I don’t
love Asia. The past three months have been hard for me. It was definitely a
culture shock coming from the warm, friendly, relational culture of Central
America. Our ministries in Asia have been frustrating at times. I don’t feel like we’re making a
difference.
I really
don’t miss the US. In fact, the more I find out people’s perceptions of
America, the more I don’t want to go back and be associated with it. All they
know is from Hollywood and what they see in movies. They think all Americans
are Christians so what they see in the movies is what they think America and
Christianity is all about. WRONG!! I feel like we are continually re-shaping
people’s perceptions as we go along, but that is what they have thought their
entire lives. It takes more than just our words to let them know that not all
Americans are what they see in Hollywood. We have to show them by our actions
that we are different.
What I mean when I say that I’m homesick is
that I miss Central America. I miss the culture. I miss being able to speak
the language. I miss the people. I miss the ministries we were involved in. I
miss working with teenagers (never thought I’d say that!). I miss hitch-hiking.
I miss random adventures and over-crowded public transportation. I miss
worshipping in Spanish. I miss the constant joy I had in Central America. I
miss feeling ALIVE and loving every minute of it!
Yesterday
during our lunch break at the farm, Scotty was asking us if we think we are
experiencing abundant life like the Bible promises. I think I did in Central
America, but I honestly can’t say that about Asia. I think abundant life comes when we are truly “in our element”-living
out all of our talents, passions, and dreams. I know God is teaching me,
growing me, and using me here, but I can’t wait to be back in Central America
living out God’s will for my life and experiencing life abundantly.
Please
continue to pray for God to use me and refine me during this time. I know His
plans and His timing are perfect and I am continuing to trust in those
promises. I am learning that the journey through the process is often more
important than the end result because I have to constantly depend on Him.
