Our new team mates have been settling in well and we praise God for that. As part of their process we talk through many cultural topics that we have gleaned since living here for the past 8 years. We have made many mistakes along the way and are eager to share about them to prevent someone from making the same ones. We discuss personal safety and home security. We go through the different greetings and how to be a good host. In my personal opinion I needed to learn so much on how to serve people in my home and host well. It is much more comfortable for me to show people around my kitchen and then say "Help yourself ". This is not how to treat guests here so I have had to learn. We also talk about how to answer the question of "Why we are here" when people in this community ask.
I am still amazed at the Lord bringing people from all different nations for the same goal and same desire. I have been encouraged reading through this prayer booklet recently. It talks about a being a foreigner in a country not their own. There can be a struggle to learn the language, habits, and customs as much as possible. Every few years we have to renew our Resident Visa. We will never fully feel at home even after a life-time of service. My prayer booklet reminds me that all of this should not be surprising or irritating. Hebrews 11 tells of Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham and Sarah- that people of faith will always be strangers on this earth, longing for a better place. AMEN!
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| With all get togethersome there is a meal involved. |
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| Jason made Shepherds pie for our team mates, their first time ever tasting. |
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| The girls helped wash 6 pounds worth of potatoes. |
1 comment:
Learning to host well in another country is an act of love. My limited experience with this makes me feel I can really relate to your efforts to host in ways those you are among are comfortable with. May the Love of Christ permeate your gatherings.
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