I’ve been trying to be very intentional in reflecting on things I’ve learned here…I know there are some things I’m forgetting, and most of the things I won’t expand much on here, but maybe these are things you can ask us about when we get back as we try and continue to figure out what God has taught us.
1. Missions
Surprisingly, I’m leaving here less convinced of my convictions on the idea of missions, specifically to Africa, and more specifically to sub-Saharan Africa. I’m 100% convinced of God’s command to all believers to spread the good news of Jesus to the corners of the world. What I’m not convinced of is Westerners role in that in this area. There’s a strong church here in Kenya. And sometimes I wonder if kenyans reaching kenyans or kenyans reaching ugandans may be a better fit than westerners coming into a totally different culture and “making christians.” I’ve seen things that disappoint me here about the influence of Western missionaries. I do very much still believe in the power of exchange- africans coming to the states and us coming to Africa, but in an exchange of ideas and beliefs about what it looks like to follow Jesus. As peers, not as one “teaching” the other the right way to do things.
2. Momhood
I’ve learned much more of how to be a mom. I think in a lot of ways I’ve stepped into that role more, and feel more equipped to be that for the rest of my life. ☺.
3. Slowing Down
It’s nice not to be going, going, going. I love being able to stop and have conversations with people. I enjoy sitting at each other’s houses, eating dinner, talking about whatever. I appreciate people’s availability to hang out or go do something, or lend a helping hand. Our family has time to hang out with one another, take evening walks, enjoy good conversation and have a sit-down dinner every night. those are things i’m not taking for granted.
4. Spiritual Warfare
I have a better awareness that what we see is not all there is. And that spiritual warfare is real, and powerful, and we need to be ready for whatever comes our way. I think there’s much for me to learn about this, but I think an awareness is the first best step.
So yeah, these are my things. I know jake has been thinking about a couple of the same ones, but then different ones too. I’m sure he’ll write a post about it as it gets closer to his departure.
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2 comments:
Tiff,
I am excited to listed to your and Jake's reflections on your time there. I am most interested in talking with the both of you about #1 and #4. I have always had a similar position to what you talk about in #1, but I could only approach it from the theoretical because I have never done such missionary work nor even traveled to Africa. Also, I am sure you, Meredith, and Jake will have things to teach me about #4. It is something that I overlook because of my tendency towards empirical pragmatism.
Very interesting post--#1 especially.
I remember thinking that before when we did spring break missions. But truly not meant in a negative way. It's just important that when we did spring break that there was a large support system there to take over whatever thing we did because we would only be there for a week.
However the strong positive influence with the trip comes from how it changes the missionary. They come back more energetic and hopefully more selfless leading them to have a more Christlike demeanor in their home setting.
I've always thought you and Jake were very energetic and very selfless already, but it is cool to see what God has taught you guys through this and to discover in what way will God use your family once you return.
I can't wait to read!
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