Hope Mendola did the World Race in August 2009 with the original J Squad, went back on the field to lead the January 2012 2nd Generation D Squad, and now she’s on staff with Adventures in Missions. It’s safe to say Hope is a World Race veteran. At the end of her Race, she shared some pieces of wisdom to help future World Racers make the most of their 11 months. We’re passing on a few of her gems here.
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Feedback is the real deal. It’s important to get over the fear of people not liking you – I wish it hadn’t taken me so long. If I had told my teammates the character flaws I saw in them from the start, it would have made things easier for them, it would have helped our relationship, and it would have ushered the kingdom of God in sooner. Feedback should be given often, for we are all far from perfect, amen?
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If you don’t like someone on your team, push through it. It may seem impossible to get along with them at the time, but I believe God can redeem any relationship if you allow him to. The thing is you have to try. You have to put yourself out there; you have to pursue the person even if they don’t pursue you, even if they are the complete opposite of you. Don’t accept that you just won’t get along — there are far greater things in store for you two. They have Jesus Christ in them, so how can you not find something in them to love? Trust me, it’s hard, but it’s so, so worth it in the end.
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If you have a crush on a boy (or girl) on your team be very careful. Even though your first instinct might be to run to him or her when something happy or sad happens — don’t. If you want to sit next to him/her on a long, overnight bus ride — don’t. If you want to stay up late having deep conversations about life — don’t. If you want to take an afternoon walk down the coast of the Indian Ocean together — don’t. If you indulge in such desires your focus will be taken off Jesus Christ and consequently your purpose for being on the Race will be lost. Grab a teammate of the same sex and hang out with them instead. It will save you so much heartache.
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Dive into ministry no matter what. There were so many times on my Race when I wondered what the point of the ministry even was, and doubted that my efforts would result in anything effective. So, I would make a half-hearted attempt in order to make it through the month; don’t do this. The best months on the Race were when I gave my all in ministry, despite how useless it seemed at the time. Wear yourself out each day and you will have a great month.
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Don’t complain — it will be hot, the bugs will bite, you will be hungry. Things will go wrong. Talking about it won’t make a difference, it will only allow you to focus on the negative. Train your mind to think about whatever is true, noble, right, lovely, pure, etc.
- Write things down — blogging is great, but be sure to write down memories and certain feelings you carry with each day, or at least every few days. I believe this is a good idea because A) it will be there for you to remember forever and B) you can see more clearly the way God is moving in your life.
Hopefully, knowing these things upfront will free up your time and energy into making your World Race the best it can be. The Race may be one of the most challenging things you’ll ever do, but if you take Hope’s advice and dive in, we believe it will also be one of the most rewarding.
