I've spent quite a bit of time trying to answer these very questions most of my Race: "How do I fully describe my experience this year? How do I tell people what God taught me these eleven months?"
And frankly I still don't have the answer to them. But that's alright because I really don't need to have it all figured out or perfectly worded to give you some insight on what happens most days on the Race.
Confession time: the tagline "some days on the World Race" bothered me (and to some extent still does) big time. Why? Because that phrase "some days" actually means "for an hour during my off-day" or "for an afternoon when our amazing logistics people coordinated an excursion for the entire squad to enjoy."
Some days aren't most days (or any in some cases) on the Race. But let me give you a tidbit of info on what most days are like ..
Most days you feel as though you alone are the messy one dealing with so much. And then you begin to describe what you're going through only to discover that your entire team shares that same struggle.
Most days you wonder how the day can go by so slow yet incredibly fast all at the same time.
Most days you discuss topics that don't really need that much discussion but manage to come up in every conversation (and yes, even at the dinner table). These are typically ones that would concern your mother if ever brought up in front of people outside the family.
Most days you attempt to describe the emotions going on within you but the struggle is real and you just need to cry. It's okay, let the tears flow freely. Trust me, you'll feel better. Don't stop the tears.
Most days you're curious how the dishes piled up so quickly when you just finished them moments before. And then you wonder why people would just leave their messes anyway and how to love them with a pure heart when you're the one cleaning it up.
Most days you discover what life was like for the pioneers when they first arrived in a new place. And construction in foreign countries takes way longer to complete. So does getting clean water, cooking meals and bathing. And the squatty potty smells real bad but you contribute to why it stinks too.
Most days you have no idea what you're going to do for ministry. Nor does your host. But you show up and wait, finding something to do in the meantime.
Most days you give or need to give feedback. It's true, feedback is necessary for life not just World Race culture. And it can be awkward and tense and uncomfortable but most days, Jesus' words created the same tension in his disciples and all who heard him speak. There's a way to do it gracefully. Promise.
Most days you think about what's next even when the thought of going home overwhelms you. And then you question what and where home actually is.
Most days you learn how simple the gospel is. And that it's all about loving and being loved. And that this journey was more about you discovering yourself in Christ than what you can accomplish for God.
And most days I'm astonished at my life and who and where I am because of Jesus.
