I would no doubt leave behind my favorite Target T-shirts, that iPhone I lost in Month One , the gallon bag full of gum that melted into goop in Haiti Month Two, and my heavy bag of valued art supplies, which sadly never made it out of Florida for Launch.
Instead, I’d replace those things with the French press I left in my room that is now collecting dust, more pictures of people from home, and a pocket size Bible.
I would actually believe past Racers’ advice because no matter how crazy it sounded to me at the time, it turns out they weren’t kidding. You really can buy all you’ll need overseas for ridiculously cheap. And, even in Africa, you will be fed. Most of the time it is actually quite delicious!
The first three months I ate food like some huge bear stocking up for winter hibernation. In the Dominican Republic, it was extra servings of rice. In Haiti, it was ungodly amounts of bread. And in Romania, I bought the whole country out of Snickers bars. I don’t even eat Snickers at home! But I convinced myself that I never knew when I’d eat next and I’d probably never ever see chocolate again.That is ridiculous, people!
long after the plane lands home and my pack is empty.
Because looking back at all that I’ve learned this year can sometimes make me wish for what I like to call my World Race do-over. I just figure that after a year packed full of
intense community living with people I didn’t choose, fitting all my possessions into a backpack living under the unspoken motto that “sharing is caring,” and dying to myself about 8,000 times in the process, I would be the best World Racer EVER a second time around!
I would stay up late and embrace more community. I would complain less when it was time for feedback and I’d initiate more heart conversations instead of stubbornly waiting on my leader to do it. I’d sleep less on travel day(s), and instead, I’d soak in all the crazy madness that inevitably occurs when30+ people with packs on their back change continents.
I would share my Crystal Light packets, even if I know you’re going to drink them all
instead of hiding them in my pack until Month Nine.
I wouldn’t get so frustrated and upset month after month when leadership refused to change only our team. Instead, I’d be more thankful for more time on a team with one of my best friends.
I would do a better job at staying in touch with people at home. I’d remind myself more that the world doesn’t revolve around me and things like email and Facebook are a two-way street.
I wouldn’t rush for the window seat on the bus or switch seats with anyone on planes
because some of the best memories and conversations happen when I’m piled 40 people deep into a 15 passenger van with my face smashed between backpacks and a foggy window.
I wouldn’t fight it when my knees get weak in worship. I’d just let the Holy Spirit do his thing.
I would get to know more people on my squad sooner. Even if I thought they were weird, or crazy, or different from me. I’d give everyone a chance. Because some of my favorite people now are the ones I never imagined would be my friends at the beginning.
I would do less crying hidden in the corners of rooftops and more in the arms of people that love me. I would hug the people around me often even when they smell bad. I would celebrate little things and big things with dance parties and ice cream.
I would start every day with coffee and Jesus and end every night with the thankful game.
I guess the more I think about it the more I realize that I really will get my World Race do-over soon. It’s not going to look the same as the overcrowded buses, nomadic travels, and my 50-pound pack, but it will be an adventure all the same!
Because in a little over a month this feedback giving, abundance living, freedom walking,
Ever wonder how you would handle the World Race? Apply for one of our July 2013 routes and find out!
