Releasing Expectations

By Emma-Leigh J., Volunteer in Brazil

I thought my biggest challenges would involve the children or friends in the community, but to my surprise, it wasn’t them. What I have had to overcome was living with strangers. It’s weird how despite sharing a common reason for being here, we’re still so different. It led me to question why I’m here, and why God chose me to live with them. 

I realized that I held expectations, especially concerning my community, which caused most of my problems. To truly appreciate this mission, I needed to love it first. I needed to open my heart and follow what Christ desires of me, not just conform but wholeheartedly invest in the mission.

I had to love as Jesus loved us, not how I thought someone should be loved. I also needed to release my expectations and stop restricting the love I shared. When I grasped these two things, everything became clearer. My mission felt achievable. Somehow, I found the patience for my community, and I’m beginning to see the beauty in it.