The World Race is preparation for “real life” – whether that’s returning to the States and working a 9-5 or moving longterm overseas to serve in a foreign country… and everything in between. Jonathan Francis of January 2014’s Y Squad shares this week about how the World Race has inadvertently prepared him for marriage – even with the no dating policy.
I lived with a lot of women this year. That being said, I feel that it is only fair I share some of the wisdom I have gained from living with them and what they have taught me about women.
1) Women don’t need space…they need you to ask them if they’re ok. That way they know you care (Month 1, Puerto Rico, Brooklynn-Alyssha-Elaine)
2) If you are shopping with a woman, being patient with her while she walks all over the store scores you brownie points. (Month 2, Dominican Republic, Jenny)
3) Just because they say they don’t want the last tuna melt doesn’t mean you can eat it. (Month 3, Bolivia, Elaine)
4) When men buy 2 dips of ice cream, they choose the 2 best flavors. Whether they actually go together or not doesn’t matter. Same when wearing clothes. We wear our favorite shirt with our favorite pants. Women, on the hand, make sure and pick the best combination. Remember this when decorating your house someday. (Month 4, Peru, Brooklynn)
5) Sometimes women stink as much as you do…but they still expect you to keep your shoes outside. (Month 5, Ecuador, Megan)
6) Women go crazy for a man who can cook, if you want affection, cook for her. (Month 6, Panama, Eanor, our host)
7) You change a lot throughout your life. When your spouse changes you need to change with her. (Month 7, Costa Rica, Hostile Manager)
8) “What’s the key to a long distance relationship?” I ask. “The Lord…in any type of relationship.” (Month 8, Nicaragua, Michael, our host)
9) “The right person should draw you in closer to The Lord. And you shouldn’t ever go to bed mad at your wife.” (Month 9, Honduras, Ever, our host)
10) “Intimacy in marriage is created when my wife knows who I really am and I know who my wife really is.” (Month 10, El Salvador, Eric, Youth Pastor, Union Church)
11) “There is no such thing as the friends zone…until she puts you there.” In other words, we never reached an agreement on this subject in my discussion with a few squad mates. I think the moral of the story is men and women are very different we will never be completely compatible. Which is why the number 1 goal for marriage is to make us more like Christ. (Month 11, Guatemala, Bri/Casey/Isa/Isaiah/Kayla)
What has the World Race prepared you for? Comment below to share your story!
