It has been a while since I wrote a really raw blog post. However, the closer training camp and launch get the more I want to share things. For the past year I have known I’m doing the race, but now it’s becoming more and more real to me. I graduated this past Sunday and having all my family come around me for my graduation lunch and pray over me was a very surreal experience. I have been receiving a lot of advice and I want to let all of my supporters know that I have really taken that to heart. With training camp in just ONE month I am feeling more grateful than ever.
This past month I have received some very generous donations… some from people I don’t even know. The feeling you get when people when people you have never even talked to are supporting you and praying for you is indescribable. I have been feeling so loved and I will always be so appreciative. With the help of everyone who has chosen to support me financially I have met my first goal assigned by the World Race. I still have a long way to go but I am very grateful for anyone reading this who has donated.
I wanted to use the first part of this blog to thank everyone. Now I am going to explain to you where I am in the preparation aspect of everything.
So far I have most of my gear. I have my pack, daypack, tent, sleeping bag, and my sleep mat. I also have an ENO hammock (which is not a necessity but it’s one of the “luxury” items I have chosen to bring). I have begun the process of getting my vaccinations. Which has been super fun… can you sense the sarcasm? Don’t get me wrong though, I am very grateful my parents are investing in my health. Other countries have different health problems than we do here in the US so I suppose it’s the right thing to do. I am just not loving the whole needle thing.
So physically I am getting pretty close to being ready. But mentally I am still just trying to wrap my mind around the fact that I wont sleep in my bed or hold my dog for nine whole months. It’s really hard to imagine and to be honest I do not even know how to prepare for that mentally. It’s been a struggle, I’m not gonna lie. Knowing that everyday I’m one day closer to leaving has been weighing very heavily on my heart. The wisdom from past racers has been very helpful though. I have heard World Race alum talk about how it goes by so fast it doesn’t even feel like nine months. You are so busy with ministry and exploring your mind is too busy to feel homesick. I’m not saying I will not ever miss my family… because trust me I will. It’s just nice hearing some reassurance from people who have already been through it.
I will keep on praying and thanking people who have helped me along the way so far. I am going to continue to prepare physically and mentally for this journey to the best of my ability. I love everyone who is reading this and thank you to everyone for the support.
My next blog post will be about TRAINING CAMP!!!! Stay tuned! I leave on July 8th and will return on the 19th. Please pray for me and my squad as we meet and prepare for the journey we are about to take.
*NEW FUNDRAISER*
Tag A Bag!!! This is my new fundraising idea. For anyone/any family who donates $50 or more, I will write your name on my pack (the giant bag I will take around the world). This will be a tangible thing I can reflect on when I’m gone to remind me of everyone who helped me to get there. Feel free to message me if you have any questions.
