Hope and Humor for Women in Cross Cultural Ministry
We are relocating, not to be confused with retiring, retreating, or resigning. We are moving from ministry overseas to serving in my home country. This transition has caused questions to bombard my soul. Will we continue to have enough support? Will God provide? How will we adapt? Why is this so hard? What other challenges... Continue Reading →
Transitions are not easy, even with previous experience. Moving from one place and adapting to another, even when it is familiar, is challenging. I’ve moved back to my passport country—the place where I longed to be on those hard days while living overseas. And yet, here I sometimes find myself longing to go back to... Continue Reading →
Almost everyone remembers an adult, or older sibling, who held their hand to help them. Maybe to help them cross a busy street. Or to help them jump into the deep end of the pool when they felt scared. Or to keep them from jumping in when they were reckless! When navigating a bustling crowd,... Continue Reading →
I recently listened to a podcast based on the book, The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry, by John Mark Comer. For several of the episodes I increased the video speed to 1.5 because of my busy day and upcoming appointments. I’m pretty sure that is not what the author of that book intended. Waiting is one... Continue Reading →
“I hope you have a nice trip.” “I hope my cake is tasty.” “I hope I win this game.” Hope seems like a weak word to me. Hearing “I hope you feel better soon,” spoken with a sigh, doesn’t inspire confidence. When I say, “I hope it works out,” I don’t always sense that it... Continue Reading →
Someone asked me today what some stressors are for people who serve across cultures. It led to a group of us brainstorming as we discussed challenges we face. I thought I’d share a few language and cultural mistakes we’ve experienced. Language blunders: When we first moved to Spain, we needed to purchase an iron. At... Continue Reading →
After Solomon became king, God told him to ask for whatever he wanted so that God could give it to him. (2 Chronicles 1) What might we have asked for? Maybe money enough to never have to worry? Maybe a long and healthy life? Success? Most of the ideas that pop up first in my... Continue Reading →
I am remembering Don's birthday 34 years ago! It is an old story, often told, but a good reminder of God's faithfulness in the midst of challenges. After Don finished carrying and moving our 14 trunks about 15 times, we finally arrived at our destination! It was 115 degrees that day in the Middle East... Continue Reading →
I look in the mirror and see the same person looking back at me wherever I am. I enjoy interacting with people. I love humor and am usually friendly. I am an extrovert. Whether overseas or in my home country, I am me. But it isn’t that simple. Landing at the airport for our first... Continue Reading →
I found a new rest-of-my-life theme verse! Joshua 13:1, “When Joshua had grown old, the Lord said to him, “You are now very old, and there are still very large areas of land to be taken over.” Joshua was getting older and just in case he didn’t realize it, God reminded him: “You are now very old.” God... Continue Reading →
Screams In The Desert 