We just celebrated the finishing of our formal culture learning time two weeks ago with our team. It was a neat time to reflect back on what went well or didn’t, what we enjoyed and what was difficult, what we learned, etc. Our team also gave us feedback as well. I would like to share a few thoughts here. For me, Melissa, my most stressful time was when we first got here and we had no water for a few weeks. The problem was compounded when construction was started in front of our house at the same time causing great mud holes, electricity cuts and noise. For Jacob, it has been the process of language learning.
Our highlights of culture learning have been the relationships that we have built and the privilege of being involved in people’s lives. We both have learned so much about ourselves: our weaknesses and strengths. It has been great to see Jacob shine in service, one-on-one discipleship, and carpentry. It has been good to learn how much relationships drive me and to use that but also learn how to temper it with wisdom. For example: I am learning to pray about my relationships and not feel obligated to be with everyone at all times.
We have both grown spiritually during this process learning to apply spiritual truths to our every day lives and putting God first in our lives. For example: our position in Christ has been a great encouragement to Jacob during times of discouragement in language learning. For both of us: we are realizing more and more how important our times with God are in order to not only survive but thrive here.
At our team meeting, our team members shared some of their memories of us. It confirmed that the guesthouse ministry will be a good place for us. They shared little examples of how we served the team from opening our home for parties to giving rides to people. They talked about our genuine care for people and our openness to our struggles. All of which will help us serve well at the guesthouse. We praise God as we look back to see how He has prepared us for this ministry and we look forward to ministering to the needs of our team there.
Praise God for his faithfulness to bring us through this time of formal culture learning – sometimes we wondered if we would ever make it.
Pray with us as we move forward that God would continue to mold us and give us wisdom in how to minister to the needs of others here. Thank you!
