Team Warriors of Light have officially made it safe and sound to Serbia after a long travel day consisting of waiting in the Bulgarian train station, followed by roughly a 9 hour train ride through the dark, through customs, and into Serbia.
I've learned 11 key things from the few major travel days that we have that future racers should take note of. So, in no particular order, they include;
- When they say have no expectations- have no expectations.
You will be given the information you need to know as you know it. Relax and breathe. Trust your squad leaders and team leader. Adventures in Missions staff has called them out for a reason and they really DO know what they are doing. You will be fine.
2. Your passport will fill up quickly- get extra pages.
Truth be told, it's not really "11 countries in 11 months". With the countries that we have traveled through already- I already have over 7 entrance (and exit) stamps to 7 different countries (including 2 separate visits through Macedonia).
3.Trust God. Period
This is the largest lesson that will have to learn (if you have not already). Remember that He works for the GOOD for all those who believe. That neither Heaven nor Hell, angels or demons, life or death, can separate us from Him and His love. Hold onto that truth through long travel days (and for your entire life).
4.Get to know the people who you are traveling alongside you.
Getting to know your team is very important, as they will become your family while on the race. Play games, share your story with them. Laugh with them, cry with them. Embrace their hugs and love, especially at 3 AM on those long travel days. Take silly photos (whether they are aware that they are in them or not!) while they are sleeping. Come on, we know we have all done it to our friends at some time in our lives!
5.Get to know other travelers riding on the bus, train, camel or any other odd mode of transportation.
Part of the joy of traveling, is meeting people along the way. Ministry doesn’t just happen at the ministry site, it is 24/7. This includes those 3 AM train rides when you are tired and want nothing but to sleep-but the person next to you, won’t stop talking. On our train ride to Serbia, we spent a lot of time being entertained by two traveling English guys and a Dutch guy. It was a fun, entertaining ride!!!
6.Carry money (change) on you at all times
Chances are (especially in Eastern Europe) that you WILL have to PAY in order to use the washroom (Bathroom) while traveling through a bus or train station. Trust me when I say that it is not fun when you ‘gotta go’ and you do not have change on you! You will be forced to learn how to squat!
7.Locks on your bags and keep important things (technology, passport etc) either ON you, or IN your DAYPACK
I have also found that having key rings also do the trick. If people are desperate enough, chances are locks will not prevent them, but key rings will at least turn away ‘opportunity thieves’ (it also gives you a little more sound of mind that your things are locked up!
8.Wear Comfy clothes that you can be in for 30+ hours but be AWARE of the country you are heading to as different cultures could mean different dress wear.
Yoga, sweat pants and cozy t-shirts are just a few suggestions that I (we) have found that make long travel days, more bearable. After a 8 hour plane ride, and a 28 hour bus ride for my first travel day, I was very happy to be wearing clothes
9.Get ready to SHARE.
Trust me you are going to SHARE everything! From sharing your life story, to snacks (BRING LOTS), to baby wipes, to toilet paper, candy, to headphones, headphone splitters, fingernail clippers, and deodorant. The list goes on and on. You may think that you are bringing your own things, but let’s face it—what you think is yours, is no longer yours! Welcome to Community living!
10.Bring DRAMAMINE
If you are someone who does not fall asleep easily, take Dramamine along to help with being able to sleep. However, I would like to note a disclaimer- Do NOT take so much that you are loopy at the border crossings!! Your team/squad may laugh at you in those ackward moments when you cannot sit up straight (all in fun of course), but the guns the border guards carry, are very real and chances are-they will not be laughing. Safety first my friends, only take what you know your body can handle.
11.Get ready for ADVENTURES WITH GOD
Chances are, going on the World Race, maybe one of the most craziest things you will ever do with your life. Embrace it. Live each and every moment IN the moment. Do not worry about tomorrow or the next month. Simply enjoy where you are, even if it IS on a 28 hour bus ride with the entire squad and the bus stinks like mega body odor. Adventuring with God is one of the greatest things you will do with your life. God truly is the best guide. Allow Him to teach you. Show you His way and to simply LOVE upon you as His Children.
