Today marks my 53rd day on the race. Below is a collaboration of 53 things I’ve learned on the race so far. I hope you enjoy!
1. I can do hard things.
2. No matter where you are in the world, you are the same person.
3. Spending time with God doesn’t just happen. You have to be intentional!
4. Don’t be surprised if a stranger hands you their baby to hold.
5. Kids aren’t actually hard to figure out. They just want to hold your hand and play.
6. You will become a human jungle gym. Just accept it.
7. Living without wifi is possible and enjoyable. Everyone should try it!
8. Baby wipes will save you in a pinch.
9. Make sure to smile at strangers. A smile goes a long way.
10. Get used to sharing your things.
11. If you can’t speak the language, act it out- you’ll get real good at charades.
12. Make friends with the cooks. They’re usually really sassy and fun to be around and they might share a few cooking tips(and snacks).
13. You learn a lot about a person when you start living in close corridors with them.
14. Sometimes the only place where nobody can bother you is the bathroom. Don’t judge.
15. I now respond to the names “gringo” and “blonc”.
16. You will be fed endless amounts of rice and beans.
17. Having a morning routine helps when you’re trying to adapt to another country.
18. Exercise. Worldrace 15 is no joke.
19. I could have packed lighter.
20. Bug spray is your friend. Use it.
21. Working hard builds character. Even if that means moving 100 cinder blocks in an afternoon.
22. Also, make time to rest. Yo body needs it.
23. Never- under any circumstance- forget the buddy rule.
24. Kids in other countries swim naked and then they will try to climb on your shoulders in the water. No shame.
25. The expression “hotter than Haiti” is not an exaggeration.
26. I’ve learned to love black coffee.
27. Snacks are better when you share them with a friend, even if that means you don’t get as much.
28. When you’re dining off of $5 a day, you’ll get creative. Bonus points if you find free food.
29. Never take AC for granted.
30. Worship in other languages is beautiful.
31. Knowing God and the Bible personally is crucial. Nothing else matters if you don’t know who God is to you.
32. I can now put “experience in a Haitian choir” on my resume.
33. Don’t get too attached to the animals at your ministry home…they may become food later on.
34. Being extra goofy helps people feel comfortable to come out of their shell.
35. Life’s a party, rock your body.
36. Being smelly is a given. Showers are a gift sent from God himself.
37. Cutting my hair was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Anyone who wants to do it should go for it! Hair grows back.
38. My teammates are incredible. We are all very different but we compliment each other well.
39. Never skip out on adventure days! Who knows when you’ll ever get the chance to do what you’re doing again.
40. Be flexible always. Plans change often.
41. Homesickness is real. Pictures of family help.
42. Love is not just a feeling, it’s an action. (Check out 1 Corinthians 13)
43. God does not belong in a box. He is way bigger and powerful than we could ever comprehend.
44. Other cultures are fascinating. Take it all in and do a best to be a part of it.
45. Poverty is devastating, and I can’t fix the whole world. But I am not hopeless, because God is more capable and powerful than me. (Praise!)
46. Always try a new food twice. That way, you know for sure if you like it or not.
47. Don’t walk in wet cement, you’ll slip.
48. Electricity and water are luxuries.
49. Reading is fun. (Don’t be so shocked mom & dad)
50. There’s never an excuse to be bored. Make your own fun. Get creative. Tacky prom? Prank wars?
51. Everyone has something in common. You just gotta dig deep to find what out it is.
52. Be patient and kind and gracious always. We are all figuring life out!
53. The race is what you make of it. So make it good.
Thank you for reading!
With love,
Paige
