“I don’t have to chase extraordinary moments to find happiness— its right in front of me if I’m paying attention and practicing gratitude,” Brené Brown.
This quote was a slap in the face this morning. And I needed it. I am currently in month 10 of the World Race. My living conditions are the hardest they’ve been yet. Going to the bathroom is more of an adventure than I bargain for. Going to coffee shops used to mean getting wifi. Now I go to wash my hands, brush my teeth, and wash my face. And the things I miss the most right now; a sink, a bathroom door, a nightstand, and running water.
But this is me, winning about all the things I don’t have.
This morning I saw a shoeless kid collecting garbage. I saw some other kids gathering rain run-off from a brown water ditch. A few of the other kids play with a soccer ball made of rolled up leaves and string. They are also shoeless and screaming with delight. They don’t need shoes to be happy. They are my heroes.
Last night our district suddenly lost power. It seems electricity comes and goes when it pleases. My phone was dying. I was annoyed. But instead we all ended up dancing in the dark to the Macarena. Our only lights were the twinkling lights on the hill across the valley and the nearly depleted sunset. The moment wasn’t lost on me. Dance party in the dark in Africa. These are the golden moments, the extraordinary ones.
Most of my teammates and squamates are counting down to our return date in America. I’m not. I want more time. Even on the hard days, I know I want to be where I am.
So everyone back at home, you’re currently living in my two most favorite weeks of the year, the start of Autumn. I hope your extraordinary moments include catching falling leaves (one month good luck per leaf caught in mid-air), hot cocoa, pumpkin patches, golden rays and long shadows, and one another. I hope the beauty of Autumn and the grace of God strengthens your gratitude muscles and lifts your spirits higher. I hope those extraordinary moments envelop you. I hope you see your life through a gracious heart.
I am in Rwanda. It’s not easy, but I’m so thankful to be here.
