In 18 days, my feet will touch that beautiful ‘merican soil.
As much as I want to give all future racers some wonderful advice, I’m not sure that my advice would be sufficient.
I would love to give you a packing list, but based on my World Race experience [read here], I would tell you to not pack a tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, mosquito net, footprint, malaria meds, tevas/chacos, a water bottle, toiletries… and the list goes on. I feel as though telling future racers not to pack those things would probably come back to haunt me in some way, shape, or form… [this picture was taken in my parents' front yard. This was the last time I saw my tent].
Also — I read all of those “What you really should pack to go on the World Race” blogs & I didn’t really listen to them. I am an idiot, I understand. 🙂
I would advise you to take something [relatively small] with you in order to get a picture of it in each country. The Q had a Jesus figurine, a gnome, and an “Abby” that were captured all over the world. I wish I would have done something creative like that…
The things I packed that got me through the race?
My rope [bought at Dick’s Sporting Goods — thank you, Annie] — it was used frequently each month. Most of my teammates/several of my squadmates used it at some point or another as a clothes line.
My normal-sized pillow — definitely a good choice.
My t-shirt feel sheet — definitely a great comfort/used all the time. good decision.
My real-life, regular towel — def a good choice. def worth the space it took up in my pack.
Other advice?
Jump in. In the words of A’ric Jackson, “Don’t be scurred.” Don’t be afraid to get dirty. Don’t be afraid to stay clean. 🙂
Honestly — get rid of expectations! [you will hear this OVER & OVER & OVER again]. If you have them you will either a) be disappointed or b) get them blown out of the water by how awesome God is.
Love your squad. Yes, your team will be your immediate family, BUT the other teams will be your aunts/uncles/cousins. 🙂 Travel days/squad debriefs are like family reunions. Spend as much time as you can getting to know people on other teams. They may become some of your best friends.
Blog. Your supporters will love you for it.
Make this year your own. Do not try to be anyone else. Do not try to compare your experience with anyone else’s — including your teammates. The race is completely different for each person — even within the same team.
Be yourself. Seriously. Your team will get to know you better than you ever wanted anyone to ever know you. Be yourself. They will love you for it. Plus, that’s all God asks of you — love Him & love others by being yourself. SO important.
Have fun. Take this year for what it is — a gift from our loving Father to his favorite child — you! 🙂
