While discussing the culture shocks and the life as a traveler with my roommate for the month, >>Kendall Brenann<< I realized a few concepts about life that staying home never would have provided me with.
I read a couple blogs and chatted with some alumni before leaving for my world race and the reoccurring theme was:
“It was the hardest but the best thing I’ve ever done in my life.”
At the time, I did not fully understand the extent of what this statement meant. Now having my race half way completed, I feel as though I am slightly more insightful to this famous quote.
Life on the move is challenging. The ideas of travel that excited me – like culture, people, food, etc – turned out incredibly different than I had conjured up in my head with a little help from Google. Then adding in ministry, our sole purpose for traveling, just exploded expectations and mindsets out of existence.
The world DOES NOT look like Google’s presentation.
The world DOES NOT look like The Media’s representation.
The world is COMPLETELY and UNIMAGINABLY different.
I know people write and take pictures of this beautiful planet and its inhabitants, but they just do not do it justice. You must see it And experience it for yourself to truly understand it all. Even when going to just one city within a country verses another, lifestyles are polar opposites. I am learning that your view of the world consists simply of the environment you choose to place yourself in. It really is that simple.
So get out. Out of the comforts of your own home. Out of the normalcy of your hometown. Out of the lifestyle you currently operate in. Not forever. Just for long enough to see this life and planet for what she honestly is.
It really is not as scary as you think out here. It actually is quite the opposite. It is a breath of fresh air. It is a comforting challenge. It is life spent in moments of awe and wonder.
The world is a big place. You do not have to go far to get out. A different city. A different state or providence. A different country. I different continent. Whichever you can afford. But do it. While it is not easy at first to accept and adjust to all the newness that engulfs you, the process is contagious. After 1-2 excursions outside your comfort zones, it will become an addiction to challenge yourself with. Trust me! It will be the best thing you EVER do!
“Thus far, it’s been the hardest, yet best thing I’ve done with my life.” -Loren Gambrell
