During my time abroad I have heard several of my teammates talk about how people back home see what we are doing as a vacation or adventures across the world. They are not wrong in how we experience many new things, however six out of seven days a week are not vacation.
Every week consists of 5 workdays, one Sabbath day and one adventure day. Each month has looked different and range from working with an organization to going out into the community searching for work, none of which we are paid for. The things we do aren’t always glamorous either. One month we sorted rotten food that was donated. Another month we painted a school in the heat of the day. Our days start no later than 8 a.m. and can end as late as 10 p.m., depending. I don’t always enjoy what we are doing and struggle with other things like living in community 24/7 or making sure I can eat the food I am served.
I have decided that these 11 months are just like life at home. You work most days and some days are better than others. Then you have two days off, usually. If anything, it is harder than life at home because you don’t have your family and friends to surround you, you are challenged physically, emotionally and spiritually daily and you have maybe six articles of clothing. These 11 months lack a lot of comfort but provide a lot of self-growth.
I think my goal in saying these things is to let those who have supported me financially and prayerfully know I am not, simply, out adventuring. I am working hard to be Jesus’ hands and feet and learn how I can carry this back home after these 11 months are done.
As I type this I am scratching one of the 19 bug bites on my right foot, grateful for my first shower in way too long, even though it was cold. I see my awkward farmers tan lines and Chaco tan lines and question how much is actually dirt, even after my shower. I’m wearing stretched out jeans because we hand wash all out clothing and a shirt that smells a little because all my other clothing is hang drying outside. There is no air-conditioning so we have all the windows and doors open and our tents pitched on our beds to avoid more mosquito bites, bug spray isn’t enough. As crazy as it may sound though, this is comfortable for me. I have a bed, the sun is softly pouring in through each opening, I have my race family to lean on, I had hot coffee this morning and God is good.
To anyone who thinks this is a vacation, I want to challenge you to place yourself in our shoes. It’s fun out here but not easy.
