Meghan Tschanz, of the July 2012 H Squad, recently finished the Race. She decided to write a commencement speech – to those about to embark on the Race, and perhaps even to those who are returning home. People like Meghan who are beginning the adventure that is the rest of their lives.
Laugh. Because it is so much better than the alternative. Laugh when things don't go your way. Laugh when a chicken is clawing at your feet on a hot African bus. Laugh when dozens of children tackle you and begin to take turns tickling you. Laugh when you don't know what else to do. Just laugh.
The World Race is the longest thing you will ever do, but it is also the shortest. So savor every moment of it.
Be aware, never forget that you are smack dab in the middle of the mighty Himilayas or in the backyard of a tribe that time has forgotten. Don't let time and adaption make it ordinary. Be amazed everyday.
A thankful heart is essential. Your Race can be eleven months of surviving or it can be eleven months of thriving. Believe me when I say a grateful heart makes all the difference in the world.
Respect your contacts, your bosses, your leaders, but don't believe everything they say. Some of your contacts will be straight-up crazy, but trust their hearts. They are doing incredible things for the kingdom.
Don't worry about the future. Jesus himself said that worry is useless. If the pieces don't seem to fit now, have faith that they will. Your life is a story written by the one who created the universe.
Always say yes.
Do one thing everyday that scares you. Jump off that cliff, eat that tarantula, go on that hike, befriend the prostitute, because all too soon the opportunity will be gone.
Sing. Because no matter what it sounds like, it actively lifts your spirit. Keep love letters from your teammates. They can brighten the darkest of days. Never doubt the power of even the smallest act of love. Dance. Anywhere. Everywhere. In front of everyone.
Treat your body well. Take your vitamins. And definitely take your malaria meds in Africa – you'll regret it if you don't. Go on runs. Half of my adventures on the Race wouldn't have happened if I didn't explore the countryside of the world on runs. Children in Africa will join you, farmers in Europe will invite you in, and the Asians will laugh at you as they offer you tea.
Work hard to know your squad. They'll be the ones who hold your hand after a hard day and laugh with you in an awkward moment. Be generous with your time and your heart. Overcome differences with love. And trust me, always be the first to swallow your pride and say sorry.
Know when you need help and don't be afraid to ask for it. There's no need to suffer silently, that's the point of community. We are better together. Keep your squad close. When the Race is over, work hard to bridge the gaps that geography and lifestyle might create. You are forever bonded by the most incredible of experiences.
Be creative. Learn the guitar when you only have two hours of ministry a day. Write a book or encourage one of the locals. There are no excuses for boredom on the Race.
Have expectancy, not expectations. Expect God to move, expect community and laughter. But don't have any expectations of what ministry looks like, because trust me, you'll be wrong.
When you have a bad day ask God for a new perspective. Get over yourself – who cares if you don't have a shower or a bed? The people who surround you are living in worse conditions day in and day out. Ask God for compassion when you lack it.
Believe that you hear God's voice and follow it wherever it takes you. It may not make sense now, but it will one day. Don't lose faith, and trust in his promises.
If you've prayed for healing a million times and nothing's happened, pray again. If you've lost faith, just a take a look around you. God brought you here, he is faithful, he moves.
Always try to grow and be better, but never forget your identity. Don't get too hard on yourself when you screw up. God hasn't stopped loving you, so don't stop loving yourself. You may not look like a saint now, but give yourself grace, you could be the next Mother Teresa.
There is so much possibility ahead of you. More than ever before. You can climb the tallest mountain in Africa or jump off the highest bridge. That child you pray for might become the next leader of her nation.
So choose to love when you don't feel like it. I dare you to fall in love with landscapes, people, cultures, and food.
And know, deep down in your bones, that you have been called. You have been created with purpose and on purpose. Each day that you choose to love is another opportunity to change someone's life.
I believe in you, I believe that you can change the world.
So please, get out there and change it.
*Photos via arnoldbria, georgialyndewey, andyjfrasure, pstajiej, worldchanger13, and driannalitton
Do Meghan's words light a fire in your heart? Can you imagine yourself living the calling she describes?
We have three remaining routes open in January 2014, and you can see them by clicking HERE.
