We are now heading west across the Atlantic Ocean! It is crazy that to think that I've been to nine countries (including the USA) in two months- especially when I think of my 2011 summer. Last summer I spent two months serving at a Young Life camp for middle school students. I would work 12+ hours a day, seven days a week and I did not get paid. We did not have Internet, email, cell phones or television. Although we didn't have luxury items or lots of time to relax, it was a fabulous and rewarding summer. This summer has been fabulous and rewarding, but in much different ways. I have had the opportunity to travel around the Mediterranean while taking classes that filled me with knowledge about each country. I love facts and history, so I felt spoiled that my three classes all fed into my interests.
Another thing that has been different for me is my role on the ship. Last summer I was part of the camp staff. During the first month I spent my days scooping hundreds of ice cream cones and in the evening I would work behind-the-scenes to set all the special events. During the second month at camp I worked in the kitchen, preparing three meals a day for 400+ people. Both jobs taught me to get my hands dirty and to work with a smile. On the ship we are blessed with an AMAZING crew. The cabin stewards, pursers and waiters are constantly in contact with the students. During our first week on the ship, before everyone settled into their friend-group, the crew made us feel at home and loved.
Angelito is my cabin steward and he is fabulous. He is from the Philippians and is about my height. He keeps my room so clean that it sparkles. From the very start, my roommate and I decided to keep our room as clean as possible for Angelito. Ask my roommates from school, my room always was messy- so keeping it clean was a big deal for me! He makes your beds every other day and if your clothing is on the floor, he folds it for you. I felt uncomfortable making him fold my clothing when I am perfectly capable of not being a slob. After cleaning the neighborhood dock bathroom for eight summers, I know what it is like to clean up disgusting, unnecessary messes. I wanted to treat Angelito with the kindness that I would hope people would treat me with.
In David Foster Wallace's article "Shipping Out" he says, "I've found myself doing everything I can to distance myself in the crew's eyes from the bovine herd… I make a big deal of carrying my own luggage and my own cafeteria tray and am effusive in my thanks for the slightest service" (50). Although I am not a big fan of Wallace's article, I strongly relate to this quote. In the dining hall I struggled with being on the receiving side of the services. I know how hard the kitchen works to prepare the large meals and I know that the waiters are working long, exhausting days. At first, I felt guilty having them take my plates, but realized that it is their job and isn't rude to let them take your plate. When they take my plate I make a specific effort to be genuinely grateful. They are so kind to me and I know that a small act of kindness can go a long ways. I love the simple motto, "work hard and be nice to people." Although this summer hasn't been filled with physical labor and service, I have still tried to be purposeful with my interaction. I don't want to be blind to the hard working people that make my life comfortable. I've learned to graciously accept their service, while letting them frequently know how much it means me.
