27 Things I Have Learned on the World Race

I cannot believe today is my 27th birthday! I am in Nis, Serbia, and it is snowing. I am not the biggest fan of snow – I actually prefer warm weather on my birthday. But I have to admit, it is beautiful.

In honor of my 27th birthday, here are 27 things I have learned on the World Race (both funny and serious):

1. I can live with limited clothing options. So what that I have the same exact outfit on in all of my photos? Only having a few clothing items is freeing and it makes getting ready in the morning so much quicker.

2. Carry toilet paper/baby wipes with you at all times. I cannot tell you how many times baby wipes have saved my life in public restrooms around the world. In many countries, if you can find a bathroom that has toilet seats, toilet paper, and paper towels, you are living in luxury!

3. Anything less than 12 hours is a “short” bus ride. We have now been on 10+ bus rides, and 2 of those were 20+ hours long. I have learned to sleep on an overnight bus, and our battery charger keeps our phones and computer charged so we can watch movies/read.

4. Investing in people is so worth it. I am a hardcore introvert, and my default is to avoid conversation and spend time alone. However, that is almost impossible on the WR since you are with other people 24 hours a day. But when I fight against my instinct and invest in people and conversations, it gives me so much joy. The people on my squad are all worth fully knowing, and I’m so glad I do!

5. Altitude sickness is no joke. I was warned about altitude sickness before getting to Bolivia, but nothing could prepare me for how terrible I felt when we crossed the border. I spent the 5 hours we had to wait at the Argentina/Bolivia border crossing (which is at 11,000 feet) puking over a bridge and laying on the disgusting sidewalk. I have never felt that bad in my life. 

6. Water is not free in most countries. In the US, I always order tap water at restaurants. Sometimes because I want to drink water, but mostly because it is free. In many other countries, it isn’t safe to drink tap water, so you have to buy bottled water, even at restaurants.

7. God does keep his promises. One of the biggest reservations we had before going on the WR was putting off starting a family. God truly knows the deepest desire of my heart to be a mom. Throughout the Race, he has used 3 completely separate people to pray over me and my womb specifically. I know that God speaks to us, and I believe these prayers are confirmation that God has a great plan for us and our family after the Race.

8. Public transportation is usually easy to navigate. Living in the US, I never took public transportation unless I was visiting a big city like Chicago or New York. But since I don’t have a car on the WR, public transportation is usually my only option. I have taken many taxis, buses, trains, trufis, and tuk-tuks, and they are an easy and inexpensive way to travel around.

9. How to manage a budget. I was the Treasurer of Team Ablaze for the first 4 months, and I was responsible for managing the budget for my team of 7. It was a learning curve at first, but now I have used 8 or 9 different currencies and successfully fed, transported, and housed our team with money to spare.

10. I am not in control. This has been one of the hardest lessons I have learned on the WR. Plans constantly change, nothing is guaranteed, and trying to control things on the Race is exhausting. Giving up control and trusting that God will provide is something I have to do daily, but I have found that I am able to go with the flow and not stress so much.

11. God loves me so so much. I have always known that God loves me, but through all the ways he has shown up this year, it is so evident how specifically he loves ME, just as I am. He doesn’t love me better when I become “better”. He loves me ALL the way, ALL the time.

12. Don’t take your shoes off on a 24 hour bus ride. On one of the infamous 20+ hour bus rides, my feet swelled up so much that I couldn’t fit them back into my shoes. 

13. You can actually buy pretty much anything you want in every country. Before the WR, I was under the assumption that I would not be able to buy my favorite toiletry items, snacks, etc. Therefore, I packed 4 extra deodorants, 3 shampoo bottles, extra razors, and other items. In every country we have visited so far, we have found a store that sells Head and Shoulders and Dove products, Lays chips, Kit Kats, and pretty much anything else you could want.

14. Spending the first 30 minutes of my day with God makes my day so much smoother. I am NOT a morning person, and the WR has not changed that. However, I have found that when I pick up my Bible and worship music first thing instead of Instagram, my heart is much more aligned with God’s. I can tell when I skip my quiet time, because I just feel off all day.

15. I love podcasts and Pixel Art. One of my favorite ways to unwind is to listen to a podcast and play Pixel Art (for any of my ISFJ friends – look it up). Some of my podcasts I have been listening to: American History Tellers, Presidential, The Bible Project, Freakonomics Radio, and This American Life.

16. I can eat tomatoes. I have always disliked tomatoes. I will pick them off of everything. However, I have eaten more tomatoes on the WR than I have in my entire life (which really isn’t all that many). In Chile, we ate completos a lot – which is a hotdog covered in tomatoes, guacamole, and mayonnaise. In Serbia, I have eaten a few shopska salads – which is essentially cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions covered in cheese. I still would not say that I like tomatoes, but I can tolerate them.

17. Hostels are awesome and a cheap way to visit other countries. I have stayed in countless hostels in almost every country we have visited. They have all been clean and very convenient. They usually have deals with tourist attractions where you can get discounts and it costs less than $10/night to stay there!

18. Other countries didn’t have Bob Barker telling them to spay and neuter their pets so there are stray dogs everywhere. Worst offenders – Chile and Macedonia.

19. People are so generous and hospitable. We have been given so many rides, places to stay, food, coffee, help at restaurants and stores, directions, etc. Even when people have next to nothing, they still want to bless us. It is so humbling and truly speaks to the innate kindness of mankind.

20. If I don’t express my needs, no one will know how to meet them. I don’t like to ask people for help, and it is hard for me to be vulnerable with people. However, I can’t get mad when people (including RJ) are not meeting my needs if I didn’t tell them what I needed in the first place. 

21. How to use a squatty potty. A squatty potty is essentially a hole in the ground with a porcelain basin around it. You literally have to squad down and aim at the hole. It is not easy to use and I have peed on my foot, and almost fell into the gross hole many times. If I never have to use one again, I will be happy!

22. Love is a choice. This is so true in marriage and in any relationship. When you are committed to a partner or a team, it will not be sunshine and daisies every day. But choosing to put them first and love them despite how you feel is the most important thing.

23. The rest of the world does not use dryers. Thankfully, we have found a washing machine in almost every country, but 99% of the time there is no dryer. Even in places that are super developed, they hang their clothes out to dry.

24. When ordering at a restaurant in another country, don’t try to change the menu. We have tried this, and it is often very confusing for the people working. We tried to order a meal with no drink one time, and ended up getting two sandwiches and two drinks! 

25. The world runs on Nescafé, not Starbucks. We have seen some Starbucks in other countries, but they are usually super expensive. Instant coffee, specifically Nescafe, is in every single country we have visited. They even have it on the menu at coffee shops!

26. I am a leader. I have been given so many opportunities to lead on the WR, the most important one being squad leader. I don’t have to have all the answers or even use my own strength, because God has equipped me for anything he calls me to. This season of leadership has already been full of growth.

27. How thankful I am for a loving community back home. Thank you to everyone who has supported us, read our blogs, sent a text of encouragement, or prayed for us! I know I am so blessed with family and friends that want to share this journey with me. I love you all!

Here’s to my 27th year on Earth! Join me in praying that this year will be FULL of the Lord’s joy and that my eyes and heart would be fixed on His will for my life.

We still have expenses that are not covered by our WR fundraising. If you would like to bless us or send a birthday gift, here is our new donation link: Support Kayla & RJ