Training camp is coming around the corner (like in a week……oye!). And to be honest, there is excitement, but I'm also nervous. I was reading the book of Daniel and noticed how we naturally assume and create expectations based on what we have developed to work in our lives. The story goes of how Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah would not eat the royal food and wine but requested to the guard that they eat only vegetables and drink water. The guard thought and assumed that if he let that happen, they would be worse looking compared to the other men. However, Daniel and his friends convinced him to at least let them give it a try and they did eventually look healthier and better nourished.
(Come on, admit it… You've heard the phrase. When you assume you make an a** out of you and me.)
Here are some of my assumptions or expectations I may have with training and/or going out in the field:
- Will I like these people? After all, I'll be living, working, eating, hanging out, doing everything with them. I really hope they do not snore…
- How do you squat poop? (That was so not attractive to ask.) No, seriously. How? Apparently, it's actually physiologically better to do so. Introducing the Squatty Potty. Maybe you should learn too. 🙂
- Mosquitos, Mosquitos, Mosquitos. I attract them like a salt lick attracts a deer. Remind me to get my vaccinations, bring anti-itch cream and my electronic insect swatter.
- Wait.. What?? Lice?!? (I read a few other people's blogs and lice can be pretty common…)
- Other things I may miss (in no particular order): nice, hot, running water showers; a comfy bed; Michael, my car; personal space; all my stiletto heels; America; close friends and family; toilet paper
Ok, so not all my assumptions/expectations are silly worries. Some of it I'm actually pretty excited about:
- God is always at work and I'm going to be able to see more of that.
- I'm going to love loving on orphans, living in community, sharing about my first love, Jesus, eating lots of different cultural foods, building structures with my hands, etc.
- I have a feeling my squad will be crazy awesome and crazy too. 🙂 We'll have many memories and we'll probably have conflicts too. Either way, our hearts will grow in capacity to love more.
- Serving God and serving the world, even if it's one life at a time, will be really awesome.
Some people have told me it's important to go into it with a positive attitude and others have told me to stay flexible and not have any assumptions or expectations. I'm not sure if one can rid completely of their expectations, but I think it is more important to be in the present and aware and to be intentional. (More on this later…)
Things to consider:
– What are some of your assumptions or expectations when you're approaching unfamiliar territory? (When starting a new job, or having a new baby, or even as simple as entering a social situation.)
– Are you assuming or expecting?
– How can you be more present and intentional?
