I knew going from the military to missionary life would be an adjustment but after all my deployments, PCS’s and travels, I’m pretty adaptable. I figured the lack of schedules and less-than-full days would be annoying at first but just another part of life in a different culture. What I didn’t anticipate was the chaos of community life. Oh my, the chaos.
I’ve lived in close quarters with minimal privacy but there were rules and regulations and most importantly, quiet hours. Not so on the Race. The Spirit needs no quiet hours. In fact, it seems to thrive in the chaos.
Chaos in that I gave up my quiet apartment for a compound housing 27 Racers (very enthusiastic, energetic racers), four missionaries, six toddlers, two little special-needs girls, two teenage mothers, two nannies, two cooks, three guitars, one mandolin, one trumpet, and let’s not forget the drum formally known as the water cooler.
Chaos in a 0700 departure for two teams in which one team is downstairs, one upstairs, two missionaries in meetings- quick! Everyone scatter!- bring it all back together, and 12 Racers and 2 missionaries are in the truck and on the road by 0740.
Chaos in six toddlers. I mentioned SIX walking, tumbling, crying, giggling toddlers, right?
Chaos in the quiet times. There are no quiet times. Breakfast starts at 0600 but people are up and moving long before. Music is playing. People are chatting. Racers are planning their ministries for the day. Ministry all day in or outside of the compound. Coffee and cookies at 1500, devotions or team time at 1530, dinner at 1800, and some nights worship or team time at 1900.
Chaos in a restful night’s sleep, which usually includes waking at least three times. At 2100 Hondurans are setting off fireworks across the street. At 2300, the snoring and sleep talking are movie-esque. At 0230, something is crawling (stomping) across the tin roof. At 0400, the roosters and turkey next door are upset about something and let everyone know it.
Chaos in the blessings. Being surrounded by caring people is a blessing. Worshipping with them is a blessing. Serving with them is a blessing. Laughing with them is a blessing. Dancing with them is a blessing. Being patient with them is a blessing. Learning to rest in the chaos is a blessing. Learning to be still in the chaos is a blessing. Learning to hear God in the chaos is a blessing. Enjoying the chaos is a blessing.
Sometimes, God just has to remind me of the blessings in the chaos.
