1. Constructive feedback is difficult to hear but good to receive. You have to stifle your defensive tendencies.
The World Race practices something called “Feedback”, which is designed to be a time where teams give and receive comments on their actions for the day. Positive feedback recognizes the positive, Life-giving things you did and said, while constructive feedback identifies the things you did that were not consistent with the Gospel and the fruits of the Spirit (for example: anger, laziness, gossip, impatience, ect.). As you can imagine, it is sometimes very difficult to receive constructive feedback.
Sometimes your teammate will give you feedback on something you just don’t agree with. Sometimes you really don’t want to hear feedback from a particular person. Sometimes (a lot of times) you probably know it’s coming and you’re more mad at yourself than anyone else. The rule though, is that no matter what is said, the only thing you can say at the time is “thank you.”
The fact is, feedback is designed to refine us. Its purpose is to call us into the identities of greatness for which we were created and keep us away from a lifestyle that is less than what we’re called to. So even though it’s difficult to receive constructive feedback, it’s ultimately really good for us. We have to learn to stifle our defensive mechanism that predisposes us to rebuttal and refuse the feedback. Instead of justifying our actions, we just need to hear and receive what someone is saying so that it might make us a better reflection of Christ. This is really, really hard, but it’s good.
2. Introverts can survive in 24/7 community.
Being surrounded by people every minute of every day is exhausting for anyone, but especially introverts. We need our alone time and some silence in order to recharge. Even though such things are extremely difficult to come by on the Race, it is still possible to be a functioning introvert. You just have to fight harder for it. I’ve learned to prioritize my own mental health, even if it means waking up extra early to get some quiet time. Sometimes in a crowded room I just have to shut my eyes and block everything else out so that I can at least experience the allusion of solitude. At the end of the day, introverts can survive and thrive among a 24/7 community!
3. Water is a precious resource.
These first three months of the Race have only confirmed what I already knew about the value of clean water. It is such a precious, priceless resource that should never be taken for granted. Most Americans have the luxury of getting clean, fresh, free! water at the turn of a knob, but most people I’ve lived among this year have never had that privilege.
4. Ministry is what you make it.
Several times on the Race, my team has had grand expectations for ministry and when we got to our location, things just didn’t work out like we thought they would. Things get lost in translation or miscommunicated. Plans change. Sometimes it rains for two weeks straight and you can’t work at all. In these circumstances, you really have to make the best of it. Ministry, as with life in general, is what you make it. You have to have a positive attitude, a creative mind, and a willing spirit. Be fluid and don’t get worked up if something goes unexpectedly. Seek the Lord and He’ll honor your willingness to work.
(photo by Amanda Bennes)
5. A team that laughs together stays together.
Since the beginning of the Race Team R.O.A.R. has laughed a lot, and it has honestly helped us develop a very real sense of unity. Sure, we have our difficulties. We know how to make each other laugh though, and it makes all the difference. Future Race teams: learn to laugh and have fun together. Team R.O.A.R. does stuff like cram everyone into a two-person tent just to talk, have feedback in the bathroom (this is hilarious in a squatty potty situation), make up stupid games, develop alter egos, ect.
6. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 will teach you how to really love people.
I spent a whole month meditating on this verse because I needed help loving people. The next time you’re irritated by a teammate, roommate, co-worker, family member, ect., meditate on what this verse tells us about love and let it influence your thoughts and actions.
7. The Sabbath is a necessary day.
After the Lord created everything in existence, He took a day off and rested. Thus, it is expected that we also take a day off from work to rest. And let me tell you: more often than not, a Sabbath is a well-deserved day on the Race. After six days straight of pouring out in ministry, we need to be refilled. Regardless of how we spend the day, it’s really important that we all get the day off to recharge. Are you prioritizing a Sabbath day in your schedule too?
8. You really can live extremely minimally and still be happy, healthy, and content.
I’ve worn the same four or five outfits for the past four months, and some months (Guatemala) I wore the same outfit every single day.
Sometimes simplicity is annoying, but really – simplicity is beautiful and freeing. Yes, it’s difficult and sometimes you’ll just have to go without things. But if you give minimalism a chance, you’ll find that many things you thought you couldn’t go without are really just cluttering your life.
(watching The Bachelor on a freezing, rainy day in Guatemala… photo from Jonathan Garner)
9. Taking cold showers makes your hair greasier.
WR Pro-Tip: Hot water strips the oils in your hair so cold showers actually make your hair feel dirtier than just not showering at all. If you have to take cold showers (which you will on the Race), then the trick is: soak your hair as soon as you get in. Then clean the rest of your body while the heat from your head warms up the roots of your hair. At the end of your shower, wash your hair and rinse well. The heat from your body will strip a few of the natural oils in your hair that make it greasy. (Thanks Emily Sutton for this hair advice!)
10. It’s okay to be homesick. Let it happen, but then move on.
In a moment of homesickness, it’s best not to fight it. Just let it happen. Cry if you need to. Go look at some pictures from home or Skype with your parents if you can. But don’t dwell in that place. Take a deep breath and remember that home will come soon enough, but the World Race can’t last forever. Don’t miss the moment you’re in because you’re thinking about a place somewhere across the ocean.
11. To love deeply is to live fully.
To love is a choice, and to choose Love is to choose Life.
