Come: to move toward something: approach
As we come home in 2 weeks, I wanted to allow you insight on how we (I) might be feeling. The fact that we are leaving the field soon does not escape us, as we are well aware of the excitement surrounding us. I am a mix of emotions. I am excited to see friends and family, but I will soon be grieving the loss of the community I’ve had every day for the last 11 months. Please give us time to transition, adapt, sleep, cry, and call each other.
1. Let us talk about the World Race- but do not force it.
Listen to us talk, but do not bombard us with questions or put us on the spot. We may be ready to dive right in to conversations, or some of us may need a few days to begin opening up. Remember: the race has not been about us, rather serving and giving of ourselves and sharing Jesus’ love around the world. Be patient and pay attention to us and our stories even if you can’t relate.
2. Reintroduce American media and pop culture gradually.
We have shared old movies, downloaded new(er) movies and may have found time to catch up on a tv show or two. Wifi has been limited depending on ministry. Give us time to unpack and begin getting our feet under us before filling us in on Bruce Jenner’s gender transformation. Remember: we have seen and experienced things differently during this year of our lives, and not once did we pick up a People magazine or US Weekly.
3. Fill us in.
Tell us about you! We know you are curious about our journeys, but we want to know about you, as your daily routines have looked extremely different from ours. We know some things have stayed the same, but we’ll notice things that have changed since we left.
4. Let us have spare time.
Every moment of every day does not need to be planned for us. If you intend on doing that, know that your World Racer will probably end up having a panic attack within the first day. Allow us time to BE. It is extremely important that we learn how to manage our spare time. The sooner we learn how to manage our own time without a ministry contact schedule, the sooner we become situated in America.
5. Encourage good habits.
Encourage us to rest the first week. Encourage us to get out of the house and not hide from consumerism. Encourage us to study scripture, worship, and find community. Encourage us to take time to sit with the Lord. Encourage us not to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the first world.
6. Recognize the change.
Our lives have been forever changed, and that is a GREAT thing! We need community. We need feedback; tell us the things you see in us. We now crave and desire more intentional conversation. details > surface level
7. Listen.
Every person is different. Some will want space; others will want you to spend time with them. Some will thrive in changing circumstances; others will struggle. Listen and pay attention to what they need, even if it isn’t what you expected.
At this time I am asking that you pray for us and with us. Pray we press in anchor deep into each other and our ministries these final two weeks. We appreciate your love, support, and prayers during the most challenging and best year of our lives. Hebrews 4:16 Let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace in time of need.
