Dear future goer,
My two years in Mexico were the best two years of my life. This may sound like an exaggeration, but it in no ways is. They were also the most challenging two years, and I wouldn't have it any other way.
If you're anything like me, right now you are a bundle of nerves. Both nervous and excited or what's to come. The confident assurance that this is where you’re being called too, wherever that is, comes with waves of uncertainty in the pit of your stomach. This kind of decision comes with all sorts of emotions. I only have one suggestion: FEEL THEM. As ridiculous as it might sound, our feelings were meant to be felt. So feel them and express them in any (healthy) way you can. You’re in for the adventure of a lifetime, that may very well change the direction of your entire lifetime.
Some things I wish i would’ve known going into this is first and foremost that you will learn to laugh at yourself. Learning a new language and living in a new culture is bound to make for some pretty funny stories. Even after already having studied spanish for 7 years before moving to Mexico, throughout high school and college, I still made plenty of hilarious mistakes and mixed up words all the time.
You should also be prepared to cry at random things. At least for me, this is part of culture shock. Again, living in your second culture, everything is just simply harder. But it is the coolest thing when you come back home and try to do something from your host culture. My mom looked at me like I was crazy when I asked where the organic trash bin was the first time. Serving hurt people in hurt communities mean you will be hurt. Allow God heal those hurts and move into those places of tension with love and grace. You will grow so much during these next two years and learn how to love people more like He does every day.
Know what is life-giving to you. Ask yourself what really gives you rest. Is it actually sitting in bed watching netflix all day? Is it working out? Writing? Getting coffee with a friend? Seeing a movie by yourself? Find things that work for you in your host culture, and keep in mind they may be very different than they things you did for fun at home. So find those things, then be intentional about actually resting. Burn-out likes to sneak up on us and it's far too easy to fall into the trap of feeling like we aren't doing enough if we aren't serving all the time.
Try to learn as much as you can from as many people as you can. Document the things you don’t want to forget, in pictures or writing. Find your support system and hold them tight. You’ll need people both back at home and on the field with you encouraging every step of the way. And most importantly rest. Rest in where He has you, rest in where you are going, rest in trusting that you are exactly where you need to be, and where He wants you.
I’m praying you live into the plans He has for you. I’m praying you find your people and love them well. I’m praying for wholeness and peace in your life. I’m praying over your ministry and the hand He has given you in it. You are making a difference in the world, and I commend you for giving God your “yes”.
Enjoy your time on the field and all it will bring.
His Love,
Riley