Dear year-ago Sarah,
You are devastated and defeated as you walk through the Atlanta airport, wondering where it all went wrong.
Please know that you have not failed.
In a few hours you will talk to Mom and Dad, and tell them that you were sent home from Training Camp. You’ll get on your plane to Rochester and meet Carrie at the baggage claim. She will speak truth over you. Let her. There’s a reason you called her first.
You have been preparing for six months, but AIM told you to wait. It hurts because it feels like a slap in the face, and your heart is broken because you fell head-over-heels in love with your squad. You can’t imagine going on the Race without them, and now they’re gone without even getting to say goodbye.
But do you want to know a secret? Even after all this time, they haven’t forgotten you. They are cheering you on, they are reading your blog, and some of them are still wearing the bracelets you sent to them before they left.
It gets even better. One year from this painful day, you will get to see some of them again. You will reunite, reminisce, and laugh with Ashley, Megan, Melody, Britt, Lindsey, and Jenna. Your team will love them too, and they will have so much wisdom to give.
Right now though, as far as you know, these are just empty promises, because you have no idea what’s ahead. Grieve. Do it. Do not let anyone minimize your pain, because this is still a loss. However, don’t let it define you. You are so much more than this moment, and the things you do this year will be so good for you.
As much as you don’t want to hear it, you will learn that AIM was right. You just need a little time, and that really isn’t a bad thing.
You will return to Training Camp, meet a new squad, and know in your heart of hearts that these are the people you were meant to go on the Race with all along. Love them with everything you have and be sure to let them love you back.
You’ll see that all of your pain, uncertainty, and struggle were worth it to be with the U Squad, Team Kindred, and everyone else you meet along the way.
You will know that you would do it all over again to be exactly where you are, exactly where you are supposed to be.
So when you sit in your bedroom in South Africa, writing this letter to your past self, remember that.
God’s plans are better than yours. Always.
Love,
Present-day Sarah
