5. Find someone to focus on — pick your target
Some months I did this, but more often than not it just happened and it wasn’t an intentional decision. Thinking back I wish I would have been intentional with this every month.
Let me explain … you’re going to meet so many people around the world, and rather than be overwhelmed by the quantity of people (this may be more of an introvert thing) that you are trying to show the love of Jesus to, pick one person. This will be your target for the month; build a deep, lasting relationship with this person. Make this person feel special, listen to their life story, go out of your way to make them feel included. If nothing else happens in that whole month, leave knowing you invested into that one person.
4. Love that person that you don’t really like
Let’s be honest … you aren’t going to mesh with everyone, and sometimes you may not even like someone. They may do that one thing that drives you crazy, they may have hurt your feelings, they may have handled a situation in a way you thought they shouldn’t have, etc … We’re human, you’re not going to get along and be best friends with everyone all the time, especially when you’re hot, sweaty, and in cramped spaces. However, if you choose to love that person, respect who they are where they are, and fight for that relationship, you will grow more than you ever would by avoiding them completely (which you really can’t do anyways when you live together and have feedback). Also, don’t fake it, the other person will know if you are acting out of obligation rather than a true Christ given love.
3. Introverts – Put yourself in group situations, don’t fall in the “alone time” trap
This is me, complete introvert, especially when I am surrounded by many extroverts. Many times on the Race I plugged my IPOD in and disconnected from the group. I said I needed “me time,” but really I was afraid of putting myself out there. I missed a lot of bonding experiences and adventures because I stayed back feeling invisible. So introverts, take the time you need, but don’t miss out on opportunities because you have labeled yourself as the introvert who needs alone time.
Extroverts – Seek out the introverts (they’re easy to spot), spend one-on-one time with them, let them know they are noticed
Okay so let me share my observation of the extroverts I have seen in my life (I don’t want to blanket all extroverts under the same label, but just bear with me as I explain). Often times I feel that extroverts flock to other extroverts, personality wise extroverts have this innate ability to attract those like them, mainly because many introverts shy away from the large group. So I challenge you extroverts to seek out those who are more introverted, we often have a lot to day, but feel more comfortable one-on-one. Also, I’ve noticed that extroverts in my life make it look a lot easier when it comes to initiating conversations, so don’t think your introverts always want to have alone time, often we’re just waiting to be approached and to be noticed.
2. Vulnerability is NOT optional
This is a lie that I believed for far too long on the Race. I have always been the type with brick walls up to keep people out, and I’ve been a control freak all of my life. These two things combined left me convinced that if I let people in, and relinquished control then I would be hurt. I decided that the Race was another place that I could choose when and with whom to be vulnerable, but looking back I wish I would have realized sooner that vulnerability was mandatory for growth. I eventually got vulnerable in the middle of many meltdowns, but I know now that I could have opened up before the meltdown and my team would still love me and support me.
This community is most likely nothing like the community you had before the Race, and you can’t fully experience the benefits of this community until you choose vulnerability – ugly, messy, raw vulnerability.
1. The World Race IS about you
No, that’s not a typo, I didn’t forget a word. So often in missionary work and life even we want to scream at the top of our lungs that it’s not about us, but guess what? It IS about us. The World Race IS about you. You can’t help change the world until first you are changed. So yes, you are serving others on this trip, but more than that you are being poured into by a body of believers.
You are going to be physically, emotionally, and spiritually challenged, and that’s okay because this trip is about being changed so you can be the change. Embrace that truth, and walk it out everyday. Take care of others, but take care of you too.
… and these are the 11 things I wish I would have known.
