by Jake Neill| Summer 2024 |
The past seven weeks have been profoundly transformative for my resilience and patience. This seven-week trip to Germany has been incredible, but many things did not go as planned because of language and cultural barriers. The frustrations of miscommunication and the unfamiliarity of a new environment tested my tenacity. However, through these experiences, I began to see these challenges as twists and turns on a thrilling journey rather than obstacles blocking our path. This shift in perspective allowed me to focus on the surrounding beauty, even when our plans fell apart.
During our time in Germany, my patience was tested and grew immensely. Local Germans have a rather different lifestyle, and living in a villa with twenty-five unique individuals added another layer of complexity. This experience taught me that sometimes, it is important to go along with what I might perceive as inefficient or unideal because it could be someone else’s idea of efficiency and ideality. Living in a diverse community has pushed me to adapt and appreciate other approaches to life, even if they seemed counterintuitive to me. Interacting with people who have different cultural norms and values opened my eyes to the richness of diverse perspectives and lifestyles.
Furthermore, engaging with local physicians and hospital staff enriched my understanding of global interconnectedness through the healthcare system. I realized that solving medical issues requires us to be open to others’ perspectives and collaboration. We cannot figure out these problems on our own; we must work and learn together. My time abroad has also given me a fresh perspective on how to live my life. I feel more at ease going with the flow and traveling without a plan. This newfound flexibility has made me more spontaneous and open to new experiences, enhancing my personal growth. Most importantly, I have come closer to depending on God unconditionally. This has reminded me that He is King with knowledge beyond my understanding. It has been comforting to know that even when my plan does not work out, His is still unfolding. This faith has allowed me to let go of imperfections and enjoy the moment. Trusting in God’s plan has been a source of immense peace and stability amidst uncertainty.
These seven weeks have been a period of significant personal growth. I have learned to respond to trials more effectively, developed greater patience, and gained a deeper appreciation for the diverse ways people live. The lessons learned during this time have been invaluable, shaping my outlook and approach to life. This experience has equipped me with the tools to handle life’s unpredictability with grace and faith, knowing that I can trust in a higher plan and find peace in the journey, no matter where it leads. Embracing this journey with an open heart and mind has transformed my understanding of myself and the world around me.
