T - 3 Days Left

(this image to the left is the steel cross that was erected on site at the Village of Hope recently)

As I was blowing the snow off the driveway this morning I was thinking about how it is going to be quite a physical shock to my body to go into 100 degree weather in a few days. But then I thought, when I return to Sioux City, I will be shocked by the cold again. But I think I will be going through more than "physical shock" to my body once I get over to Africa.

For instance besides the climate change and jet lag... food, language, dress code, social differences, waking and walking around in unfamiliar surroundings, wierd noises and sights, and even unmet expectations are a few I will experience. These are called "cultural shocks" and God will be using these to show us on the team that our way "in America" is not always the only way to do things. I will have to look at things in the light that "it's not wrong, it's just different."

Paul, known for his short term missionary trips in and out of different cultures, addressed this in 1 Corithians 10:23-33. First he states that whatever we eat, drink or do, we need to do it all for the glory and honor of God. And secondly, we need not offend our hosts by not eating, drinking or doing only what we would normally, but if it blesses them for us to accept what they give us, we must accept it in faith and bless them. This is putting others first and not being judgemental and critical of another culture.

Please pray for our team as we enter this "culture shock". That we are open minded and accepting of foods and activities, and even their church "worship" style as not wrong, but different. And give it a try so that it will bless them, and that we have the right attitude also.