My wonderful teammate, Averi, wrote a special rendition of this classic Christmas poem (and you can find the original post over on her blog site)! I know you'll enjoy it.

Merry Christmas!

'Twas the Night Before Christmas

from a World Racers point of view  

'Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the world;

Not a racer was stirring in their sleeping bags curled.

We found ourselves a tree, only 3 feet high;

In hopes that our Christmas won't make us cry.

Our families are nestled all snug in their beds;

While visions of past comforts run through our heads.

Our surrender cost much but we won't be at loss;

For our God saw us first, and He payed the cost.

Suddenly, outside, we hear a loud scream;

I wonder who that could be on our team?

We spring from our mat to see what's wrong;

Oh, its only RJ playing a song.

He worships to God with no doubt in his mind;

That Christmas is more than just passing the time.

But then to my wondering eyes did appear;

Meg has an animal, am I seeing this clear?

A little tiny kitten so lively and cute;

She hands her to me, says this is for you. 

How precious this Christmas, no matter how far;

We love, we pray, we serve, and we care.

Now Maria! Now Jon! Now Lauren, now Amy!

On Kelsey! On Kayla! On Rachel and Emily!

To the kitchen to make a delicious surprise;

But here in Bolivia remember, be wise.

You never will know the things you may see;

After enjoying a meal in South America with me. 

So as we get ready for January, yes a new year;

We'll say hasta lavista to the friends we made here.

And all the way to Asia the world racers will fly;

A long travel day ahead, we'll try not to cry.

As I look around, my teammates are near;

Kayla's brilliant smile spreads joy and cheer.

Maria and I laugh as we quote princess bride;

I know that these friends will stay by my side.

An impersonation of Gollum by none other than Zach;

Always makes me laugh, and takes me right back,

To the reality which is that no matter where;

Lauren will always have snacks to share.

Our joy-how it spreads! Our smiles, so bright!

The love that we have, we'll share it alright!

11 in total, countries to bless;

But don't get ahead, we haven't left yet.

We have a new family for this holiday;

Don't worry about us, we'll be okay.

It's the night before Christmas, and my teammates are blessed;

Matthew recites a poem and as you might have guessed,

He doesn't skip a beat, he spreads Christmas cheer.

I am so thankful to feel so loved here.

So don't feel sad that we aren't in our beds;

We have each other to rest our heads.

And although we are far from our families tonight;

We're in the right place, to the world we are light.

We have more than we need to experience delight;

So Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night.