However, I've got to admit, this has been one of the most rewarding trips in my history.
Don't get me wrong, it has had some lows...just like every job has...just like every movie has, but over 90% of this trip has been laughing, connecting with the most incredible people, working out and witnessing some incredible views. OH...and learning spanish from our Colombian based crew members.
Actually, I was on the side of a road for two hours waiting for a shot with our picture car to come around and ended up communicating/learning from four of our crew members, who only spoke spanish, about their country. It was incredible to experience how much human beings can connect if they are patient enough to listen to each other...or patient enough with themselves to figure out how to speak to one another. I've been so amazed by the heart of our crew here. I've only been frustrated a few times trying to figure out words, sentences or becoming accustomed to the workings of the film industry in Colombia. Yet, more than not, I've enjoyed learning, growing and eating all of the fruit Colombia has to offer.
Usually I am incredibly skeptical when it comes to spending an extended amount of time with a group of human being. Especially when it comes to work. I've divided my life pretty heavily when it comes to personal life and work life. I love my town, my friends and the life I have created up in Northern Georgia. I have escapes that help keep the industry exciting and healthy, mindset wise.
This trip has changed that.
Before leaving, I prayed so hard to not come here. Then, I realized I was limiting a limitless God on what he could do in my life while I was here. I had so many opportunities in Georgia and leaving for a month seemed like a death sentence on my dreams I was working towards. But I found a sentence pop into my head; "Let me make this a turning point."
Ok. Since I can't get out of it, let me embrace it.
The first week here we blew up buildings in prominent parts of Colombia, shut down major roads for car chases, flew/shot on a C130 in 90* heat for 16 hours and viewed some of the most incredible views Bogota has to offer. With 6 day weeks, it doesn't leave much for adventuring, yet, that hasn't stopped the fun.
Our hotel opened up a new gym and it has become the meeting place for a handful of us. I can't even tell you how much fun I have had working out with our first team, grip brothers and camera team members. We all do our own thing but all end up pushing each other further to make ourselves better.
I have to hand over a huge compliment to one group though; The Uwais Team.
If you don't know this team, you need to look them up. Iko Uwais, one of our lead actors of Mile 22, has built the most incredible, humble, caring and truly talented team I've ever met. I've been incredibly fortunate to work out with him, his stunt double and his translator on a number of occasions and have been amazed by how they hold themselves in every moment.
Not only do they say hello to every person on set, but every person on set loves seeing them arrive to set. They hug every person, say thank you, open doors, ask how your day is and they always offer to help carry the equipment you have for you.
I've learned a great deal from the three of them. One, true friendship is everything. Two, be yourself. Three, appreciate where you are and live in the present. Four, nothing can ever take the place of humility. Five, no matter where you are in life, a joyous heart and a respectful mind is not only possible but one hundred percent capable of changing lives.
As I have come to know these guys, I have come to know what respect is and that no human being has any excuse for not using it to its full capacity. I've also seen how a team is meant to be built and how leading people through love, encouragement and laughter is more important than your personal success. If your heart isn't in the right place, neither will your impact.
I wasn't sure that this trip would change me. I always had an image that first team was unachievable. That the Mark Wahlburgs' and Peter Burg's were above me in the realm of speaking, yet here I am, amazed by how much they care about their crew, team and work. Their personal teams (hard and makeup teams, security teams and personal assistants) have all taken time out of their day to make me smile, laugh or ask if I was ok during harder work days. They have astounded me by their willingness to care for the team around them. And honestly, I'm not sure if I would have wanted to finish out this show if it wasn't for these moments alone.
Team. Humility. Laughter.
I can't say enough how much I have learned about caring myself just from watching our actors. I thought I would learn how to be an actress. I would learn tricks of the trade through the lens or find secrets of their training through listening close by. But instead, I have been impacted on how to live my life, daily.
Seriously, as much as I was against traveling to Colombia, I cannot believe I am in my last week here. It has been incredibly hard working work weeks with our first one being 8 days straight. But, after this, my heart has become so heavy knowing I am not going to be able to work out with, get dinner with or laugh with the Uwais' Team anymore. I can only pray that there is a sequel and I get to be apart of it one way or another. As for human beings, outside of my family, I think these are the most impactful people I have ever been around and I thank God for proving me wrong.
I can't believe how much God has used Colombia in my life this month. The biggest thing I've learned, never limit a limitless God. He has so much more to show you than you could ever imagine. He not only changes anxious hearts and lonely minds but he over supplies blessings that you never even thought you would have.
The only thing I have learned here is audacious faith. Something I have always had personally but never with God. I've always dreamed bigger than I could achieve. It's been an on going theme in my life. It gives me drive in my life. Yet, I always went in alone. Yet, Sun Stands Still by Steven Furtick has been a book that has shown me that asking God for the impossible is not only ok, but encouraged by God. How else is he going to show you his power if you only ask for the mundane?
It's been an incredible process finding the deep desires of my heart through my dreams. How each prayer has become impossible to accomplish in human standards. How I am no longer accepting my mind's outcomes but instead, walking into a situation and letting God create his own. Colombia has taught me that.
As the month winds down to an end, I have learned how well men are supposed to treat women, how humility and laughter can change the world, how being yourself is the only way to live your life and most importantly, how you hold yourself (and how you treat your team) says more about your heart than your words ever will.
No one is every above being respectful, being encouraging, caring and being humble.
And no-one is not living the life God intended them to have.
Comments
Post a Comment