I strive to be a minimalist, particularly when I travel. But I’m learning that I am far from mastering this lost art.
When I started packing for the race I had 2 words in mind: bare necessity. So I stopped by walmart for a couple $4 v-necks, some mildly frumpy (but not repulsive) skirts, and 2 world race approved pairs of athletic shorts. And I didn’t add much else from my existing wardrobe: a knee length dress, a tank top, hiking pants, and as much ex officio underwear as I could get my hands on. But what I thought gave me an advantage turned out to bring an unexpected struggle.
Week one my only pair of pants tore straight down the crotch and I was left with athletic shorts or skirts and dresses. Let’s clarify something, I am not someone who likes to wear skirts and dresses all the time. Never have been, never will be. Give me blue jeans or give me death.
But I’m a missionary. Missionaries don’t need their normal clothes. It’s about being uncomfortable and not about feeling like yourself, right? Mmmmmmmm… maybe not EXACTLY that.
I started to feel a drag every morning as I got ready. I just felt like one giant lump. I dreaded seeing people and, even more so, people seeing me.
Who was this person I had become? Caring about what I was wearing and how I looked?
I think there are a couple lessons to be learned here.
First is that no one is immune to comparison, especially in a culture where women wear as little as possible in order to compete for men’s attention. Regardless of how dedicated you are to modesty and are not taking part in that competition, you will be acutely aware of the fact that you are losing. So for all future racers, come into your 11 months ready for this battle, because the enemy will use whatever means necessary to take you down.
Secondly, don’t completely forsake yourself in your preparation for mission. The people who you will meet need all that is YOU. The very fabric of your soul is essential to how God has woven creation. He made each part of who you are intentionally. Now this may seem a little deep for a conversation about your wardrobe but what wear is one of the many external expressions of our internal self. You’ll read this on a thousand blogs and, if you’re anything like me, you still won’t listen. But take it from me, don’t pack things you would never wear in your normal life. When you meet people you’ll start to feel like you’re in a costume and that they’re not meeting the real you. That, my friends, will wear you out quickly.
This all being said, you’ll pick up cool clothes along the way (#ALLTHEPATTERENEDPANTS) and sharing with your teammates is SO clutch. Feel free to challenge yourself in embracing more of the missionary look than you’re used to, but don’t erase all of who you are and what you like in exchange. It gets old fast… as in week 3.
That’s my nugget of wisdom for all you future racers obsessing over blogs as you get ready for your very own adventure. We’re praying for you all!
Sidenote: Packing as much ex officio underwear as you possibly can is 100% a good idea. Just get the cute ones. 😉
