Some days you never know what you’re going to get on the race. Most months you go in blind and come out with many lessons learned.
Before I left the states, I was sure my life would be nothing but constant adventure full of mountain tops, waterfalls and breath taking scenery. After watching The World Race promo video I drew many conclusions I thought would someday become realities; jungle trekking while carrying my 50 pound pack, camping in rain forests, safari rides through African terrain and little to no contact with the outside world.
The reality of life on the race has turned out to be much different than I anticipated. Have I trekked through the jungle? Yes. Have I gone camping? Yes. Have I taken bucket showers and used squatty-potties? Yes. But life on the race is much more normal than one would think.
It’s true, the race is an incredible adventure that has taken me across the globe. It has given me opportunities I may never get again but the race is also full of everyday, normal, menial tasks.
Most months I’ve slept in a bed, had a roof over my head and used western toilets. I’ve watched movies with friends on the weekends and I’ve gone to coffee shops on my off days. I’ve shopped at H&M, I’ve gone to movie theaters and I’ve even ordered coffee from Starbucks.
Yes, I have experienced the typical World Race life. I’ve swam under waterfalls, I’ve hiked around in deserts and I’ve climbed mountains. I’ve gone days without showers and I’ve been extremely underdressed for church because of my lack of wardrobe. I’ve had dirt stained hands and worn clothes with more than one hole in them.
Some months – like this month – I take cold showers using a bucket, an empty water bottle and a jerry can. Other months I complain the water is too hot. Sometimes I wash clothes by hand and other times I throw them in the washer. I play volleyball and sometimes I take naps. I have bad days and I have good days.
Life is pretty normal, even on The World Race.
The race has taught me adventure comes in many forms and fashions, sometimes it’s playing a game of charades with your taxi driver when you don’t speak their language and other times it’s climbing through the mountains of Bolivia.
Here’s what I’ve learned: I didn’t have to come on the race to experience adventure. The race has just taught me to see the adventure wherever I go.
I’m simply living life, folks. It just so happens that I’m living in a different part of the world. If you’re someone looking for adventure, maybe it’s not as far away as you think it is.
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A quick update before I go. My team and I are currently in Rwanda working with a local pastor in a small village outside of the capital city. We’re working in schools, painting churches & classrooms, and also helping out with landscaping. Our main ministry for the month is simply being an active member of the church. We preach every night and have worship services several times a week. Ministry has been really interactive and our host is absolutely incredible. He is full of jokes and always smiles. He treats us like daughters and never hesitates to tell the boda drivers to go slow “or else.” His family has adopted us as their own and I already love them dearly.
Next stop, Uganda! This country has such a special place in my heart and I literally CANNOT wait to get back.
See you all at Thanksgiving!!
