Here are a few thoughts I have had rolling around in my head for a few days. They are kind of like two mini blogs!
The Last Row
The changing of countries has brought a whirlwind of events. As a squad we spent a few days leaving Romania, we stopped at the Black Sea for two nights and saw a few other sights along the way. The whole trip we had a bus packed with people and stuff (a World Race norm.) but still not the most comfortable ride ever.
The crowded bus grew hotter and stuffier as you ventured toward back. I sat in the last few rows the majority of the trip, but there was still the back row. The back row, had 5 seats al crammed together, no windows and the AC vents were broken. I sat on the last row one part of the journey and it was crazy how much hotter it was just a few rows back from my other seat.
But what I learned in the back of that bus, other than that so much bonding can come from a portable speaker, was how to truly value those around me. When I discovered just how miserable it was on that last row and remembered there were a few people who chose to sit there the whole time even though they knew how bad it was. I felt honored by them and then also honored to take that seat so someone else did not have to. Two people took the back row the WHOLE trip, almost 3 days of on an off traveling, without complaining or asking to move and both of them are team leaders. What a show of true servant hood and character.
I want to be known as someone who truly values those around me.
You Cannot See-Saw Alone.
This week my team is serving at a youth summer camp. I was so excited to hear this is what we would be doing for a week because I love summer camp and have always wanted to be a camp counselor. I had a vision of a campground with a river or lake, rope swings, big playing field, individual cabins, and a mess hall; you know the typical American summer camp style. When we arrived at the camp I was quickly reminded we are not in America…
We are in an old orphanage building that is in the middle of a typical Moldovan neighborhood, with a large yard, playground, and extra building out back. It is actually a great set up and good digs according to World Race standards, there are toilets, and hot showers before the water goes out.
One afternoon I was sitting on the playground with a teammate chillin' on the See-Saw just chatting as the kids played. As we were taking turns pushing off the ground and floating up in the air I realized, there is no way to See-Saw alone.
There is no way to properly See-Saw without a partner; you would just be sitting awkwardly on the ground. I feel like more things should be made to need a partner. Life was not made to be done alone; we were not created to do everything by ourselves.
I have come to value the people around me because there is no way I can minister to these kids alone, they legitimately do not understand me. Without a translator it is almost impossible to talk with a teenage girl. Without others ministry is pointless.
Just like sitting on a See-Saw alone.
Pointless.
Living life with people is hard, I know, I’m doing it with 21 women right now, but we are made to be around others and live in community with others.
So I challenge you to enjoy doing life with people.
