1. When you hear a sermon in English without translation, rejoice.
Cambodia was our first month on the Race. And we went to an English speaking church on our off day. So we got to hear sermons in English. At that point though, I didn’t understand the value of hearing a sermon in English. I didn’t know that it was a rarety on the Race.
So now I know to be super thankful and to soak it all in.
2. Freely give yourself away.
The Lord doesn’t call you to hoard everything He’s given you. He’s freely given everything to you. So follow the Savior’s example and give it all away. Whether it’s sharing your belongings (you computer, iPod, clothes, etc.) or your giftings. Give it away. Pour yourself out for the sake of the Body and as a love offering to the Savior.
3. Hold everything with open hands.
As you follow the Holy Spirit’s call in your life, He’s going to give you things, but then He’s also going to take some things away.
As I was on the Race, The Lord was constantly giving me new desires and taking old ones away. He was giving me new dreams and taking away the old ones. Sometimes this “give and take” hurts. A lot. But other times it just felt natural to have Him give me new things. But He was always telling me and reminding me to live with open hands–to let Him move and work in my life in whatever way he chose to.
4. Enjoy the moments of things getting lost in translation.
Let’s be real. What you’re trying to say gets lost in translation…all the time. Instead of being frustrated by it, just let it go. Laugh it off. And try a new approach in trying to communicate.
5. Go on adventures.
Do this as often as you can. The Race is full of adventures. And you can make anything into an adventure. A walk to the grocery store can turn into an adventure when you let the Holy Spirit lead the way.
One time in Nicaragua, the Holy Spirit led us on a prayer walk. (Before we even left our hostel, I thought it would be really cool to I to a new grocery store and just walk around.) And as we were walking along, praying for the city, The Lord led us to a grocery store I had never been in. By following the lead of the Holy Spirit, He led us on an adventure that ended up in something I love.
6. Try new things.
Don’t fear the unknown. Embrace it.
That’s something I’ve chosen to love by for the last few years of my life. And it’s been awesome. It’s encouraged me to try and pursue new things. By choosing to embrace what I don’t know, I am actively putting my trust in The Lord, knowing that He is taking care of me.
7. Laugh with your team.
This is key. I think laughter is one of the things that truly binds people together. It’s what brings joy. It helps us see ourselves less seriously and helps us move into deeper relationships with each other.
Don’t take your team too seriously. Yes, there are definitely serious discussions that need to happen sometimes. But leave lots and lots of room for laughter to happen.
8. Share the deep parts of yourself.
Yes, you’re going on the Race with a bunch of strangers. But you’ll be surprised at how quickly those strangers turn into family.
So share yourself with them. Tell your stories–your testimony, your stories from college, high school, etc. Talk about your family. Talk about your friends. Find your favorite foods and make your team try it with you.
And then choose to go deeper with them. Let them see the ugly side of you. When it’s hard to share what The Lord is teaching you or showing you, share it anyway.
9. Enjoy the culture and the food.
You might make it back to the countries you’re visiting one day. But there’s a good chance that you might not.
So embrace every second you have in each country, in each culture. Try the cultural foods more than once. Do something to learn more about the culture you’re living in.
It’s worth it.
10. Pursue the Holy Spirit.
This is maybe the most fun part of the journey–pursuit of the Spirit. He has so much for you over these 11 months.
Whether you’re starting the Race with a strong relationship with Him or if you don’t really know who He is, it doesn’t matter. Ask for more. More of the Spirit in your life. More of all He is. More of His presence. He will show up in some crazy cool ways.
11. Drink lots of water.
Practical? Yes. Necessary? Absolutely.
Water is essential. I honestly think it’s one of the ways The Lord has kept me (and the rest of my squad) pretty healthy over the course of our 11 months on the field. We chugged that water. You never really understand how much water your body need until you’re sweating 24/7 and thirsty all the time.
Don’t be afraid to go pee often. It’s better to be hydrated. |
