Coming back from Training Camp was not easy. The bed was nice. The shower was wonderful. The coffee was absolutely divine.
But jumping back into both jobs was anything but delightful.
Working at the City of Fresno has been hazy. As if there is a film, or a dull layer of reality overlaying what is actually happening. It feels like a dream, even though I know it’s not. This is reality in America, or at least is reality for me in America. Candy coated and dulled down. Like there is a muted sense of reality, just for the sake of comfort.
I digress.
Today, was the first day working both jobs after training camp. I was not thrilled about the idea. I had been called into the Bux of Star after being cooped up under the incandescent light all day. I was supposed to go to my small group, but duty called.
As I walk into work I see my good friend and coworker Tani. Tani is a little younger then my parents, scatter brained and genius all at the same time. She is been a bedrock of crazy that keeps me sane inside the mini coffee hell. She is also one of my first supporters, who donated to me as soon as I got accepted to go on the WorldRace. Tani is amazing.
Tani is ecstatic to see me.
“Omg, omg. I saw your video. It looked like so much fun. I am so excited for you.”
She then squeals like an excited toddler.
I can’t help but smile.
She continues, “You are going to do amazing things. It will be just the greatest experience ever. And who am I? Just little ol’ me, I’m not important”
I fire back, “You are important. You were one of the first people to support me in this journey. You mean a great deal to me.”
“I’ve was raised in the Church”, Tani says, “but I have been chastised by Christians. But because of who you are, Caleb, I trust you. I believe in what you are doing. And you are ministering to me in the process.”
I stare at her flabbergasted. I didn’t prompt her to say any of that. I haven’t used any of that language before. “Ministering”. What? That’s crazy. That was never my intention. Is that what is happening? What is a ‘Ministry’? She trusts what I say, because of who I am. What? That’s crazy?
I mean, that is my whole goal in life, but to hear those words come out of her mouth shocked me. Wow.
I don’t like being ‘preachy’. I like being real. I like being authentic. I don’t have it all together. I am a normal human being, who sees his flaws more then his accomplishments.
As I am back in this reality for a short time, I do believe it is important to connect with those in which I have made connections. I may be going overseas for a year, but you are not forgotten.
What happens to me freely, I freely give back to you. Y’all are amazing. Never doubt that for one second. Because of you, my dreams can come true
