Words can't even really begin to describe the last few months since being accepted to go on the World Race. There has been so much excitement and anticipation mixed with a lot of anxiety and stress about the unknown and the massive amount of things to get done before July. But despite my worries, God has been steadily helping me to get things in order. Some of my teammates and I came up with this list that describes the humorous and craziness that is preparing for the World Race.
You now You are Preparing for the World Race When…
1. You seriously consider applying for a job at REI/Bass Pro/Amazon/Quest because of how much research you have done on the different kinds of camping equipment.
2. You send up little prayers of thanksgiving every time you take a hot shower or use a western toilet.
3. You can say the countries in your route in order faster than anyone can understand.
4. You have dreams about actually picking one of the Malaria medications and getting the prescription filled.
5. You earnestly pray for teammates, whom you have never met, on a regular basis.
6. You have “practiced” setting up your tent, sleeping pad, and sleeping bag in your room for the night to try them out.
7. You used to get excited to live out of a backpack … now the thought of packing it is a source of anxiety. Still have no idea how 11 months worth of stuff can fit in an 80 liter pack.
8. To pass the time, you try to think up more words that start with your squad letter.
9. The "To Do" list always seems to be growing instead of getting smaller.
10. You try to hangout with your friends and family ALL THE TIME, before you're gone for a long time.
11. You ask God over and over and over for trust.
12. You savor every cadbury egg, peanut m&m, hamburger, etc. because food will not be the same in a few short weeks.
13. You become good friends with your travel doctor and know more about shots/immunizations than you thought you ever would in your life.
14.You're starting to get used to the idea of body odor, knowing that it will be a REFRESHING smell in just a few short months.
15. You find yourself thinking of all the things you will miss while gone, like Christmas with your family, but then think about the new family you will be spending it with, and the richness of simplicity.
16. Sometimes, when you are laying in your bed at night, you close your eyes, and pretend like you have a mosquito net above you, and an African night sky outside your window.
17. You have to constantly tell people that yes, you are quitting your job, yes, you gave away your stuff, no, you will not be getting paid for it, no, you will not end up on the show Locked Up Abroad, and yes, you volunteered for it.
18. You can't believe that God is letting you, no, wants you, to be a part of His work in these countries.
19. You are SO ready to love on orphans, restore dignity to those in poverty, build new relationships and get rid of all of the junk that you put in between you and Jesus…
20. The thought of beginning the journey of fulfilling your life's calling in a few months is like putting that last puzzle piece in. You feel like you will be complete in your identity. The thought of this makes your heart want to explode out of your chest.
