Keeping up with Beth

Some thoughts I’ve had in my second week:

I believe there is a lesson, and a reason behind everything. Not necessarily a life changing thing in every small moment, but there is a purpose behind most of our actions. And with the purpose, is quite often a lesson. I’ve been having a word floating round my brain for a while as I remind myself of what this trip is and how to make the most of it.

That word is EMBRACE.

I find myself so often jumping ahead, trying to worry myself and concern my poor little brain with things that I have no control over. I realised before I left that my worry is just pointless and detrimental to me, when I was panicking about my flights, and the layovers, whether I had to get my luggage, would it be in english? All little questions I had as I had never travelled with a layover, let alone by myself. There was one night I was up worrying about it and it struck me, I’ve done the research I can, I’ve thought through as many outcomes as I can figure, and I won’t have answers til I am there. What is the point in panicking every night for a couple of weeks or so over something that I have no control over? I know what to do if I get stuck, and if it all runs smoothly then that’s even better. I just need to put my worry aside and let it be.

Since then I have found it so much easier to not worry long term. I have thoughts of things going wrong, and naturally they tend to, but I think about the situation and so many outcomes and just rationalise what I can do to make the best of the situation. It really does help. And it stops me from disassociating with what I am doing in that moment. I manage to stay in the moment and EMBRACE what I am doing! It’s so easy to drift into thoughts of the future, and what life is going to hit you with but once you realise you have no control over it and there is something right now waiting for you? Why waste your time? Just make the most of those opportunities right in front of you, the things that are standing there with golden arrows all around it, and really experience them. Don’t deprive yourself of something really amazing to worry about these tiny things that may never happen. Worry means nothing in 5 years time, but those experiences, those views, those life lessons are worth everything.

PNG truly took my heart. From the moment I left for the country I could see the difference from anywhere I had ever been. The country’s tag line “land of the unexpected” couldn’t be more true, but it’s truly beautiful to see the variation and cultures that ther are across the country. Being on the boat as well with so many authentic hearts serving for God and the atmosphere that created was truly amazing and is something you never want to leave. There was never anyone I didn’t particularly get on with. It was one big happy family for the two weeks, with friendships and brothers and sisters made for life.

I learnt a lot on the two weeks. Two weeks isn’t very long when you think about it, and the time did fly by but it also didn’t. I don’t feel like I wasted a moment there like I normally do on trips. There was something happening all the time and as much as possible I wanted to be involved. I learnt about the culture of so many individuals as they told me and each other the differences they have in their province or even village compared to else where in PNG. everything from the standards, to the food, the languages and the cultural traditions and rituals. Everyone wanted to learn and share their cultures, having conversations with me about what England was like, mainly me complaining about being cold when I go back, and even just the fact we don’t have fruit branching off every tree we can just grab and eat when we want. It’s an incredible country with so many hidden gems, and full of experiences.

It probably feels so repetitive but I can’t imagine anywhere else in the world being so small yet being so different from one village to another. It’s a mesmerising place, that has opened my heart in ways. Couldn’t’t imagine, giving me experiences that wouldn’t be possible if i had stayed at home. I am so grateful for the opportunities I have been given and the support that has been around me. everything has pretty much has been in my favour, and given me so much enlightenment int life, and the world we live in.

So be kind, stay humble and embrace every moment you are given.