When you step into the biggest adventure of your life, you're
bound to have a few expectations…
As I signed on to do the World Race, I was asked to write a blog about the expectations I have of the 11-month-long adventure that lies ahead of me. While I – at the advice of some World Racer alums – am trying to limit myself from holding tight to expectations (that would most likely prove misleading in the end), I just can't help but have at least a few….
To be quite honest, even though I expect to be out in the poorest parts of the world serving others – the hungry, the sick, the broken – I realize two things: in some ways, I may end up receiving more than I give, and no amount of giving will ever feel like it's enough. All the acts of service I take part in all wrapped up together – though worth every bit of effort – won't even make a dimple in the surface of the mass of issues out there in the world. But despite that cold, hard-to-swallow truth, there's a greater truth that prevails: God. And by God's love and grace, I'm praying He'll use me to impact the lives of at least a few people — perhaps even your life.
I don't expect this post to be a "favorite"; it's just a list of naive expectations from some random and frank gal who's one of many headed out on this crazy, awesome adventure. However, I do suspect several months from now when I'm actually on the Race, there will be some head nodding and chuckling as I take another peak at what I wrote 3.5 months prior to my departure. I've tried to be as realistic and honest as possible. It's not like I'm much for varnishing my thoughts anyway.
Whether accurate or absurd – here are my expectations of my upcoming World Race experience:
330-some bad hair days (but then again frizzy curls might just be "in" in other parts of the world 😉
11 months of eating a lot of rice and beans, and…
At some point, at least once, to eat something that I would never ever eat in the US
Lots of tears and laughter (maybe at the same time?)
Many heart-breaking moments as I come face to face with situations that I cannot comprehend
Months of profuse sweating, which will lead to…
A desperate desire for a bubble bath and an air-conditioned room
Days of sickness – most likely diarrhea and… perhaps even malaria or typhoid
To experience God's presence amidst poverty and brokenness
A more accurate perspective on what truly matters in life
At least one opportunity to bathe in a river 🙂
To greatly miss the familiar and friendly faces of those I adore back home
At least 5 moments when I'll feel embarrassed because of something stupid I do or say… bound to happen 🙂
At least 30 times when I'll have to utter the words, "I'm sorry"
The constant need to rely solely on God's strength to persevere
A few uncomfortable conversations with those I'll travel with
Many tender moments ending with hugs
To greatly miss driving, especially getting to dance and sing in my car while driving alone
Moments of loneliness and weariness, coupled with…
Moments of awe and thanksgiving over God's great blessings
Most of all… I expect to grow more into the woman God created me to be; I expect to become more like Jesus – lover of all. I expect to be humbled – to be brought down onto my knees. I expect to see things that are extreme degrees of the misfortune experienced in the poorest places of America. I expect my heart to be wrenched with confusion, anger and sadness. I expect to hug a child who desperately needs to be hugged. I expect to hold the hands of a widow while praying for God to relieve her heartbreak. I expect to meet people who will inspire me by their amazing sense of devotion to God despite their suffering. But in the end… I expect to come back home being able to love better.
I've found that when it comes to God, human expectations only limit our view of His awesome power.
Despite having some expectations I just can't seem to shake, I really don't want to limit God by the confines of my silly mind. No matter what happens out in the mission field – no matter what I experience, I stand in full trust and confidence that God will use every single piece of this adventure – good and bad – to accomplish His will — which is at it's root — to love God and love people.
