wOw. HALFWAY DONE?! How is that possible? We have officially reached the halfway mark. It’s been 150 days since we left America. We have traveled to 6 different countries. We have completed our journey through Asia. We are in the middle of our first month in Eastern Europe. This point seemed so far away. Even last month in Thailand, it seemed like ages away but here we are. I remember back in Nepal, I sat down with our squad mentor and she described the Race in 3 parts.
Month 2-3 is the first phase. The Race is flying by at this point. By the time you accept and realize you are actually all the way around the world in India, you have moved onto Nepal. It feels like every time you blink you have changed countries already. But you have so much time left! The Race still has 9-10 months!
The second phase is Month 6-7. You’re over it. The new has worn off. The homesickness has set in and you are ready to go home. You can’t wait for this to be over so you can go back to the comfortable living you are used to. The race has become a norm. It’s not new and exciting anymore.
The third phase hits about Month 8. You are hit with the reality that this great adventure is almost over. Where did it go? You can’t believe it’s almost over and you don’t want it to end! It’s almost gone and all you want to do is get it back.
Well we are in Month 6 and you know what that means! haha. But on a real note, I feel like this is the phase that you have to choose to be here the most. Choose to make the most out of your situation. Choose to put everything you have into your ministry and your team. Choose to be joyful everyday. Choose to not dwell on the things that you are missing at home. Choose to be fully present here. It’s not easy. For me, it kind of snuck up on me. Our wifi is limited this month, even though we are in a more Westernized culture, it’s still a shock, ministry is different, and it’s hard to not shut down. It’s hard to not completely immerse yourselves in the few comforts available.
However, God has shown me a different light. This is what America is going to be like when I get home. Life is going to become a routine again. It’s going to be easy to shut down and not push into the ministry life we are all called to. It’s going to be easy to fall back into the things I’m used to. It’s going to be hard to continue to push and pursue God.
A reality that I didn’t consider for the race is it becoming a routine. Our routine is moving once a month (at least). Connecting with a ministry host. Team time. Finding a coffee shop. Getting souvenirs. Learning the basics of each culture (like how to say Hello, and Thank you). Completely the tasks for the month. Moving on.
BUT…
IT’S ALL A CHOICE. You can choose to be unhappy with where you are at in life whether its Month 6 on the Race or at home in your job that you’ve been at for 15 years. OR you can choose to see it with a new light. Look for the new things. Look for things that you can make a difference in. Look for the things that you can use the strengths that God gave you and make something great out of your every day life. It’s up to you. It’s your choice. Be joyful. Be fulfilled. Trust God. Love others. Make the most out of it.
