Until I dwelled in Zimbabwe for over a week, I genuinely didn’t realize how much I appreciate certain things that seem to be more prominent in the States.
1. Communication
2. Efficiency
3. Promptness
I have actually had a ton of fun this month. We have completed two Kids Club weeks and they both went well. We got to play with the kids, share Bible stories with them, talk through life lessons, and teach English. I even danced with the kids. Anyone that knows me, knows that is extremely rare! I have definitely had a “for the kids” attitude this month, and I am thankful to the Lord for that.
In the midst of the fun, I have to admit, there has been a ton of personal frustration. The culture here is both refreshing and irritating (for a person like me). Zimbabweans value relationships more than they value promptness. They aren’t concerned with being late if it means they can have a conversation with someone. It doesn’t seem to bother anyone when the plans change by the hour. In mid conversation plans can make a complete 180, and no one is flustered by it.
Except for me.
I could give you dozens of examples of how that has occurred over the past two weeks, but that would just be me complaining. Just trust me when I tell you it has been difficult for me!
I don’t handle the inconsistency that well, and sometimes I don’t even know how to handle it better. Wanting to be on time, have clear communication, and be efficient with time are so engrained within me, and I didn’t realize it until it was all taken away from me. Having them striped away from me has forced me to turn to the Lord.
I haven’t always turned to the Lord in those situations, and that has resulted in taking it out on the people around me. My poor team has caught the brunt of it many times, and for that I feel awful. But they have actually called me higher in those moments, and for that I’m so grateful. I’m thankful for a team that wants me to glorify the Lord and respect them no matter what irritating situations we are placed in.
Cheers to growing in the Lord and learning hard things!
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