Often, we tell ourselves that navigating life without expectations is the key to avoiding disappointment. Yet, no one mentions the moments when we don’t even realize we have expectations until we’re hit with disappointment. In those times, we reflect and realize, “Yes, I did have expectations, even if I wasn’t fully aware of them.” This has been my journey in community work.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve struggled with managing my expectations and practicing patience. I’m a planner by nature, and I tend to want things to unfold in a specific way and within a set timeline. But life always proves me wrong, over and over again. You’d think I’d have learned by now, but this cycle is something I’ve had to navigate repeatedly. Surprisingly, I can now say I am a testament to the patience the community has instilled in me.

There are countless times when I’ve organized meetings with the community, and after waiting at the said venue for more than an hour, only a few of them show up, or worse, no one at all. The meetings get rescheduled due to low attendance, but even the rescheduled sessions see fewer people than the first. Yet, for the next fundraising event or community celebration, people appear in huge numbers, making you question why you chose to do what you do. Some people will promise to attend the next meeting or express interest in learning a new skill or participating in activities. When the day of the meeting arrives, no one shows up. Excuses are made, promises are forgotten, and over time, this becomes predictable.

Sometimes, when they spot me from a distance, they’ll go out of their way to avoid me, even changing their usual spots just to steer clear. These moments can be deeply disheartening, and you find yourself overwhelmed, questioning your resolve. You may even ask yourself how God manages to love humanity despite our shortcomings. It sounds absurd, but you learn to sit down and remind yourself that it’s all community-led. Patience isn’t just an option, it’s a necessity.

Each day brings a new challenge, but I’ve learned to view these obstacles as opportunities for growth. I’ve found immense peace in spending time with children. Their innocence and joy allow all my worries to fade away, enabling me to stay fully present in the moment. Playing games with them and sharing stories has become one of my favorite pastimes.

I once promised to attend their Sunday school session, only to forget the next day, not because I was too busy, but because I simply needed rest. The guilt I felt was overwhelming, and I had to apologize because, with children, you can’t hide the truth, they never forget. If only they knew their parents often caused me the same frustration.

When things don’t go as planned, I ask myself, “Now that today wasn’t successful, how can I prepare for tomorrow?” It takes countless doses of humility, but I’m grateful for the lessons these challenges bring. I’m thankful for the growth I’ve experienced and the chance to pass those lessons on to those around me.  In such moments, I take a step back, review my goals, revisit my vision, and remind myself why I started this journey. Going back to the drawing board and reworking plans has become my new norm.

I’ve reached a point where I’ve learned to embrace challenges, recognizing them as opportunities for growth. They say that when you’re at the top, there’s nowhere to go but down, but when you’re at the bottom, the only way is up. This perspective has helped me appreciate both the highs and lows of my journey, knowing that each experience offers a chance to rise.