I have the honor of knowing two beautiful women that are partaking on their own version of the World Race in Jan. 2013. I got the chance to talk to them a few times about their anxieties and about why I joined the race in the first place. God has used my conversations with them to remind me of why I joined this mission in the beginning.
(If you want to follow their journeys, please do.
Stalk them – they'll love you for it! 🙂
After talking to them, I decided that perhaps a blog of 'pointers' for the upcoming generation of racers would come in handy. Granted, I know that ya'll probably won't listen to any of these and believe that you know better but one day, you'll be sitting in a random country with your team and have a moment of clarity in which you realize that I was right, haha.
So let us begin . . . shall we?
– First and foremost, it's important to understand that this upcoming year is going to be absolutely NOTHING like you're imagining it. In fact, it's probably going to be the exact opposite of your expectations. But trust me when I tell you, that it's going to be better than you expected. Once you get over the whole being wrong thing. 😉
Packing:
(This seems to be the number one question on most people's minds. WHAT DO WE PACK? Well, have no fear. I have a wee bit of insight for you.)
– A smaller pack is better. At first, living your whole life out of a backpack seems a bit overwhelming but in the end, it's not at all. Skip the 70L and go for a 50L with a daypack.
– Be YOU! One thing I can say is that throughout the year, I refused to become a 'trekker dressed individual.' I don't wear chacos at home and I prefer a sundress over quick dry pants any day. Wear what you normally wear at home, just opt for lighter fabrics if you're going somewhere warm or lots of layers if you're going to a chilly place. ALSO – please note that you can find clothes EVERYWHERE and ANYWHERE in the world for cheappp. And most of the time, they are so much prettier than the western things in your closet. Take things you wouldn't mind getting rid of or at least leave room for all the new pretty things you'll be picking up.
– A pillow is a must. I personally, have a pillow pet. His name is Tailey and he is a great travel companion. Plus, I can always shove him in my pack if it's a short journey.
– Powerstrip. Enough said.
– Get a tent buddy. Chances are, you'll switch teams, but by the time that happens everyone is family and you can just buddy up with someone else. Also, chances are that you won't be camping all that much anyway.
– Ask the expert at the camping store you're buying your pack at HOW to pack your 50L. They are experts on that matter and if it's packed correctly, it won't just fit more – it'll FEEL lighter.
– Get a hold of PAST world racers and see if you can buy gear off of them. The chances are that you can, and they are most likely in need of extra cash. It's a win-win for both involved.
– Toiletries are available everywhere. Save yourself some weight and just take little ones. You can replace them less than a dollar in most countries.
– I swear by my eagle creek compression bag thingy. It holds all my clothes and leaves me with ample room for anything – like my awesome souvenirs from Asia. <3
– If you're going to rainy climates (like Asia), a raincoat is a necessity.
– Makeup. You'll want it – believe me.
– If there's one thing at home that you can't live without (like chapstick) stock up. Oh, and contact solution, that's hard to find around these parts. 😉
Community:
(By now, you've probably attended TC (or are about to) and keep hearing this term being thrown at you over and over. Well, you won't really get it until well, you get IN it but here are a few pointers for stepping into this nifty little thing.)
– You are all in the same boat. Getting used to sharing space, and lives, and just about everything (it happens) is a new concept for each person on your team. Have extra patience and talk about your frustrations.
– You don't know everything and you're way isn't better than anyone else's. Period.
– It's like getting a new family. You don't get to choose them but they're your family, so you need to learn to love them.
– It's healthy to need your own 'time.' Don't be afraid to take it but also realize that everyone in this boat of yours has different needs (introvert vs. extrovert) and it's about preferring (another fun word) them in what they need for their sanity.
– The hardest months as a team will be the most growing. Walk into them with an appreciation for what they will bring you in the end.
– It's NOT the end of the world if you get stuck with a top bunk or on the floor. Or if you have to wait an extra 10 minutes for a shower or if someone keeps using your shampoo because they ran out, etc etc. In layman's terms: the world is so much bigger – open your eyes and get over it. 🙂
– You have a choice. Everyday – to be present, to be positive, to be anything that you want to be.
– You'll share everything. What's mine is yours – hakuna matata.
Life in general:
Ok, so you're going off on this 11 month journey around the world and you're expecting it to be like (insert ideas here) and such. Here are some pointers for just surviving life in general!
– Take what's thrown at you and learn to roll with the punches. Learn to laugh at the ridiculous and the miscommunication and to be good-humored in all that you do.
– There are coffee shops everywhere around the world. Yes, Starbucks is around too but don't be afraid to try some of the other places – they are cute and they DO have wifi.
– A lot of months, you won't have internet readily available. Embrace it and embrace the culture. Facebook will still be there when you get home, the culture you're in; won't.
– Stay in contact with your family back home but stay present as well. This is a once in a lifetime adventure, grab it by the horns and experience it to it's fullest.
– Don't be afraid to stay back and rest. 24/7 ministry is draining. It's ok to take a day for yourself.
– You can find beauty everywhere, you just have to open your eyes.
– Take the extra time to say hello to people and start conversation. You will meet some of the most interesting people if you make the effort. And that's why you're there, isn't it?
– Immerse yourself in each month.
– You can workout when you get home. Try the country's specialty – even if it's deep fried and covered in sugar and chocolate. It's worth it- believe me.
– You're laying down your life for a year to serve the least of these. In every decision that you make – remember that. It's not about YOU – it's about THEM.
Just a little list of pointers for you from someone who's on the field. If you have any specific questions, let me know! 🙂
<3tasha.
