I knew this day was coming, and it’s the biggest thing I was not looking forward to. It almost doesn’t even feel real. Like all of the sudden it’s here and we’re getting ready to head over to Europe! I can’t even believe that Training Camp was 6 weeks ago, or that I applied for the Race 1 year ago. Where did all the time go?
Last Saturday was my last day at work. This place became my home, I felt accepted and loved by all my coworkers, I was free to be myself without caring what people thought of me. I grew up a lot in this place and through these people. A lot of life lessons were taught and a lot of skills were added to my resume.
My coworkers and bosses are some of the best people I’ve met. They’ve supported me and encouraged me so much. I will definitely miss the family we’ve built at Zupas and all the fun we’ve had. It was hard to walk out the door on Saturday, and clocking out is when it really hit that this chapter was over. My new job title is Missionary. :]
Now onto the real hard goodbyes: my family.
I love these kids, more than anything else. I love how connected we are as a family, how each one of us is completely different but we are all united. My parents did an amazing job at raising us and I have no doubt that we’ll be close as we all grow into adulthood.
A few months ago I would think ahead to the goodbyes I would have to say to my siblings and it would cause me to tear up. I had to think that goodbyes weren’t even a thing to not let myself become a hot mess.
But tomorrow I say goodbye for real, or see you later. I’ll spend 2 days with my friend in NC and she’ll drop me off in Atlanta for launch on the 4th.
The thing that’s making this goodbye easier is the thought of I won’t be completely cut off from my family, and I’m just creating a new normal in my life. Also the thought of how fast this past year has flown by; last August I got accepted to the World Race, and now here it is.
I’m sure there will be tears tomorrow, but it’s going to be alright. It’s just “see you later.” I’ve been blessed so much by the people God has put in my path.
What I’ve been taught through all this is: Cherish people, and be in the moment. Time flies.
See you all in 11.
