I recently returned from serving two years overseas in the Middle East working with refugees. There are far too many things to say, so I’ll just go ahead and share with you a few valuable lessons I took away with me:
- Learn how to become a learner: From the moment I stepped out of the airport the learning began. Learning the city, transportation, language, the local way to bargain, grocery shopping, how to go to the doctor, ect. Just when I thought I had everything figured out, something new came up. Prepare your mind to become a continual learner. Don’t allow yourself to think the learning stage has an ending point. It will be with you from the first day until the last and it will take on many forms. Accepting this truth can enable you to keep a positive and motivated mindset for the moments that seem incomprehensible….
- Emotions: They come out of nowhere. I’ll admit, I’m much more of an emotional person then some, but still, the emotions were intense at times. I learned that it was most helpful for me to be aware of my emotions and to allow myself to explore them. It was the times when I realized I couldn’t even process that I knew something was off balance. Emotions allow you to connect to the people you are serving, and allow you closer to the heart of God. It brings a depth to understanding that words struggle to find. Emotions can also overwhelm you and take control of your mind if you allow them to- so continually check in with your teammates and team leaders. Joyce Meyers “Battle Field of the Mind” was a book that was beneficial and impacted me in a positive way.
- Transition: Just like I learned to become a learner, I learned to be “in transition” the majority of the time. Several people back home wanted to know what my normal schedule looked like and what I did everyday. Plans change all the time and I’m not sure I ever had a consistent normal schedule. Language learning took on a type of schedule for a season, but then I transitioned into part-time ministry, then I transitioned out of language learning entirely and into full time ministry. There were many seasons and those contained elements of consistency, sort of. And now I’m transitioning again. Get ready to be in transition for a long time!!
- Spiritual Oppression: Something that took me by complete surprise was the spiritual darkness and oppression of the Muslim nation I lived in. My first several months I encountered this darkness in many ways but was never able to figure out what it was, especially since everything around me looked normal. It wasn’t until after a trip home to America that I was able to notice the difference. I have learned that spiritual oppression and darkness is a very real thing- it’s just in a realm we can’t see with our own eyes. It was essential for me to maintain intentional times with the Lord and stay in continual worship, prayer, the word and in community with believers. As Christians, we carry his very presence in us, making us an actual light shinning into the darkness of the spiritual realm. It’s amazing; we can make a real impact in nations like the one I was in simply by being there. It’s definitely something to be aware of!
- Love: The bible passage 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 came to life in a new way. Doing everything in love became a way of life. At the end of the day, if I communicated with everyone perfectly in his or her own language (ha...), met every one of their needs, and learned an amazing new way to share the gospel, but did it with out love; there really was no point to it. I learned more about God’s tender heart and love for refugees then I imagined, and through it my own heart developed a deep, caring love for them. My job for two years was to love people. It took me on an adventure of discovering more of God’s love, and in turn I gained a fuller understanding of the Trinity. The way the three work perfectly together as one to demonstrate the most beautiful kind of love… all I know is that I want to love more and more. Prepare your heart; it’s time to love.
I hope only the best for you and your adventure!! It really is one crazy and wild ride, but rest secure; you are never in it alone. This certainly is no easy “trip”, precisely because it is more then a trip. Remember that in our biggest weaknesses he shine’s the most. Lean on his strength, he will keep you above the waves. If he lets you sink a little, call on him and you’ll see He is right there with you too.