It was my last week at West Virginia Wesleyan College as an
undergrad and I wanted to make the most of every minute. One afternoon, my dear
friend Abigail and I went on our final afternoon run. Throughout my senior
year, we managed to go on “adventure runs” together once a week, and there was
not a single run that failed to end in a good story with bodacious moments.
This one did not disappoint. As we were running along the river, she had the
grand idea for me to climb up this rock that was jutting out into the middle of
the river. Since I am not one to back down on a challenge, I quickly pulled my
way up the twenty foot rock. The view was gorgeous, but my grand accomplishment
was short lived as it didn’t take long before we both realized that there was
no way back down the rock. Quickly
scratching off our options, since we had no cell phone service and Abigail
didn’t know how to drive my manual Jetta, there was no way to get help. Running
to and fro across this platform that kept me hostage, I found the only way off
was to jump into the rapids twenty feet below. We had to make a move or else we were
stranded. I immediately felt my heart rate skyrocket, palms sweating, breath
quickening – this was one of my biggest fears – to put my life into the
unknown. Many questions raced through my head: how deep is the water, what if I
hit a rock, what if it’s too cold, what if I forget how to swim, why can’t
there be another way out. As a Resident Assistant and women’s bible study
leader, I was used to being the mentor and guide to Abigail and many others.
Now, the tables turned as Abigail cheered me on, “you are victorious, you are
more than a conqueror, you can do this…. ( and might I add) if all else fails,
I am a certified life guard and am trained in first aid and safety!” In the
midst of my mind telling me not to make the plunge, I found myself pushing off
the ledge, careening through the air. Before I knew it, I’d made my way back to
shore (hyperventilating of course) – all was safe and well with yet another story
to tell. We laughed the whole way back to the car – partially in unbelief that
our lives are this crazy and unpredictable and also because I was so afraid
when it really wasn’t necessary. From this I hope we both learned that you just
have to trust, don’t worry about the unknown, and be able to laugh at your
mistakes.
In a sense, my time this coming year
in Korea is a very similar excursion. Heading off to a new country, there are
so many questions and unknowns: what kind of school will I teach in, who will
be my friends, what will the host family experience be like, what city will I
be in, what if my Korean is minimal, what if I don’t like kimche… the list
could go on and on. In all actuality, it is a leap of faith into the
unfathomable. This year will hold much excitement – great stories full of adrenaline
rushes and I’m sure a bit of fearful hyperventilation. However, when it all has
been said and done, I will be a better person because of it, as I will grow and
learn, all while teaching. Throughout this year, I hope you enjoy my story
telling and can learn with me as I live out this dream I have long been waiting
for.
~ Questions to ponder ~
When was the last time you did something daring or reached out of your comfort zone? Having courage often means we have fears, but we just overcome them. Always reach, never let the worries, fears, and anxieties of potential obstacles hold you back. Feel free to comment and tell me your thoughts
