Post - Carissa Arend

Always bring snacks (and toilet paper).
Start packing earlier.
When in doubt, pray first.
Don't be afraid to speak the language, even if you embarrass yourself.
Be a listening ear for verbal processors before lecturing.
Care deeply about the nationals and get to know them individually.
Missionaries are sinners, too.
Always confess your sin and seek forgiveness first.
Look like you know where you're going, even when you have no idea. Walk with purpose. :)
Comparison is deadly, hinders ministry, and dishonors Christ.
People are not less intelligent just because they speak less English than you do.
Deep conversations are worth missing sleep for.
Allow at least 30 minutes of extra time in the morning so you're not rushed.
Talking to Mom and Dad won't magically solve your problems.
Spiritual warfare is a constant reality, and it affects things more than you know.
That person you have the hardest time with can grow to be a kindred spirit.
Sometimes loving and serving looks like being ridiculous on stage––deny yourself!
Sing loudly and dance how you imagine in your head.
Don't live for affirmation. It won't satisfy or bring lasting joy.
Don't underestimate the power of reading Scripture throughout the day.
Keep an internal dialogue with the Lord––thanking, beseeching, praising, processing.
It's okay to smile and be warm behind a microphone.
You're probably less awkward than you think you are.
Too much sugar throughout the day will make you irritable at night.
The world will not end if you don't check Facebook for a few days or don't respond right away.
God is always working, even when you can't see it.
It's okay to be sweating a ton––wear dark colors if you don't want it to show!
Forget "cool." You're called to be faithful, not enslaved to others' dictates/standards.
It's better to humble yourself and admit when you're not okay.
If you're tired and rambling, just stop talking and go to bed.
Having no concrete schedule is actually really freeing, even though it terrifies you.
Notice little details to anchor memories to.
People love and affirm in different ways. Learn to recognize and appreciate those ways without being enslaved to them for happiness.
It's not about you.
Just do the dishes.
Choose the adventure.
When you're weak, that's when you're strong.
Music isn't your savior.
Always go to the bathroom before you leave—you don't know where the next one could be. :)
He is able to do far more abundantly than all you can ask or think.

Always bring snacks (and toilet paper).

Start packing earlier.

When in doubt, pray first.

Don't be afraid to speak the language, even if you embarrass yourself.

Be a listening ear for verbal processors before lecturing.

Care deeply about the nationals and get to know them individually.

Missionaries are sinners, too.

Always confess your sin and seek forgiveness first.

Look like you know where you're going, even when you have no idea. Walk with purpose. :)

Comparison is deadly, hinders ministry, and dishonors Christ.

People are not less intelligent just because they speak less English than you do.

Deep conversations are worth missing sleep for.

Allow at least 30 minutes of extra time in the morning so you're not rushed.

Talking to Mom and Dad won't magically solve your problems.

Spiritual warfare is a constant reality, and it affects things more than you know.

That person you have the hardest time with can grow to be a kindred spirit.

Sometimes loving and serving looks like being ridiculous on stage––deny yourself!

Sing loudly and dance how you imagine in your head.

Don't live for affirmation. It won't satisfy or bring lasting joy.

Don't underestimate the power of reading Scripture throughout the day.

Keep an internal dialogue with the Lord––thanking, beseeching, praising, processing.

It's okay to smile and be warm behind a microphone.

You're probably less awkward than you think you are.

Too much sugar throughout the day will make you irritable at night.

The world will not end if you don't check Facebook for a few days or don't respond right away.

God is always working, even when you can't see it.

It's okay to be sweating a ton––wear dark colors if you don't want it to show!

Forget "cool." You're called to be faithful, not enslaved to others' dictates/standards.

It's better to humble yourself and admit when you're not okay.

If you're tired and rambling, just stop talking and go to bed.

Having no concrete schedule is actually really freeing, even though it terrifies you.

Notice little details to anchor memories to.

People love and affirm in different ways. Learn to recognize and appreciate those ways without being enslaved to them for happiness.

It's not about you.

Just do the dishes.

Choose the adventure.

When you're weak, that's when you're strong.

Music isn't your savior.

Always go to the bathroom before you leave—you don't know where the next one could be. :)

He is able to do far more abundantly than all you can ask or think.