Being a missionary is truly the most rewarding thing I have ever done.
It is truly an honor that my only goal and purpose is to seek God whole heartedly and proclaim the love and gospel of Jesus Christ.
However, there is more to it than meets the Instagram eye
Behind the scenes of the photos of precious babies and incredible views is this:
Malaria
Butt-rashes that lasts 5 months and counting (see story here: kelleykruse.theworldrace.org)
People telling you “you’ll be so tan and skinny when you come back, because you won’t get fed much and be in the sun all the time!” WRONG! Locals actually refusing to let you stay in the sun and your meal options are carbs on carbs on carbs
Lice, more than once
Itchy fungus on your whole body from taking a bucket shower with stagnant water
Sweating at all times; sitting, standing, pooping, showering, sleeping, picking your nose. You name it, you’re sweating.
Being allergic to fish and constantly having your chicken cooked in the same sauce as the fish
For you coffee lovers, getting all the instant coffee you could dream of
Shoving 8 people into a 5 person vehicle when traveling for hours on end
Finding rat poop on your bed when you come home
Food giving you stomach problems that have you pooping your pants right before you go preach
Children peeing on you
Only having 1 selection of shampoo and conditioner, leaving your hair covered in a Vaseline like substance
Airlines losing your big pack
(See story here: Hannahklassen.theworldrace.org)
Visa mishaps and getting stranded in Miami while the rest of your team goes to Africa
For you Type-A planners…. learning to have a schedule that constantly gets changed
And amongst all the things that go on behind the scenes, we are still able to smile while holding precious babies because JESUS IS SO WORTH IT!
With every negative there is a positive followed by laughter!
Every single one of us who have experienced these things will agree on one thing: that all of it is worth it for the glory of God!
Hear my heart for this blog post. It is not to be negative. It is not to shed a negative light upon being a missionary. It is to boast in weaknesses. It is simply to bring light to the things unseen and to put to rest the lies of “Being a missionary is so easy. It’s such a millennial thing to do. All they do is travel the world, hold cute babies and post cool pictures.”
Yes, we do get the honor and privilege of traveling the world, holding cute babies and posting cool pictures, but sometimes it’s not as easy as it appears and it really is ALL for the glory of God. The good, the bad, the ugly, to bring love and glory to God!
