At Disney, we used to use the phrase “make magic” as a send off. Coming on the race I was completely determined to make every moment magical. I have read blogs, heard people describe, been lectured to about the race becoming everyday life. I was/am determined to not let this happen.
I remember arriving in Cambodia month one trying to figure out the new currency, the exchange rate, figure out what things should cost (not the tourist cost), local transport, a new language. Magic made itself. Two months later, transferring currency, exchange rate, and local transport was all successfully (and almost reflexively) navigated within hours of arrival.
The race is so much easier when the small things become easy. Eating on $5 a day or less, sure. Figure out a new currency, got it. Learn basic greetings in a new language, no problem. Communicate where you need to be with no language overlap, done. The magic makes itself when the simple things are a miracle. When the everyday things become everyday, you have to make your own magic.
Honestly, I appreciate a good challenge, so I have found the more I have to put into making the race worth it, the better it is. When I have to work hard and invest to “make magic” then the magic that is made is worth it. At Disney I learned that making magic for someone that was already excited was great, but easy and not super rewarding. The great rewards came from finding a person who was having a hard time and turning into a great time; that was making magic.
On the race the same concept applies. When I am bored, when things are frustrating, when the only internet café within half an hour is not working I find the person that looks like they need it the most, and I try to turn his/her day around. Sometimes, that is smiles and eye contact walking home. Sometimes it’s a conversation (and a treat) with your teammate that walked two miles with you to the not in service internet café. Sometimes it’s a conversation with a ministry host, or making faces at the kid in front of you on the bus that has been staring for hours.
Just like at Disney, on the race, you are responsible for how your race is. Just like at Disney, when you feel bad, it is time to turn your attention outside of yourself. Just like at Disney, sometimes the 15 minute ride to work/ministry takes an hour. These things happen; it is the handling of the situation that counts. Disney honed my ability to handle high stress environments in a self-less and self-making way.
All that to say: “Adventure is out there!” Magic awaits…just around the riverbend.
