I have had the privilege of meeting and hanging out with an elite group of people the last few months in Charlotte, NC. You may ask who I am talking about… and it is no other than Charlotte area WORLD RACE ALUMNI!! Yes, those who have already experienced what I am about to embark on and have shared lots of words of wisdom, from how to prepare myself physically and mentally, to sharing stories of their races past. We have been gathering once a month to hang out and just share life with each other. These lovely people's WR experiences range from going out on the field way back in 2007 to just getting home in December of 2012. They have all had very different experiences on the race and have seen many different parts of the world.
The original Charlotte Area WR Alumni meeting at Amelie's French Bakery
This past weekend, however, a select few of the alumni group and myself went to Weaverville, NC (right outside of Asheville​). Our original plans were to “camp out”, but when we realized that none of us desired to live among the dirt, we transferred our location to a sweet and ballin' house that belongs to the Angel family (check out http://chelseaangel.theworldrace.org). Five of us drove up Friday evening in my friend Josh's car to meet Chelsea Angel at her house. We got there pretty late but were greeted by a fridge full of food and a house full of beds. Saturday was filled with hiking, naps, great quiet times, worship, a bon fire, roasting hotdogs and making s'mores and an overall wonderful day in the presence of the Lord. Sunday we got up and cleaned up the house to Mrs. Angel's specifications. Before leaving we had a very sweet time of prayer with one another and I began the tears. I was so overwhelmed with the generosity of the Angel’s for letting us use their home and how they have embraced me into their family. Then we had an unusual photo shoot and headed back to Charlotte.
Our photo shoot at the "camp out"
Team Big Butt
Team Big Butt
The story behind the TEAM BIG BUTT title is that it was the name of a trail that a few of my friends hiked on Saturday. We got very passionate about finding the Big Butt and it only escalated from there. I didn't end up going on the hike but from what I hear it was beautiful and very enjoyable.
I want to say Thank You to each of you for pouring into me and preparing me for the Race. You know who you are and what you have done for me. From prayers, words of wisdom, shopping trips to REI, feedback, and how to be a servant leader. I have truly been blessed by each of you and so glad to have you in my life. I am praying for each of you as God is sending us all over the world. And I can’t wait to tell you all about my Race and what God is going to do in my life!
