and energized.
Taken later on January 12th, 2019: I walked 1.5 miles across the Myanmar border with everything I own on my back. And mama does not pack light. Felt like a badass and imagined myself posing for the cover of REI’s upcoming catalog.
Taken on January 30th, 2019: in Myanmar, the women are known to wear Thanaka on their face as a form of makeup and sun protection. The girls at our ministry generously painted our faces between games and English lessons. I was extremely fulfilled by our ministry in Myanmar and I made deep connections with our kids there. I think Myanmar is somewhat covered by a cloud of darkness, but our hosts were the light. I learned a lot during this time of my race and I plunged deeper into gratefulness for my privileges and nationality.
Taken on February 10th, 2019: today. My team and I are back in Mae Ai, Thailand, and we resume teaching English at Bankai school tomorrow. Honestly, I’m a little discouraged to return to a ministry that we’ve already experienced but I have an open heart for whatever the Lord wants to do in me today.
