This month my whole squad has been together at the same location. It has been a wild experience to have all 47 of us together for the whole month, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Sharing space with that many other people, in much more primitive conditions than I am used to in the States, has taught me a bit about simplicity-about what I need, what I don’t need, and how to enjoy the little things.
The first thing I learned I don’t need is a comfortable living situation. I don’t need a bed. I don’t need a nice bathroom. I don’t need my own seat in the car, I don’t need a closet, or a dishwasher, or even a table to eat my dinner at. Heck, I don’t even need a mirror.
I don’t need wifi. I don’t need to be reminded all the time of what’s happening everywhere else without me. I don’t need to talk to my family or friends at home every day or week to know that they still think about me. I don’t need Google every time I have a question.
I do need to be present. I need to be involved in the conversations around me. I need to start conversations with people I don’t know well. I need friends who tell me my hair is a wreck, because I haven’t seen a mirror since Puerto Rico. I need friends who tell me when I’m a wreck, because they love me enough to be honest.
I do need to be flexible. I need to be willing to share my things, even when it’s the last of my things. I need to be patient when plans get changed, when vehicles break down, and when I don’t understand the language.
I need to not worry about the things I can’t change-when the electricity is out, when the bathroom line is long, when it rains for the fourth day in a row, and when I don’t love the food I’m given. I need to take responsibility for the things I do have control over-my attitude, how I spend my personal time, and what I choose to dwell on.
I’m learning to not overlook the small, beautiful details of the everyday. Like the stunning mountain view I get to face each morning. Or the cows that sometimes wander through our campsite. The children who are eager to learn, thankful for their minimal supplies and tiny classroom. The music the locals make at their open-air church, with only their voices and a few basic percussion instruments. The sweet fruit that is literally falling off the trees, waiting to be enjoyed. The way our host family’s children light up when we play games with them.
I’m reflecting on my life back home, and wishing it hadn’t taken me coming to Dominican Republic to enjoy life more fully. Don’t get me wrong, I love being here, and I’m so thankful that I have this opportunity to travel and share the love of Jesus. I just think that my life would have been so much richer in America if I had taken more time to unplug, cut my vices, and just enjoy my surroundings.
What about you, reader? How can you be more present, right now, right where you are? What are the sweet moments you’re missing out on? I challenge you to take advantage now, jump in now, and make the choice to enjoy what you’ve got now. I think you’ll find that your life and your home hold more adventure than you ever gave it credit for.
