So over these past few months in preparation for the race, I’ve encountered all types of feed back. When I say all types, I mean ALL TYPES. Some positive, some negative, some encouraging, & some pretty hilarious if I must say. So out of all the questions & advice that have been thrown at me, I have decided to put it all into four categories as I share a few with you.
First we have the HOW’s….
– “How are you going to survive on non-southern food? I heard a lot of those countries don’t season the food, better carry some salt in your pack.”
– “How are you going to stay in shape & keep your abs, I mean you won’t be in a gym for a whole year?”
– “How often are you going to be allowed to shower & where?”
Then there are the WHY’s…..
– “Why not just wait until you graduate college to go on the race instead of taking a year off?”
– “Why are you even doing this at all?”
– “Why are you only allowed to have one bag for the whole year?”
– “Why haven’t I done anything like this? This sounds like a legit vacation.” (It really grinds my gears when people refer to it as a vacation).
– “Why is it called the World Race, will you be racing?”
Next are the DON’Ts….
– “Don’t ever walk through or explore these countries alone, always travel with a group.”
– “Don’t go over to these countries & make anyone angry, we want you back home in one peace.”
– “Don’t forget to take baby wipes, you’ll probably need them.”
– “Please don’t get kidnapped, you’ve seen what happens to Americans in other countries on movies.”
– The most positive & reassuring…”don’t fear anything, God has called you & will cover you.”
Finally, the WHAT-IF’s…..
– “What if a war breaks out in one of these countries while y’all are there?”
– “What if you visit one of the countries & you fall in love, are you going to leave the states forever?” (MOM)
– “What if after you take this year off of school to go on the World Race, you lose the urge to go back & finish your degree?”
– “What if you return after the race with a big scruffy Jesus beard?” LOL!!
So yeah, I can’t answer most of these questions, because I honestly don’t have the answers right now. All I can tell you is that I have faith in my creator & I know He will continue to guide my footsteps as long as I submit Myself to His will.
PS. If I don’t get to shower much, I guess I’ll just be a musty Jesus loving missionary. I am not the least bit worried about being kidnapped or harmed because I know the God I serve has a shield around me so strong that only He can get through. As far as working out, nature holds all the workout equipment I need, so I’ll be alright! Regarding the food, i’m an Alabama boy so the salt just may be necessary (just in case) haha!
