Needing a Second Opinion...

[Llauralin]

A couple of you may remember me: I used to be on a lot, but not post very much. Anyway, I wanted a second (well, more like fourth, but anyhow...) opinion about something.

My OCF group is planning a RealBreak trip to Greece this spring, where they'll be working at a monastery there. I have the time and could probably raise the money, but I'm not sure that I could justify going, because A) I'm terrible at manual labor, and probably wouldn't be very helpful, and B) judging by past experience, I react very poorly to orchastrated "life-changing experiences."

What do ya'll think?

[Orthosdoxa]

A) I'm terrible at manual labor, and probably wouldn't be very helpful, and B) judging by past experience, I react very poorly to orchastrated "life-changing experiences."

Why do you think each of these?

If you think you'd be more harm than help, maybe wait for the next RealBreak, when they might be doing something you'd prefer- orphanages and the like, or other stuff like that.

[Matrona]

I'd cut out if I were you. I, too, am bad at manual labor, and trust me, it stinks to feel like a fifth wheel.

If there's a different destination offered the same week, maybe you can do that one instead.

[tekiahteruah]

I am not good at manual labor either, but I've done trips like that before and it usually involves more painting and stuff like that than anything else. It sounds like something to discern personally, but maybe it would be easier if you went into it without any big expectations... i.e. don't go to "change your life," just go to see Greece and Greek Orthodoxy and help out with what you can. And who knows, maybe it will change your life! An immersion program I did this summer in inner city Jamaica changed mine. But again, it's a matter for discernment-- if you're feeling anxiety about it, that might be God telling you that it's not for you, at least not right now.

[Rowan]

I agree -- if you go, don't go for what you think it will be like and accept it on its own terms.

I still would take a chance. The worst thing that could happen is that you'll find yourself with nothing to do. Is that really so bad, especially if you're going to visit a monestary?

Maybe you can find something else where you think you'd be more useful if you choose not to, though.

[HisKid1973]

Pray about it..God can teach us alot when we're out of our comfort zone...You don't have to overdue it..Who knows, it could be a time where you are brought into another's life to be an touch of Christ to them or them to you...shalom..kim
I have been all around US and Haiti doing projects like that in the name of Christ..

[cassc]

Hmm, I have never done a RealBreak but I would have loved to and I do hear great things. So it may not change your life, it'll change your week right? I also tend to get disappointed at the underwhelming reaction I have to "life changing opportunities" but I figure each experience creates who we are so the more experiences the better (and to be able to help while you're at it is a great opportunity.)

[Llauralin]

Thanks for your responses everyone. Just to be clear, I actually just graduated, and could, theoretically, go any week I want (I substitute teach), but my friends and priest are going on the Greece one, which is why I was thinking of going.

*Still thinking*

[Thekla]

if you're miserable, its only a week ;)

but the potential benefits are great. I agree with Kim. When we're "out of our element", we can learn so much .Talk to your spiritual father.

[Llauralin]

if you're miserable, its only a week ;)

but the potential benefits are great. I agree with Kim. When we're "out of our element", we can learn so much .Talk to your spiritual father.
Thanks - I am (actually, he's the priest who's going, so I'd have to in any event), but for reasons college related I'm in a different city from him, so we haven't been talking all that much lately.

But the other thing is that it's a week and $1300

[Thekla]

Thanks - I am (actually, he's the priest who's going, so I'd have to in any event), but for reasons college related I'm in a different city from him, so we haven't been talking all that much lately.

But the other thing is that it's a week and $1300

ouch - thats a lot of money ! If the expense is mostly airfare, maybe staying in Greece a bit longer "on the cheap" would make the airfare seem more w
"well spent" ...