Hi my name is Julienne Tuterow and I’m going on the World Race. What’s the World Race? Well, it’s an 11 month mission trip to 11 countries partnering with local churches and organizations all over the world to share the gospel through actions of love. I’ll be living out of a backpack and making no money for the next year, all while paying more than I can afford in vaccinations and praying I won’t contract any foreign diseases.” ….Ok, so that’s not exactly how I explained the World Race, but I’m pretty sure that’s what most people heard. (I’m judging these assumptions based off of their facial expressions and some of the responses I received.)
I remember over a year ago as I was fundraising and preparing to leave for the World Race just how excited I was to embark on this journey. The Race was something I felt called to and had dreamt about for a few years before I actually applied. I was pumped to share with friends, family, and acquaintances what all the World Race entailed. In some instances I was less than satisfied with their responses. For instance, “Wow, that’s quite an opportunity,” said without enthusiasm. “You mean you’re planning to live in a tent for a year?” “You can’t bring a suit case?” “So you won’t be getting paid to do that?” ….yea ok maybe it sounds a little crazy but that’s not the point. With each question, I responded, brushed it off, and kept on fundraising. However, there was one question that had me thinking long after it was asked. “What benefit does this experience have to you? I mean if you’re not making money and it’s not for school, what’s the point?” Hmm…to be honest, I didn’t know what to say to that person at the time other than, “I want to help people?” (How profound Julie??)
I didn’t have a good answer then, but I do now.
I’m going to be honest, there are days over the last ten months where I have asked myself that same question, “What’s the point? Why am I here?” Not every day is a good day. Sometimes our water or electricity doesn’t work. Sometimes you’re on the squatty potty and realize you have no toilet paper. Other days I swear I could cry if I ate one more grain of rice after having it for a good six months straight. And sometimes the amount of material poverty is totally discouraging. What could 50 American millennials possibly do to shed light on a country filled with despair?
I could tell you hundreds of stories from the past 10 months of how each member of J-squad has impacted communities. But for time’s sake I’ll share one of my favorites…the one that sparked the answer to the daunting question of my pre-race supporter.
The setting is month 10 in Montrouis, Haiti. Thirteen of my squad mates (including myself) set off to visit an elderly woman living just a few minutes down the road from us. All we knew about this woman was that she was elderly and may need some help around the house. We veer off the dirt path into Ophelia’s yard where we found her sitting at the edge of her bed that was on the front porch of her tiny cinderblock house. Each of us walked over to where she was sitting and, with the help of our translators, introduced ourselves and offered to assist her in any way she needed. At first she seemed a bit hesitant with our offer and politely invited us to pray over her. She informed us that she was unable to walk much and experienced a lot of joint pain.
After we finished our prayer, Chandler asked if there was anything else we could do for her…wash dishes, clean the house, give her a bath, etc. In my mind I was thinking, “We just met this woman! I hardly think she will let us give her a bath.” What did she respond with? “I would like a bath.” I watched as Chandler responded with a huge smile and an “Ok, let’s give you a bath.”
But first, we needed to move her from the porch to the wheel chair and into the yard. My squad mates and I kindly coached this woman on how to maneuver from the bed, to the walker, to the wheelchair, all of us at the ready to offer physical support if needed. It was a beautiful display of teamwork.
Next, Chandler and Mariah began to tend to bath duties while Sue, Lindsay, and I created a human wall to allow for more privacy. We stood there passing shampoo bottles, lotion, and toothpaste back to Mariah and Chandler. We enjoyed the laughter and exchange from Chandler and this sweet woman. I turn to look at Sue and Lindsay and their eyes were filled with as many tears as mine. None of us were really able to express anything that described the emotions we felt in that moment.
“Ok all done!” I turned around and watched as Chandler and Mariah wrapped a towel around this woman’s frail body. I watched as they both gently rubbed lotion on her arms and legs and clipped her toe nails…all with the most genuine and loving smiles across their faces. As they dressed her and turned her wheelchair around, I watched as silent tears of gratitude rolled down her beautifully wrinkled cheeks.
It was in that moment that I realized why I had sacrificed a year away from my friends and family, why I had left my income for a job without one, and why I had chosen to live a life less desirable by many than the “American Dream”. What was the point of this year? Well I can tell you it wasn’t just “to help people” as I had stated pre- race, but to bring hope and encouragement to those who don’t know where to find it…to show people what care and compassion can look like.
How has this year benefited me? It’s taught me how to love. Not just the kind of love that you give when there’s something in it for you, or when it’s easy,but to love in a way that breaks your heart and leaves you completely vulnerable to others requiring a lot of known and unknown sacrifice…a love like Jesus.
“For God so loved that He gave…”
♥ His time.
♥ His compassion.
♥ His hands.
♥ His life.
♥ His love.
“Become the gift that the world needs-and you need.” -Ann Voskamp
