Bad Karaoke And Other Life Savers

Tick-tock.

The countdown is on!

We put on our best (cleanest) clothes and head to the party. Our favorite annual conversation: WHERE are we going to spend New Year’s Eve next year? We throw out ideas…hatch plans…dream about exploring exotic destinations and far-flung places. It’s become a tradition.

It’s so fun to see how other countries ring in the new year. We typically take part in whatever local celebration are happening: fancy-ish dinner, dancing, awesomely bad karaoke with the locals, funny hats, streamers – and we do it up in style! Most of us wouldn’t be caught dead at a party like this at home, but away in a developing nation, we revel in the absurd and delight in the silly.

Somewhere in the middle of the iffy international buffet (fish balls?!) and the local beverage of choice we discuss our surroundings: the poverty, the progress and the hope we’ve gained over wheelbarrows full of dirt and shovels full of concrete. To work and live among whole communities dwelling in extreme poverty naturally drives deep introspection, but when you add new year’s eve to the mix, a whole new level of personal appraisal happens.

It’s interesting to see how many  teammates (myself included) have made major life decisions/commitments (calling them “resolutions” doesn’t do justice…) on our annual Habitat For Humanity New Year’s Eve Builds. We share, in our trusted circle, what’s holding us back and where we truly want to go. We admit what’s working and what’s not. We find real accountability partners, mentors and a safe place to finally verbalize what’s been locked away in our hearts for months or even years. We self-impose deadlines, ask for help and share ideas.

What’s even more interesting is how many teammates have actually follow through on these personal challenges. And, I’m talking about people making BIG changes. Some of us would even say life-saving changes: love, life, health, career, education, family, finances, fitness, sprituality…all of the things we want to change/improve/grow, but never quite knew how to start- actually take root and blossom during our NYE Habitat Week. In fact, I would bet that we have a 20% higher average success rate for keeping new year’s resolutions than the average. Eh…make that 50% higher. I wondered…what was it making all these positive changes possible?

Maybe its because our team bonded over trivia contests during very, very long bus rides.

Maybe it’s witnessing the quiet strength of a single mother raising three sweet, funny, bright children in a dirt-floor shack with no running water or indoor toilet.

Maybe it’s teaching an entire village how to give a perfect high-five; and blow it up Cali-style.

Maybe it’s seeing the way Habitat treats the (impoverished) families with dignity and respect.

Maybe it’s the way the mason’s helper shyly asks for help practicing his english, while expertly laying his 150,000th brick.

Maybe it’s how living and working together 24×7 reveals the “real” you.

Maybe it’s the way the night sky is different, and yet the same here.

Maybe it’s freaking adorable baby goats you can’t NOT touch.

Maybe the semi-crappy internet and time zone issues keep you off your smart phone, and focused on the present moment.

Maybe it’s the way the teachers blinked back tears when you delivered 400 note books, 600 colored pencils and 85 geometry kits.

Maybe it’s the way the tea lady sneaks you an extra dessert, because she saw you give yours to the curious neighbor kid yesterday.

Maybe it’s because agreeing to come to this location felt like a bit of a risk to start with.

Maybe it’s the awesomely bad karaoke.

Or.

Maybe.

Maybe it’s having something to believe in.

The best things in life aren’t things
They’re living and breathing
The best things in life aren’t things
They’re something you can believe in

p.s. Our NYE 2013 Habitat Build will be in VIETNAM! Yes, Vietnam is waiting for you, for me and for our team to help a deserving family out of poverty housing and into a safe, decent home. For more info visit our team facebook page. 

The countdown is on!

Tick-tock.