Letter to Future Goers

I transitioned home this month. Leaving my home in the Middle East was sad, but I know the timing was right. 

So, my future Goers, I have some words of wisdom for you as you consider whether to go or not, and make sure you go with the right group and people. So sit back, relax, and let your Grandma Hadley tell you the top secrets every Goer should know. 

1. Make sure you have an idea of what type of work you would like to do before you go. What did you major in? Do you want to do something relating to that? Do you want to try something different for a while? Consider what you want your daily schedule to look like when you’re abroad. Do you want to have a place you go to work each day? Or do you want to have a more relational focus?
2. Do you want to be an international worker your whole life? Or is this just a season for you? For me, this was just a season, and I knew that coming in. So based on that, I should have considered (more deeply) what I wanted to do after serving abroad, and how this would fit into my long term hopes and dreams. 
3. No matter what anyone tells you, this is your job for the next two years. Actually, for more than that. Both before and after you get home, you’re going to be doing support work, and writing updates, and speaking to groups. So view this as your job. And take pride in this work. And assert yourself, for the love of God. You deserve to be seen, and heard, and treated with respect. 
4. Since this is your job, get documentation as you commit to your team and begin to raise funds. Get tax documents, get employment documents, get a paper copy of your budget, and anything you are asked to sign, immediately request a copy of it then and there - don’t let them say they’ll send it to you later, or worse, that you don’t need it. 
5. Ask your supervisor questions! Don’t be afraid to ask questions because you’re seeking approval. This is your job, and it’s important to know what you’re getting yourself into. What’s the team dynamic like? Is your team prepared for new people? How have they responded to new people in the past? What’s the visa situation like where you’re going? Are you going to be paid a lump salary each month, or a per diem? Is the money for your loans going to be paid with your salary or separately? What kind of vacation are you allowed? 

I want you to succeed wherever you go, and whatever team you join. So prepare yourself, ask the right questions, and don’t be afraid to be assertive. Trust me, you really want to know what you’re getting yourself into.