When this trip started it was obvious that some professions translated over well to our new way of life.
Having a teacher on your team was seen as a huge perk being that we have spent so much time teaching English. Their knack for lesson planning and tricks of the trade were invaluable. They stood at the chalk board with confidence and sat beside students as they patiently explained grammar like no one else could.
The nurses were quick to be needed anywhere we went. Their skill sets allowed them to make a real difference where it was needed most. They helped the desperate. They disinfected, checked vitals, bandaged, and everything in-between.
The mechanic on the squad found himself helping to fix our bus as it broke down on the side of the road, he also assisted our host who couldn’t afford to have his car looked at. He tinkered, tweaked and saved the day!
I find myself a little squirmish when locals ask what my job was in America. It’s hard to explain working in visual to people who could never imagine a department store, people who have never left their village full of huts. Explaining mannequins and window displays leaves you with an audience of blank faces. Early on I told myself that my job didn’t translate over to this eleven month adventure.
But as I reflect I’ve realized I was so wrong. My job was all about creativity, and so am I! Just thought I’d share with you all my realization that God can use any talent he’s given you anywhere you go.
I’ve been able to use creativity in more ways that I ever imagined I would back in January. Not only have I been surprised at how often I’ve found myself with an artsy project but I’ve also had loads of fun along the way!
This month we are working with a school/church/orphanage and day care. The pastor mentioned that they wanted a plaque on the wall in the sanctuary with a verse painted on it…obviously I was happy to hop on that task!
Our Church in Romania needed some color to spice up the “teen room”. With the help of painters tape and a few tubes of paint we added this cool abstract band to the walls
Our Hosts in Kosovo were feeling like the walls of their day care could use a makeover. They gave me compete freedom in adding 5 murals to their stair well walls…what a dream!
In Vietnam, I hosted a weekly fashion illustration class which really helped me to get to know and bond with the girls. Plus, they were super talented, how cute is her girl!?
“Fashion illustration”, that’s just code word for “doodles of people”. Regardless, it has allowed me to leave behind a little something for some really special people I’ve met. These people don’t have any photos of themselves so to them this is a real treat!
In Cambodia I was able to design a new logo for a café and it’s now stamped on the menus and hanging on the building, crazy!
In Bosnia I was able to make decorations for all kinds of church events! And even help with the decor in the lobby.
Drawling has also given me common ground when the language barrier makes it hard to connect. Like when visiting hospital patients, we may not be able to converse but what little girl doesn’t like drawing with a buddy?!
Turns out every single person on my squad has come with unique talents that translate over to any chapter in life. Talents that make them just as invaluable as the teachers and nurses. Just took me a while to see and recognize the worth in all of them!
