One year

It’s hard to believe it was just one year ago when I started on this global adventure. How do I even describe what it’s been like? I’ve been to 20 countries, worked with more than 50 NGOs and mission-based organizations, and am still so behind on my blog! I’ve camped out in villages, drinking from a well, bucket showering outside, and using pit latrines for the bathroom. I’ve stayed in comfortable homes, with WiFi and plenty of coffee. I’ve been challenged by different cultures and amazed at the hospitality I’ve been shown.

I’ve learned that in a new place, I’m always the guest speaker. I’ve learned that water and electricity are often a pleasant surprise, so keep your phone charged and bottle filled. I’ve learned that humans are so much more alike than different.

How have I changed? I’m more flexible. I might decide to travel to a new country a day or two before, maybe the morning of. Things bother me less. Turns out that not nearly as much makes you sick as you might think. I’ve grown appreciative of spiders and indifferent to cockroaches. There’s always another cockroach to kill if you miss this one and mosquitoes are the apex predator, so anything that eats them is a collectible. Weird, right?

I still don’t like cold showers. I still need my coffee every morning. I still have so much to learn.

The work has been inspiring and fun. I have given multi-day seminars on business and entrepreneurship, leadership and management, personal finance and career planning, discipleship and Christian living. I’ve helped organizations create strategic plans, strengthen processes, and identify new areas of work and growth. I’ve learned about deep poverty, community development, orphaned and foster kids, peace and reconciliation, anti-trafficking, street boys, education, and how the church can bring together people to love and serve their neighbors.

One of my favorite things is coming into a new community and instantly having a connection because of our shared faith. Some things are different, but so much is the same. We listen to the same music. We understand the same references. And we have the same motivations in our life goals. We may not speak a word of a shared language, but we’re family, and we both know it.

There certainly have been challenges. I’ve been lonely, cold, worried, and often unsure of where I would be going, how I would get there, and what I would be doing next. I’ve been uncomfortable, tired, and walked much farther than I ever thought I could, carrying 50 lbs of luggage. I’ve cried many times, been cheated a few, and have prayed and prayed and prayed.

But I’ve learned that people can be so kind. I’ve have been beautifully blessed by so many people, caring for me, feeding me, and housing me, people that I hadn’t even met before they agreed to take me in. Strangers on the street who help me get where I’m going and walk me there so I don’t get lost. Friends who send me on with snacks and small gifts and prayers of blessing, surrounding me with love as I continue my journey. I’ve learned that my work is needed, and people are grateful that I came all this way to share with them. I’ve learned that I can travel throughout Asia and Africa as a solo female, mostly by bus, sometimes by minibus and motorcycle, negotiate with drivers, scream at scammers, stand my ground when needed, and figure out how to get where I’m going by asking people around me, despite differences in language, currency, and very much standing out as a foreigner. I kind of think I can do anything now!

I haven’t been in one place for more than three weeks all year, and I usually move more often than that. My clothes are getting quite worn, my suitcase wheels are completely shot, and my purse is so ragged, I’m hoping anyone looking to mug me will decide I’m probably not the best target.

I can say that this has been the most incredible year imaginable. I have absolutely no regrets. I often think through all the places I’ve been and people I’ve met and I’m amazed at how my world has expanded. The friendships and experiences are both precious and unbelievable. Awesome, in the true sense of inspiring awe. There are so many new people that I can call friend, and I consider that such a privilege.

Today is the one year mark, but I still have a few weeks left to go. I’m in Zimbabwe now and will head to Cape Town next for my final projects. Then I’ll stop in Spain to spend some time visiting my brother and his family before heading home.

I am so, so grateful for all of the encouragement and support I’ve received from all of you. Knowing that I have a group praying for me and cheering me on makes a huge difference. Thank you for being part of my journey! It helps me keep going when I know I have a team in all of you.

So here we go, and we keep going! Hugs to you all and see you soon.