When I was growing up, History was not my favorite school subject. In fact, unless it was recent U.S. History (1900-Present), or from a biographical perspective, I found learning about it quite boring. I struggled to see the value of knowing something hundreds of years after it happened, and the content was usually delivered in a very dry way: memorize these dates and these empires and the names of these dudes with white wigs and these war battle sites and… Gross. But then I met Elliot. It was the beginning of our junior year of college and as I got to know him, I found his appreciation for history intriguing. He got EXCITED about it. How strange! As we continued to grow in our friendship, he challenged me to look at history from a new lens, to view it as the process by which we have arrived to the present moment and how everything in history has contributed to present day values, cultures, religions, languages, economic structures and statuses, governance, and even personal ideologies.
Then, I met his friend Neil, and as he and I have grown in friendship, I have seen the passion he has for history and the way his eyes light up when he learns something new or gets an opportunity to share knowledge. His enthusiasm has really encouraged me to dive into history and over the last few years, I've really grown to appreciate it, and on many occasions, regret my indifference towards it in the past. I've learned so much from both of these men, and in my own research, but most importantly, I've learned how much I love to connect history with the hearts of those affected – I now get lost in vividly imagining the time and place and people, the emotions and the struggles, the triumphs, and the breakthroughs. As I am learning on the World Race, the history of a place (and its affects on the people who live there) sheds light on the reality of the darkness in this world, darkness from which we, through Christ, have been set free. The Gospel is needed EVERYWHERE. And understanding where people come from gives insight as to how to best show them the love of Christ.
While on the World Race, I have had many opportunities to learn more about the culture and historical past of the countries in which I am serving. My heart has been moved on more than one occasion and throughout the next 8 months, I look forward to sharing what I have learned (and will come to know while I continue this journey). If you don't "get" history, I hope my little snippets (I promise, they will be brief) will challenge how you view the past and its value RIGHT NOW. History is IMPORTANT! This revelation has been incredibly life-giving to me and how my heart stretches for the people of this world, and my prayer is that you will come to appreciate it, too!
Until next time…
*Special shout out to Elliot Derricks & Neil Wieland: I greatly admire your ability to see the value in history and thank you for encouraging me to look for it as well. God has used your passion and enthusiasm to alter my approach to learning things of a historical nature and it has ultimately made me a better person, a better missionary. My heart for the people I meet grows with each bit of of knowledge I gain, and it makes me want to know MORE. I pray that your kindred spirits never lose their curiosity for history and what it reveals. It's a gift! Sending love to you from Cambodia and remembering you with every new glimpse into the past!
