Okay, so this is something that I have been wanting to write about for a while now, seeing as I’m an introvert & I’m almost done with the Race!!
Before leaving, this was one of those things that I was most worried about. Back home I had lots of ‘personal time’ and so much space to call my own. I knew that on the Race it would be the exact opposite. At home if I wasn’t feeling up to going out with friends, or I was tired from a day of school, I was able to go back to my own room and spend the night watching a movie or reading a book. I had a hunch that this probably wasn’t going to be the case during my time abroad.
My hunch, indeed, was correct.
But interestingly, this fear that I had turned out to be something that was actually fairly manageable for me. Sure, there were some days I literally wanted to crawl in a cave and not talk to anyone, but I was able to improvise and ultimately survive.
For all my introvert friends who are nervous about the Race, here are some pro-tips:
- Don’t let being introverted stop you from being excited about this journey!! The Lord has created you the way you are, and He is going to use you in miraculous ways.
- Please, please don’t try to be an extrovert.
- Be honest with your team about how much alone time you think you need, but also be honest with yourself. This is such an amazing way that the Lord can stretch and grow you this year if you let Him!
- Don’t feel bad for taking time to stay back when other people are going out. Sometimes you have to overcome the FOMO and just do what’s best for your health. Honestly, you probably won’t miss that much.
- Make sure you are actually getting the rest that matters. Movies & Netflix only go so far. The real rest you need will only be found in the Lord. Trust me.
- There are some really creative ways that you can get alone time!! Some months you will be able to set up your tent, which seems like a hassle, but it’s honestly so great to have a space just for you.
- If you’re able to get a bottom bunk during those months that you are sleeping on them, grab an extra sheet or a towel and make yourself a little cave. This has kept me sane on many occasions when I really just need to be alone but am living in the same room as 15 other people.
- You can do a lot more than you think you can because the Lord will empower you to do so. Even when you feel drained, pay attention at team time. Even when you’ve done 10 house visits already that day, pay attention to the Holy Spirit for the 11th. Where you are weak, He is strong. He comes through every. single. time.
Okay that’s all I got for now. Hope this has helped some people!!
Amaris
