Being on the Race really changes your perspective on what you “need” at least it did for me. Think about it, how many times a day do we say “Oh gosh I need that” or “I can’t make it through my day without this” when in reality, we would just like it, it’s not a necessity. Here’s a list of things I’ve realized after 3 months of being in the field that I realized I do not in fact need:
A large wardrobe:
I was in no way obsessed with clothes at home but I really enjoyed buying a new shirt or a dress to make me feel pretty for the day. On the Race, we pack less clothes for 11 months than most people pack for a week vacation. But we make it work. We rewear clothes, wash clothes in buckets, and trade clothes around and act as if we just got off the runway at Paris fashion week when we walk in in our “new shirt”.
Temperature controlled showers:
Most of the time, my showers haven’t had warm water so it’s been really cold. But every once in awhile, the heat kicks on and it’s the hottest shower you’ve ever taken in your life. I used to love long warm showers (who doesn’t solve of their life problems in the shower?!) but not anymore. The shower is simply a time to no longer smell and not be covered in dirt.
Running water at all:
When you turn on the water and nothing comes, life doesn’t stop and things still need to get done. You brush your teeth with your water bottle and you shower with a cup and a bucket of water that you filled from the fire hydrant (true life) and start your day. Side note- this month I learned that if you fill up the back of a toilet tank with water, it’ll flush it. I’m sure other people knew this but I didn’t and it was a magical moment.
Choice over your food:
While my team and I have been cooking for ourselves this month, that doesn’t mean we haven’t experienced local (questionable) food. When you are at a family’s home for lunch and they serve you a large plate of ceviche (raw fish, lime juice, and onions) you put on a big smile and eat it all because in South America if you don’t finish food given to you, that is extremely rude. So you say “Gracias” and do your best to finish your plate.
Easy access to the Internet:
Living in America, it’s easy to think that the internet is all around us but it isn’t always the case. There is no shame in sitting at a Starbucks for hours on an off day to talk to the people I love and catch up on social media. That’s another thing, you can live without Facebook and knowing what everyone does every day. There’s actually so much freedom in not being totally connected and you really treasure the moments of connection so much more.
Personal space:
This has been one of the hardest for me. I love my “introvert” time where it’s just me and Jesus but even that looks different on the Race. I can count on one hand the number of times I’ve been truly alone these last 3 months. Never underestimate the power of a set of headphones and an awesome Spotify playlist, everyone else seems to disappear and it’s a beautiful time. I’ve also learned the beauty of sitting in silence with others. You can spend time together without speaking and it isn’t awkward.
The idea of need changes depending on our circumstances but I don’t think it should. We need so much less than we think and if we remind ourselves that what we think we need is actually just what we desire, we leave room for Jesus to enter that space and remind us that He is all we need. If we are filled with Him, there isn’t room for need.
