the rambling missionary

by erika haveman

I was sitting in Minneapolis-St. Paul airport one morning waiting for my flight back out west.  I went to pull out my phone, but I decided that rather than numb the wait and escape from the lonely, people filled concourse I would, instead, just watch and listen to people as they conversed with those known, and unknown on occasion, around them.  As I settled into my seat by my gate my ears were quickly drawn to the conversation of teenage girls sitting close by.  A smile split across my face as I heard one of them say, while looking at a photo on her phone, “She’s 26!  Can you imagine being 26?  That’s so old!!”

I turned 29 last week.  But it wasn’t too long ago that I remember feeling like 26 was old.  Here I am, though, I made it to the verge of another decade.  As I anticipate my 30s I decided that I’d attempt to fulfill a “30 before 30” list.  I thought I’d share it with you.  Not because I think you’ll be inspired, but so I can remember that I’ve actually created this list of challenges and I should probably do something about it.  The list isn’t in any particular order.  These things just exist in written form in the hopes that I’ll make them happen.  Here’s to accomplishing 30 goals before I’m 30!

1. Do something that scares you.
   Write it down.  A lot of things scare me, so finding one to fulfill this one shouldn’t be hard.
2. Finish your book.
   If anything was a stupid, lofty goal it’s this one.  I don’t even remember writing this on the original list, but I wish I hadn’t.  They say you live into the expectations you have for something, and if I expect to not finish this one then I won’t, simply because the law of expectation says so.  As much as I’m skeptical I promise I will commit to at least get farther with my book.
3. Have a full day Harry Potter Marathon.
   This will include wine.  And you’re invited.
4. Have people over for dinner who you don’t really know.
   I have a plan for this one.  I work at the campus for a large missional non-profit.  I am going to find out when people’s birthday’s are, and invite them over sometime during their birthday month!  I will need to find a good Happy Birthday sign, and my roommate had better be okay with it hanging up all year…
5. Say yes when you want to say no.
   I think this one will relate to #1.
6. Say no when the world thinks you should say yes.
   Generally this is easy for me.  Self care + boundaries.
7. Figure Skate again.
   Technically I’ve done this one already.  But I’d like to really skate again.  Like take lessons, be confident on the ice, know the joy that comes with the freedom of being on the glossy, frozen surface.
8. Get in the best shape of your life.
   I plan on doing this one through consistently watching Fitness Blender videos.  Don’t worry, I will also do the workout along with Kelli & Daniel.  This was also completely inspired by the people I know who fight to be healthy + fit: Johanna, Ed, Angie, Andy, Annette + Erin.
9. Hike somewhere in Glacier.
   Lookin’ at you, YWAM MT people, to get me out there and adventure more.
10. Visit Leavenworth, WA
    Have you guys heard of this town?  It’s apparently like a mini Bavarian village!  And c’mon, Bavaria!
11. Get a great tan
    Need I say more?
12. Make your own perogies
    Guys, I just love perogies.
13. Go on a date.
    I realize this one is a little relative.  I probably won’t make this happen, so it’s all in some unknowing stranger’s hands.  I am still old fashioned, after all.
14. Finish a 1000 piece puzzle
    I must first find this puzzle.  I’d like it to be a nice one, like with a nice scene or something.  But I’m probably not picky.
15. Sew yourself a dress
    I’ve been checking out patterns.  I’m sure I’ll find something I like.
16. Read a book from a genre that isn’t your go-to
    Non-fiction, typically historical non-fiction is my go-to.  And Harry Potter and Narnia.  What other genre’s are there?
17. Snowboard + go for a fancy meal in the same day
    This shouldn’t be too hard since I live in the Rockies.  Also, heels at the fancy dinner are a must.
18. Deliver baked goods to a business
    Because it’s good to do nice things.
19. Go to the British Museum
    Spend a whole day there.  I love museums!  Also this is totally possible since I have a wedding to attend in the UK in May!
20. Give away some clothes each month
    I’ve learned to live out of a suitcase; there are too many clothes in my closet.  Anyone else sometimes feel embarrassed about this?
21. Take up Golf
    Okay so I started this in 2017, but it’s time to get serious.  Secretly, not so secretly, I’d really like to make it my goal to play in the YWAM Golf Invitational in August.
22. Give the perfect birthday gift
    I struggle with this.  I want to be better.  It requires knowing people, and remembering details.  It’s the latter where I tend to fall terribly short.
23. Have a games day
    Literally play games all day.  Catchphrase, Ticket to Ride, CodeNames and DutchBlitz must be involved.  I have no idea who will put up with this one…
24. Read the Whole Bible
    I realize I am a missionary and teach the Bible a lot, but I can honestly say I have not read the whole Bible within 12 months since my SBS 4 years ago.  This should happen every year, so here’s to it happening this year.
25. Tell a boy I like him
    This is also relative, and could become related to #13.  But realistically I am always telling friends to “just tell the guy!” and I blog about it and preach it who knows how often, so I should really challenge myself to do this again.  It’s been a while.  Only once in telling a guy liked him has it resulted in something (be it a very brief something.  For more on that you can read this), and all the other times it’s been rejection.  Not like I have done this often.  This could also count as my something scary…
26. Go to 6 new restaurants
    I love getting dressed up and eating out.  It would make my version of Maria VonTrapp’s Favourite Things.
27. Go Camping
    This is something I love doing, but I just haven’t been in a few years.  That makes my heart sad.  I like a happy heart, please!
28. Understand the Enneagram
    Everyone is talking about this and I am way behind the game.
29. Own a succulent & keep it alive from the day you get it until at least the day you turn 30
    Last time I bought a succulent I asked the plant lady, “What do I never have to water and doesn’t need sun?”  She told me donkey tail.  It died within 3 weeks.  Probably it wasn’t so much a lie she told me so much as somehow I just fail at plants.  You can ask the farmer I used to work for.  I can sell the vegetables, but don’t trust me in the garden.
30. Throw a memorable 30th Party
    This will literally take me all year to plan.

Bring it on, 30 before 30!

What about you?  Will you make a list for your next year of life?  There’s really nothing special about 30.  It’s about as great as 23, 42, 58, 14 – whatever age you are!  Set some goals and shoot for them with me!