5 months down. 6 to go. I can hardly believe it. I’ve been to 6 different countries, made amazing relationships with so many people, and had the privilege to work with wonderful ministries. I have seen people come to Christ and miracle healings. God, you are too good. I wouldn’t trade this time with Him for the world. He has changed my heart, broken down my walls, shown me love, heartache, pain and joy. I can say I am not the same person as the girl who left Minnesota in July. When I look back and think about all the things He has done in me, through me, and around me, it makes me so excited to think that He is only half way done. As I head into Vietnam, I am so thankful. Thankful for my team, my squad, and this journey. It has truly changed my life.
Here are 101 things I’ve learned!
1. All Africans can dance. It’s in their genes.
2. Living in constant community is a challenging refinement process.
3. Living in community is a ton of fun and an amazing way to build relationships.
4. Becoming a morning person really isn’t that hard. Just get up.
5. God shows up, all the time.
6. Bus floors are the best places to sleep during 35 hour rides.
8. Warm showers are a luxury.
9. Toilets are a luxury.
10. Jesus loves me more than I can ever imagine.
11. Always carry toilet paper in your purse.
12. I am so thankful people in America wear deodorant.
13. There are more species of insects in Asia than there are stars in the sky, and all of them are awful.
14. Being irregular is just regular.
15. God has a plan for me, every day.
16. If you don’t trust in the Lord, you won’t trust the people in your life.
17. Faith, hope, and love. And the greatest of these is patience. No seriously, patience though.
18. After living with someone for about a week discussing any and every bodily function in great detail is completely normal.
19. Getting outside of your comfort zone is the best way to grow.
20. Everyone is different, so just be who you are.
21. God wants your identity solely in him, and he will remove anything you put ahead of him in your life. Give it freely so he doesn’t have to take it from you.
22. Prayer is essential.
23. Sometimes praying is all you can do. And no, that doesn’t make you helpless.
24. Extreme poverty is a real thing.
25. Mozambiquen sugar cane is absolutely delicious.
26. African women can carry more on their heads than I can carry in my arms.
27. Life is a journey not a competition. Everyone travels at different paces and discovers different things.
28. Three words. Baby. Wipe. Showers.
29. Personal space? Forget it.
30. What’s for lunch? Noodles.
31. What’s for dinner? Noodles.
32. Girls smell significantly less bad than boys.
33. Wifi signals in third world countries last an average of three minutes. On a good day.
34. Knowing your calling in life is as simple as knowing who God calls you.
35. Chocolate and peanut butter are the next closest thing to heaven on earth.
36. Find locals to show you around. You’re in for a much better experience.
37. If people are speaking a different language and looking in your direction, the answer is yes, they’re talking about you.
38. Rest stops in third world countries very accurately resemble fields and wooded areas.
39. The people on your team will quickly become some of your best friends.
40. Everyone already knows what you look like without makeup. Use it only on special occasions when you want to feel human.
41. Instant coffee tastes like something along the lines of battery acid.
42. Drink it anyway.
43. Real, brewed cappuccinos, brewed coffee, iced lattes, these are a few of my favorite things…
44. Earplugs and eye masks are essential. ESSENTIAL.
45. Jesus speaks differently to everyone. Be willing to listen.
46. Always fellowship with your brothers and sisters in Christ as you’re being grown and stretched by the Lord in different seasons of your walk.
47. Christianese, it’s a thing.
48. 8 hours on a plane? Piece of cake. I will never look at travel time the same way again.
49. You can fit much more in your pack if you fold your clothes military style.
50. Your pack will weigh significantly more if you fold your clothes military style.
51. Packing cubes are a must.
52. You can never have enough plastic bags.
53. Spending time in the word is time well spent.
54. Appreciate the little things. They’re what matter most.
55. It really is the thought that counts.
56. Hand washing clothes = twice the time and half the cleanliness.
57. Always invest in those around you. God created their hearts too.
58. Women all around the world truly don’t recognize their value.
59. Men around the world are not good at showing women that they have value.
60. God created everyone with equal value.
61. When in India, it is entirely possible to be drenched in sweat while sitting still.
62. Leggings under your running shorts is an unfortunate but necessary look.
63. Everyone around you has a different aspect of Jesus in them.
64. Feedback is hard, but necessary. It helps you honor those around you.
65. Working out is as important for your mental health as it is for your physical health.
66. In India and Nepal cows have the right of way.
67. Every street vendor has “great price” just for you.
68. Staring. 100% normal. 100% awkward.
69. Look over your shoulder while driving? Nah. Just honk and hope for the best.
70. Laughter in abundance is a remedy for the soul.
71. There is no need to fear your future. God has it all planned out.
72. Keeping in touch with your parents is important. They love you and like to be continually updated that you’re still living.
73. The Himalayas absolutely reveal the glory of God.
74. There is a deep sadness that comes along with watching people worship idols.
75. Hurry up! Hurry up! And wait.
76. Dance parties in Indian airports will garner you many stares, dance anyways.
77. The ministry hosts are some of the most passionate people you will ever meet.
78. Sometimes pain is the only way you can learn.
79. God is always worth it. Always.
80. Many women see that I’m white, and they want to look like me. Half the time I don’t even want to look like me. There is only one version of perfect, and it’s in His eyes.
81. Sometimes caffeine is the most essential thing in the world.
82. Give grace to the people around you. God gives you infinitely more.
83. No matter how many squats you do your butt will still go numb after 4 hours on a bus.
84. There is no need for a garbage disposal when you have three boys on your team.
85. It’s respectful world race etiquette to offer your leftovers to the boys before offering them to the street dogs.
86. Python has an interesting, smokey flavor.
87. Chase your passions. God gave them to you for a reason.
88. There are no such things as coincidences when God is involved.
89. Don’t spend time being sad about what you didn’t see. Spend it being grateful for the experiences you had.
90. Miracles are real.
91. There is nothing more beautiful than watching someone experience the love of Christ for the first time.
92. Take a wide stance on the squatty potty.
93. Four people on a moped? Ain’t no thing.
94. Leeches suck from both ends.
95. Get to know the person sitting next to you on the bus. Everyone has a story.
96. Always go back for your headlamp. Always.
97. Keep your wallet and passport in separate places. It sucks to lose both at once.
98. Eat the weird stuff.
99. Spice is the spice of life.
100. Don’t spend your time worrying about all the ways you’re a sinner. Just spend it loving.
101. There is nothing more fulfilling than being like Christ and loving the way he loves.
That’s all folks! Thanks for tuning in!
