My Letter to Future Goers
It’s honestly crazy how fast two years has gone by. One of the most important things I’ve learned is how to look at a culture with mission in mind. I spoke with a friend and former church planter the other day, and he highlighted even how this skill can apply coming back to the US. Living as a “sent one” should be just as apparent if I’m living in the town I grew up in as it is when I’m in a new place, speaking a new language. It can sometimes take a fresh pair of eyes to see parts of even our church culture that are unhealthy or unbiblical. Another very important… Read more >>Better Than Having Superpowers
Here’s a train of thought that runs through my mind often during the era of covid-19: What’s the one thing that has a hold over every single person in the world more than anything else? Death. The fear of dying. Mankind’s single greatest adversary. What if there was a way to loosen the hold it had over us? In my life right now, the one thing that worries me more than anything else is when I have serious problems with my own health. Nothing else has really ever given me anxiety before… but going through unanswered questions about frightening symptoms can… Read more >>
Stuck in the Hallway
I can safely say that the past three weeks have been some of the most frustrating that I can remember. Maybe that’s not saying much, I’m not sure. I’m terrible at being patient, and I really despise feeling useless, like I’m not fulfilling some important purpose. Visa trouble is one of those things you hear about and say, “Aw shoot, bummer dude,” but figure it could never happen to you… until it does. What I’m learning from others in the world of missions is that it’s not uncommon to have delays getting a visa, or even to get denied on the first try. But, I don’t like getting denied, so I’m… Read more >>Unexpected Changes
Towards the end of my support raising, I've noticed a strange change in many of my relationships. Especially as many friends and acquaintances move back into the area for another year of school, I've noticed that my impending departure seems to almost hang like a shadow over many conversations I have. It enters the conversation eventually. It seems to make some people uncomfortable, which makes me feel odd. I've only had a couple people ask what actually led to making this decision, and try to uncover my motives. Most are just excited about travel, memories, and… Read more >>