Regard as probably; expect or predict.
Guess or be aware of (what will happen) and take action in order to be prepared.
Look forward to.
All of those are listed as definitions for anticipate. All of those apply for how I feel about the potential move to Africa for two years and possibly even longer than that if God leads that way.
Let's first clearly establish that the longest I have been overseas is four weeks. During that time I had [all things considered] good access to internet and therefore my support system. I also had running water and electricity except for a few minor incidents.
Last month, some friends and I watched "Machine Gun Preacher". This is a movie based on the true story of Sam Childers. Sam had a past filled with violence and drugs. With influence from his wife, he came back to the church. Sam started to prosper as a construction worker and eventually found himself volunteering in South Sudan rebuilding what had been destroyed in the war. God led him to build an orphanage to provide for children that were so greatly affected by the fighting. I have not done enough research to know how accurate the move is compared to Sam's biography. However, I do believe that the movie gives a glimpse into a few aspects of mission work.
1. What about people here?
In the movie, Sam's friends and family (especially his daughter) have a hard time understanding how he can be so moved for a country, culture, and people he has never met. Sam's best friend struggles greatly. Rarely people ask me this but often I think I can see the question in their eyes. The only answer I have to offer is that God calls everyone for different purposes. I believe mine is in Africa and so far God is opening doors that confirm this. I will do my best to serve locally when I can and people that are called for local service will do their best to serve those that are overseas. Think of it as that one hobby (collecting stamps) or movie series (LOTR) or other strange thing that your spouse or best friend just doesn't like. It just does not make sense but you work through it, support them, and participate when and how you can.
2. It is not all fun and games.
The movie depicts this awful, horrendous scene that ends with the death of a group of children. I could barely watch. I knew it was coming and kept closing my eyes and opening to check and see if it was over. I won't even keep going because it is making me shudder with emotion just thinking about it. Various missionaries write books, have blogs, and get movies made about them. All too often people only see the part where they hold little kids or build a great building or delivery water to a village. But in between those moments, malnourished people are suffering, poverty stricken people ask for help everyday, locals get irritated at the foreigners trying to blend into the culture, and so much more. Going overseas for mission work is not always fun.
3. Home will be missed.
Home away from home is a popular saying for people that get their hearts torn between two places. I think this is true for most overseas missionaries. There will always be a home in the first world culture surrounded by family, friends, home church, and the countless amenities that are implied by that classification. There will also always be a home on the other side of the ocean. Once you are called and recognize that calling, the heart gets split in two. You long to be with the new culture. You long to be always helping and it feels like you are living in disobedience when you are not. Yet, in the middle of all of it when you are living God's will, things will be missed at home. In the movie, Sam constantly watches a video of his daughter in a play when he is in South Sudan. You will not make it to weddings and births, recitals and plays, holidays and parties. In my opinion, the truth is that we really do want to be there. Just because we are called away from our first home does not mean that we don't desire to be part of the ups and downs that happen.
As I anticipate what changes may come…these three concepts continue to rattle around in my brain. Looking back to the definition, maybe this can help me be aware and take action. At the same time, I will definitely be looking forward to the adventures that 2014 will bring.
Guess or be aware of (what will happen) and take action in order to be prepared.
Look forward to.
All of those are listed as definitions for anticipate. All of those apply for how I feel about the potential move to Africa for two years and possibly even longer than that if God leads that way.
Let's first clearly establish that the longest I have been overseas is four weeks. During that time I had [all things considered] good access to internet and therefore my support system. I also had running water and electricity except for a few minor incidents.
Last month, some friends and I watched "Machine Gun Preacher". This is a movie based on the true story of Sam Childers. Sam had a past filled with violence and drugs. With influence from his wife, he came back to the church. Sam started to prosper as a construction worker and eventually found himself volunteering in South Sudan rebuilding what had been destroyed in the war. God led him to build an orphanage to provide for children that were so greatly affected by the fighting. I have not done enough research to know how accurate the move is compared to Sam's biography. However, I do believe that the movie gives a glimpse into a few aspects of mission work.
1. What about people here?
In the movie, Sam's friends and family (especially his daughter) have a hard time understanding how he can be so moved for a country, culture, and people he has never met. Sam's best friend struggles greatly. Rarely people ask me this but often I think I can see the question in their eyes. The only answer I have to offer is that God calls everyone for different purposes. I believe mine is in Africa and so far God is opening doors that confirm this. I will do my best to serve locally when I can and people that are called for local service will do their best to serve those that are overseas. Think of it as that one hobby (collecting stamps) or movie series (LOTR) or other strange thing that your spouse or best friend just doesn't like. It just does not make sense but you work through it, support them, and participate when and how you can.
2. It is not all fun and games.
The movie depicts this awful, horrendous scene that ends with the death of a group of children. I could barely watch. I knew it was coming and kept closing my eyes and opening to check and see if it was over. I won't even keep going because it is making me shudder with emotion just thinking about it. Various missionaries write books, have blogs, and get movies made about them. All too often people only see the part where they hold little kids or build a great building or delivery water to a village. But in between those moments, malnourished people are suffering, poverty stricken people ask for help everyday, locals get irritated at the foreigners trying to blend into the culture, and so much more. Going overseas for mission work is not always fun.
3. Home will be missed.
Home away from home is a popular saying for people that get their hearts torn between two places. I think this is true for most overseas missionaries. There will always be a home in the first world culture surrounded by family, friends, home church, and the countless amenities that are implied by that classification. There will also always be a home on the other side of the ocean. Once you are called and recognize that calling, the heart gets split in two. You long to be with the new culture. You long to be always helping and it feels like you are living in disobedience when you are not. Yet, in the middle of all of it when you are living God's will, things will be missed at home. In the movie, Sam constantly watches a video of his daughter in a play when he is in South Sudan. You will not make it to weddings and births, recitals and plays, holidays and parties. In my opinion, the truth is that we really do want to be there. Just because we are called away from our first home does not mean that we don't desire to be part of the ups and downs that happen.
As I anticipate what changes may come…these three concepts continue to rattle around in my brain. Looking back to the definition, maybe this can help me be aware and take action. At the same time, I will definitely be looking forward to the adventures that 2014 will bring.
