This is another shout out to all you future racers. If I had known some of these things a few months earlier, it would’ve made my life a bit easier. Here are a few tips and tidbits that may help you out. Take them or leave them!
For making memories:
- Think of an item or situation that you want to try to get a picture of in each new country. For instance, this is random, but I saw the same Coke advertisements in each place with a different nationality on each one. Or you could take pictures of church buildings/services to show how different groups worship.
- Take photos and videos of your living spaces. I want to put them all together and sort of “walk through” where I’ve lived this past year.
- Keep a small notebook for special people to write in. Whether it’s your ministry contact, a new friend, a neighbor or church member, sometimes people will give you gifts or notes. This may be a cool way to remember them. (Wish I had thought of it before month 9!)
- Record your favorite Bible verse in each country/language. I’m working on putting together a video with kids in most places reading the Lord’s Prayer in English.
- Choose a small item to try and collect from each place. I’ve gotten a few postcards, but my main goal is to find earrings. (They’re light and inexpensive in most places. These also make a great gift for your girl friends!) I’ve also bought small patches from each place we’ve been.
- Make a video journal with your team. Just take lots of videos along the way. You won’t regret it!
- Print a picture every month and get your new ministry friends to sign it. Or at least try to print a picture for them to keep.
- Most importantly: don't freak out if you can't find every little thing in every country. Most places are not the touristy fun places, you'll be in the middle of nowhere. It's ok if you miss something here or there.
Completely random tips:
- If you’re using an internet stick you can set up a network to broadcast for others to use it as well. Sometimes this slows down the connection, but it can be a good way for more than one person to get some time online. (I can’t tell you how to do this but there’s always that one computer genius on each squad. Find him and I’m sure he’ll help you out!)
- Resize your photos before you upload them to your blog. Whatever the WR website has as a tool to upload photos is a piece of junk. Seriously. You can wait for hours for one tiny photo to upload at times. Depending on your photo’s quality, just resize it to 25-50% and give it a try. It takes much less time this way and makes you a happier blogger.
- You may want to set a personal budget or make a list of goals for each month. I’m more organized this way and it helps to keep focus. For instance, in Thailand I went in and spent lots of money in the market without planning it out ahead of time. Hopefully next month in the Philippines will be better financially!
- Bring a small bottle of baby powder for greasy hair or crazy rashes. Told you this list was random!
- If you are team leader or finance person for your team, make sure you split up your emergency cash! It’s never good to have too much money in one place or on one teammate. I usually have a money-belt (I wear it rarely, but keep it in a separate bag) and my wallet. My squad lost a considerable amount because it was all with one person.
- Keep your extra passport and visa photos somewhere that’s easily accessible. If you need them in the airport before you get your big luggage that could be a problem. I keep them in my purse or daypack all the time.
For team troubles and woes:
- Don’t expect your teammates to read your mind. Be open and honest as you communicate your successes, struggles and frustrations. They are there to help you and community works a lot better if you’re willing to share where you’re at. (You’ll know what I mean after a few feedback sessions.)
- Don’t freak out if you are put on a team with people who are different from you. I’ve been amazed at the way my teams have worked together despite our differences. And once you take the time to pursue your teammates and see what makes them tick, you actually find that there’s more in common than you thought.
- Try to plan fun activities that the whole team will enjoy. Even if you’re not completely excited about a team outing, give it a shot and try to enjoy being with your new family.
- Be flexible. Sometimes living situations are tight and uncomfortable. You will be forced to give up some personal space and learn to let the small things roll off your back. At the same time, be a considerate roommate and take care of your teammates.
Again, these are some things that my teammates and I have observed and collected along the way. Hope this helps you out. Feel free to email with any questions.
