Well, here goes nothing…my first blog EVER. Grammar police, please be kind to this rookie who has been out of school for awhile.
Here it is my big announcement. I am going on the World Race. I can't believe I am saying or doing this. As a good friend said to me recently though, "it's kind of like fighting gravity, eh?" when I explained how at first I didn't even want to do this huge undertaking/adventure. I said no more than once, heck more than twice, but the pull was so strong I couldn't deny it. So, after much kicking and screaming, and thinking I am too old to do this, and all I want to do is settle down with a good man, I couldn't come up with a real good based in reality reason not to go on the World Race. My age and marital status alone wasn't a good enough reason not to go. It's for 21 to 35 year olds single/married who wish to help in humanitarianism efforts galore, for examples building schools, working in orphanages, and feeding the homeless around the world. Well, I am still within those qualification brackets! Life is too short. I've been selfish enough far too long. NOT to be confused with that TV Show "The Amazing Race." There are no winners, losers, or cash prices on the World Race! In fact, I am required to raise my own financial support in order to go. $15,500 NOT including vaccinations, 6 passport photos, travel health insurance, any "personal" expenses (such as that two man light weight tent I'll need to purchase, carry around, and sleep in for almost a year) and a good camera of course. I am estimating closer to $20,000 by the time it's all said and done. Which sounds like a lot, because well it is a lot…it's ALMOST A YEARS WORTH OF food, shelter, and traveling to 11 different countries. I DO LOVE to travel as anyone who knows me can attest. And I've also always wanted to work in an orphanage. Although, I am sure there will be challenges in abundance just of different sorts than those on the TV show. Such as culture shockers, sore bodies (from sleeping on the ground in tents for months on end) questionable food selections, foreign insects, extreme temperatures, personality rubs, illness, fatigue, homesickness, etc…to name a few.
First and foremost, your prayers for protection, health, safety, and support of all types are being requested to start asap! I am eager to continue this blogging stuff in order to keep everyone who is interested in all these happenings up to speed, and to share the daily needs that are being met left and right. Also, your questions and comments are greatly appreciated!
Cheers,
Sarah Whiteside
