The Month 7 Slump.
It happened. They told us it would, but I didn’t believe it. How could you get tired of travelling? How could you get tired of constantly being on an adventure? Well, it hit, and it hit hard.
The truth is that for the most part, people only see the glamorous side of what we do. Yes, it is exciting to get to see a new culture and meet new people every month, but just like any other job, our life can become mundane.
Every two to three weeks, I pack up my life back into its backpack. I board a bus or an airplane and say goodbye to people who I have given my time and my heart to. Half the time I sleep on the floor, because we don’t have beds for the month. I look through pictures and realize that I am wearing the same three or four outfits in all of them. I don’t really know what privacy is anymore.
To be honest I am extremely tired. We are constantly on. When we aren’t at ministry, we are still expected to spend intentional time as a team, spend time with locals, blog, try and keep up with people at home. I also manage the budget for my team. Our days are crammed tight. The only time I have to breathe and be by myself is when I am in the shower or asleep.
Currently, I am sitting in a cafe in Greece and what blows my mind is that it doesn’t even phase me anymore. This is my life. And it bothers me that I view this as just another normal day. I have to constantly remind myself to pause and take a look around. Take it in. This IS my life and I have been lucky enough to have the World Race be part of it.
Going into Month 7, I was tired and just not looking forward to continuing on; that I still had 5 months on the Race. It is not that I wanted to go home, but I just wanted some normalcy. I wanted to just sit and watch TV. I wanted to sleep in my own bed. I wanted to wear my clothes from home. I have missed so much of what is going on back home: my sister’s wedding, my favorite artist’s concert. And I still have half a year to go. What else will I be missing?
I decided that I needed to change my perspective. I prayed about an attitude adjustment and God blew me away. Working with refugees has renewed my love for the Race. Building friendships here has reminded me what loving people is supposed to look like. I have to remind myself of my purpose, not just on the Race, but in life. It is to love people. No matter where I am, that has to be my goal.
Everyday, every month, I get to see more of the world; meet more of the people that God has created. I get a better sense of what humanity is like. See the differences, but more importantly the similarities between people. This year has been one, that yes has been tiring, but has given me so much insight, understanding and growth. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
I just have to choose to not let it become monotonous.
–Caitlin
