You may not know me from Adam, but soon you will go on a trip that is absolutely insane, but also kind of mundane at times. If you’re reading this you’re most likely planning on taking this leap of faith, or maybe you’re just a random person, or my mom. Hi mom, I know you miss me, I’ll see you soon.
Seriously though, if you are planning on doing the World Race there are some very important things for you to consider and know. Lucky for you, I’ve made a list.
- BRING YOUR TENT! So many people will tell you, “I didn’t need my tent the entire race,” but there is the very real possibility you could need your tent for a debrief or even an entire month of the Race. Trust me when I say you may not want to be stuck in a tent with two other teammates because all of you thought someone else was bringing a tent.
- People get cranky. Yes I know this may seem like an obvious point, but I wasn’t truly prepared for living in a community with people who are thousands of miles away from their families, doing some manual labor at ministry and trying to wake up at 7am while on a caffeine fast. It gets difficult.
- Along with my second point you will also see people grow. It is a beautiful thing to witness people growing closer to the Lord. A girl who I thought I would never be friends with is now someone who I consider one of my really close friends. We both have changed and grown in the Lord on this trip and it has been amazing to see the transformation the Lord has had on both of our hearts.
- BUG SPRAY IS IMPORTANT. There are so many diseases in this World transmitted by those blood suckers. Bug spray helps, obviously, and you will be grateful you brought it even if it adds half a pound to your already stuffed pack.
- Packing is difficult, but it gets easier the longer you are on the Race.
- Along with packing being difficult, try not to over pack. It’s difficult, but I promise you do not need that 3rd pair of jeans you are trying to pack. It’s going to be okay. The other 2 pairs of jeans you packed will be just fine.
- The only thing you are guaranteed on the Race is team time and sometimes you will not want to go to team time. However, it is needed. I have talked through so many things in team time that I probably wouldn’t have opened up about otherwise. (Those of you on my squad reading this, yes I admitted it.)
- THROW AWAY EXPECTATIONS! If you’re ready to go on this trip you have probably stalked so many racers on Instagram, but I’m telling you their lives don’t always look like that. What you see is pictures of cute kids, manual labor, mountains, the beach, a city, and maybe some pictures of older people. However, the reality is, it’s not always beautiful, but it is always worth it.
- You may get diarrhea. Actually you most likely will get diarrhea, but it’s okay in the words of Deon, a famous man you’ll meet at training camp, “sheep happens.”
- Introverts, good luck. You will find time alone, even if you’re not actually alone. Put your head phones in and turn it up as loud as it goes. Face the corner, it’s gonna be okay.
- Don’t fall in love on the Race, but if you do pray about it.
- Give yourself grace. You will mess up. It’s okay. It’s nine months of your life, and you are not perfect.
- BREATHE!!! There will be days you will want to go home and that’s okay. It matters how you bounce back from the difficult and you will bounce back. If in the moment it doesn’t feel like it, read your Bible. You may not want to, but it will help.
- Know you have a community of believers praying on your behalf. There are millions of Christians in this world and you are supported even if you don’t feel like it.
- Tell your family you love them a million times before you leave.
- The Race will go faster than you can imagine, but at times it may seem like the longest 9 or 11 months of your life.
- Message alumni Racers. Message me if you need prayers, advice, or just want to talk. We are a family even if I don’t know you yet.
I hope that this helped ease your mind if you’re thinking of doing the World Race. My email is [email protected] if you need someone to talk to about going on this trip.
All the love,
McKenna Flood
