If the World Race was the mile, they would be ringing the bell. We are on the last lap—the last continent, the last three months. They have started talking to us about reentry and what life is going to look like in those first few weeks back home.
So I started thinking of what the last eight months have looked like.
Month One
Pack weight: 50 lbs and I just could not think of anything to get rid of.
Thoughts: This Race is going to last forever. We feel cool because we sleep in tents, share one bathroom with 60 people, and only get internet for two hours each week.
Fears: Getting sick. But then, day one, I get a parasite.
Month Two
Pack weight: Same as month one minus the bag of Reeses. Those didn’t last long.
Thoughts: I will never ever ever eat rice and beans again after the Race.
Fears: I will waste my Race and not change. Also, getting sick again, until the eggs from my parasite started hatching. Maybe I need a new fear.
Month Three
Pack weight: 49 lbs. Surely three months less of shampoo would weigh a little bit more…
Thoughts: I’m not magically bilingual after three months in Central America. Lame.
Fears: Demons and tarantulas, two new things for me.
Remember When the Demons Came Out to Play and World Race Alarm Clock: Bugs on Skin?
Month Four
Pack weight: 47 lbs. Goodness, I need to get rid of stuff.
Thoughts: The Race is no longer new. The challenges from the first couple months are routine now. I have adapted to Europe’s pastries well.
Fears: I am not making a difference.
Month Five
Pack weight: 49 lbs. Winter is upon us and the clothes are heavy.
Thoughts: I’m going to freeze in Moldova and no one will find me.
Fears: Africa is coming closer. Maybe I’ll get malaria or dengue or both.
Month Six
Pack weight: 46 lbs. Clothes are overrated.
Thoughts: Traveling is overrated. Halfway! And then again, I am only halfway. Fast months, slow days sometimes.
Fears: I forget to take my shoes off and offend someone in the Asian culture.
Month Seven
Pack weight: 43 lbs. Hmm, what else can I get rid of?
Thoughts: Will I ever get the taste of curry out of my mouth? I am digging all the monkeys.
Fears: Eh, whatever happens, happens.
Month Eight
Pack weight: 43 lbs. Just barely cleared the Asian airline weight limits
Thoughts: Who needs toilet paper. Or furniture. Turtles are in our bath water, a cow is on our porch, body wash is now shampoo, and lotion is now conditioner. Stuff gets stolen? At least now I don’t have to carry it.
Fears: I won’t make the eleven months. Feeling worn down this month.
Month Nine
Pack weight: 40 lbs baby. Funny how it feels very similar to 50 lbs.
Thoughts: Excited for Africa!
Fears: I’ll have to eat ugali for every meal.
I am currently on my way to Africa, our last continent.
Also, it’s official, I will be landing in America on May 29th!
With an end in sight, I am determined to soak up these last three months. This adventure is limited, so I will enjoy the time I have left in this special season.
Goal this month: Kill a chicken and watch it run around without a head. I’m thinking it is going to work out.
