Written 1/8/10
We have only been in New Zealand for less than ONE WEEK. I think I am learning about community fast. One of the most important things I have learned about community is that you have to put others before yourself.
Community can create so many amazing things. You can grow with each other, share feelings and past experiences, laugh and dance, hold each other accountable, and have someone pushing you to be the best version of yourself.
However, this morning while playing cards with a few squad members I just laughed at a few things. As amazing as community is, it does take some adjustments. Right now for me its the 3 S’s.
SOUNDS- Sleeping in tents with 100 other people is just funny. You can hear every cough and every snore. I couldn’t fall asleep one night because one person was snoring SOO LOUD! Also, the cows tend to MOO during the night and our tents are right by them…see photo…
Also, we were on a screen fast meaning no Ipods or computers for 2 days so we could work on building community. I am addicted to music…so this was really hard. However, we figured a way around that one by having community dance parties! The Ipod speakers my parents got me helped with that one 🙂
SCRATCHY TOWELS- So after I showered I hung my nice COZY towel on the clothes line to dry. The next day my towel was gone, and in its place was the same color towel but a scratchy version. Someone had accidently taken my towel! At first I was kinda upset about this…I really liked my towel, and I know that doesnt seem like a big deal but when you get out of a cold shower…a cozy towel is a dream. My current towel is scratchy and not cozy, but I am letting it go. Community shows me that sometimes you won’t be comfortable, sometimes your things will get misplaced, and you move on.
SUGAR- Okay, I HAVE A HUGE SWEET TOOTH! In community you eat what is given to you, and you are thankful. WE GOT ICE CREAM TONIGHT!! Which is a huge deal because I have been craving sweets soo much. I have been drinking tea non stop with sugar just to curb my cravings. Well living in community means that when they ring the bell for seconds, everyone rushes up in line. I didn’t get seconds on ice cream. I was bummed but there is an unlimited amount of tea with sugar!
