1) People make or break a situation.
This month my team’s main ministry was construction – digging trenches, mixing concrete, putting in insulation, and building houses for Caminul Felix, the organization we are staying with. Really, the only thing that got me through doing physical labor every day was people. When you are nailing boards to a roof for six hours, these things are a definite must: singing, dancing on ladders, talking in accents (Columbian, southern, ghetto, pirate, etc), and asking random questions to occupy time. I am a firm believer that any situation, no matter how crappy, can be made fun…and thankfully, God blessed me with 34 incredible squad mates to have fun with for the past 11 months!
2) My identity is secure in Christ.
God has taught me to live out my identity as His daughter. The identity He’s given me is one of boldness, confidence, passion, authority to bring heaven to earth, and pure and simple love.
3) Go BIG or go home…in every situation. (I owe this one to Tricia!)
When wondering how to get an “audition” in a Thailand bar to sing the song God gave me for the men who use prostitutes, my team asked every bar on Walking Street, instead of asking one or two. (Keep in mind that Walking Street is lined with bars and is one of the most concentrated streets of prostitutes in the world.) Because of our persistence and God’s goodness, we got an “audition” on primetime Friday night, which turned into a worship session.
4) I’m obsessed with coffee and “tea time.”
This obsession of mine has only increased on the Race. Philippines = instant coffee (not the greatest, but it had to do). Malaysia = tea time everyday at 4pm. Thailand = iced coffee from the street vendors. Cambodia = iced coffee everyday after teaching English class. Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda = tea/coffee time twice or three times a day. India = tea time twice a day, plus occasional coffee (the most I was served coffee in one day was 5 times). Nepal = coffee in the morning, tea time at 5pm. Ukraine = tea with every meal. Romania = tea once a day. I’m still trying to figure out why the U.S. doesn’t have a designated “tea time.”
5) How to squat.
Starting in Malaysia, I had to get used to squatty potties being the norm. I think its safe to say that I’ve used a squatty potty in every country, minus Europe. Also, this month I’ve discovered that instantly getting into the squatting position not only protects me from being de-pantsed by my squad mates, but keeps me 10 degrees warmer when waiting on instructions for construction. Ultimate defense mechanism.
6) God is always revealing Himself.
Whether that’s through nature, people, miracles, the Bible, or the Holy Spirit speaking to us, God is always speaking in some way or another. Because of this, I have learned that it’s crucial to listen. It’s incredible to see all God has to say when I actually take the time to listen to Him!
7) Learn the culture before you enter a new place.
After giving the peace sign to numerous people I met in Kenya, my contact informed me that the sign meant “abstinence.”
After getting hard-core kicked in the leg by a local Thai woman for wiping the sole of my shoe on the street curb, I was informed that the bottom of the foot is equivalent to flipping someone off in the States.
8) No matter how many times I try spicy food, it still immediately comes out the other end.
‘Nough said.
9) All ya need is love.
Our organization’s vision this month is to give orphaned, sick, and handicapped children “a permanent family with a mother, father, and siblings.” Each married couple that joins the ministry becomes parents to 12-15 abandoned children. As we interacted with the kids, it was incredible to see them laughing and enjoying life with their families.
One of the girls I met was kept in a cage for the first several years of her life because she was too vicious. It took her back a long time to straighten out because she had been hunched over for so long. While she still has some developmental issues, whenever I would say her name and reach out my hand to her, she got the biggest smile on her face and would wrap her arms around me. It really is amazing how much love can help a person.
10) And lastly, after being around non-English speaking people for 11 months, I need English classes.
Me: “To wers” yea… “To wers”
Nikki: Ok, that is one word.
Me: Yea, “To wers”…
Nikki: Are you sure? Amy, it’s TOWERS!
