International Trip Gifts

I’ve lost track of how many international trips I’ve taken in the last decade. They are often and mostly focused on serving others through relationship, teaching, empowering, coaching, etc. I try to be careful not to brag on the “doing.” I don’t want the work done and love shown to be lessened by my need for ego and affirmation. I’m working for a much higher cause. However, each journey does all kinds of things TO me, FOR me and IN me. I not only give, but profoundly receive. I’ve noticed the following each time I go and return:

Inner renewal. It’s always hard work, but different work. A reset of sorts happens. I can literally measure the differences inside me on a return flight. Hard to explain, but impossible to deny. 

Fresh perspective. On the world. On suffering. About my troubles and worries. About what’s important and what isn’t. I’m walking away from this one with some clear and new perspective for Integer East Africa!

Deeper appreciation. For my wife. For my kids. For the fiends I have around the world. For the sheer joy of the opportunity to do what I do. 

New frustrations. With how I’ve forgotten the reality of many in our world. With myself and my fellow privileged friends who care about luxuries as if they are necessities. With local people I visit and how their thinking or culture limits their future. 

Helpful reframing. Of what is and is not important. Of the last season. For the coming season. For what must stop and what must start. Nothing polishes and purges a task list and calendar like 2 weeks in the big world. 

Emotional funkies. It always takes a few days to make sense of my heart. And experiences. And feelings. I’ve learned to write out, organize and process what I’m experiencing. This helps it matter more and stick longer. 

Maybe these thoughts can help you too. Grace and peace.