For missionaries I think visiting churches can be one of those subjects. My family is very blessed with good, understanding, accepting churches, who make our visits good.
But constantly visiting; having to travel; always being the odd ones out; wondering if it will be the same as it was when you last saw it years ago... gets a bit old.
But constantly visiting; having to travel; always being the odd ones out; wondering if it will be the same as it was when you last saw it years ago... gets a bit old.
You don't recognize anyone, but they all know you. It can be annoying, cause you feel like you should know them too.
But you have visited a bunch of other churches and seen how many other people since you last saw them.
But you have visited a bunch of other churches and seen how many other people since you last saw them.
In your head, you know why you don’t, but it still gets to you. But despite all the annoyances, I think it is a unique gift, getting to go on these trips.
Who else gets touch so many different peoples lives? Who else gets to experience so much hospitality as people open their homes (and refrigerators)?
You get to talk to so many people and educate them about your country.
You get to hear stories and have a lot of people interested in you and what you have to say. (Which can be good or bad depending on people, and the personality of the missionary)
You get to hear stories and have a lot of people interested in you and what you have to say. (Which can be good or bad depending on people, and the personality of the missionary)
And even if having so many people knowing you can be annoying, at least if you ever become a celebrity, you go in with an idea of what to expect… :)
As much as we enjoy travel, we are glad it is done. Even me, the youngster, is sore from all the time cooped up in the car.
But we had a great trip out to NY + PA, and got to meet lots of great people. Thank you to everyone who made it a successful trip, and for all the prayers.
Anna
Anna
1 comment:
Dear Anna,
Thanks for sharing your thoughts about this. We are "one of the couples visited" and enjoyed our time with you and your family. I realized, even while we were visiting with you and your family, how awkward it must be for you when you travel so much and see people that you don't remember. To know that you have met so many people over the years and it had been such a very long time since we had seen you on LaGonave helped me to realize that you would find it hard to feel comfortable during the visit.
However, we enjoyed our time with your parents, you, and meeting Fritzlin. I enjoyed how you took time to converse with Fritzlin and "explain" things to him when he needed it.
I pray that you will have a good adjustment to your college years here in USA and that God will protect and comfort you each day; that he will give you many new friends; that he will guide you daily, as you seek him; that he will help you with your driving lessons and testing; that he will keep you from getting "too" homesick (I am sure it will help to have Eli nearby); and that you will enjoy your studies and sports. I pray that God will give you the desires of your heart and that you will KNOW how much HE LOVES YOU and that you will desire to bless Him in return. God bless!!
Jan Anderson (picnic at Don and Angie Koontz's home in Mercer, PA)
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