That Missionary Life

We are going on a mission trip as a family. It is a bit different as we are visiting friends (that are like family), but this is the first time back as a family since we left in 2020. What are your thoughts of mission trips with younger kids (8 and up)?

Intentional holidays and a crush on liturgy? Maybe you’re a missionary:)! Some advent ideas and thoughts about holidays and celebrations as a missionary, and now back in the USA missionary. You can download the missionary advent at worldrenewal.org/kids-holidays

I took this question from another podcast you should check out: Third Culture Thriving. She said it’s her favorite question to ask cross-cultural workers (it’s a quick listen and worth it!!) and I liked it so much I answered it- and pass the question on to you: how has your life/ministry changed since you first started? How do you feel about those changes?

What do you think of when people talk about their “calling?” Do you have a “calling story”? I wanted to share mine, because it has been a surprisingly powerful thing in my life.

Excited to share with you that it only took four years. But here we are. The mind shift of transitioning, the mind shift of being ok with here (gestures wildly around her). What about you? Have you gone through a mind shift in being ok where you are, no matter where “here” is? How did you get there? What do you think makes up a missionary heart?

Part 2 (please listen to part 1 first) of reading my book to my daughters, now that they are 7 and 9 years old. Join us for conversations with our daughters about our multicultural history and family.

Three years ago, my daughters and I read through the book I wrote for them. They were 4 and 6: it’s time to have that conversation again. Please join us for this conversation with our kids about our multicultural history and family.

What I've learned about immigration from being a missionary. Depending on terms, Missionaries ARE immigrants (or at least migrants). The current political rhetoric around immigrants has horrified me, and really brought out how the church has one rule for missionaries, and other rule for when it is in their own backyard. What are some of your immigration stories? How are you dealing with this d...

We moved into our first home 6 months ago. I'd always seen home ownership as a ball and chain. Instead, its surprised me as roots growing in barren cracks in my soul. I am grateful for this chance, after being gone for so long, to jump with both feet into this #FamilyEra

This is the same episode as I did in June, but the sound quality was bad. Spotify changed how I can do everything, so now I am refiguring it out:) I ran off to nature and recorded these rambing thoughts about the disconnect between "I am a missionary" and "I am not a missionary anymore" and the truth that both of these statements hold.

How have politics been a part of your life as a missionary? Do you talk about politics in your host country? In your passport country? Do you feel a part of either one? Had your perspective on politics changed since serving abroad?

I was asked this question, and came up with three answers. What would your answer be?

Three years back and looking to buy our first home. All the questions that choosing a location to live brings up. Who knew it would be so stressful? Who knew it would reveal more things I need to surrender and learn and grow? How have you been intentional in where you’ve lived, as a missionary and as a non-missionary (and does it make a difference)? As always- all the questions.

Coming up on three years off the field. What do you do on anniversaries of hard, big things? What has changed and what has stayed the same for you since then?

Do you have a once a year missions fair, celebration, conference, meal, or whatnot? How does that work? Do people come? Is it effective? What would you do if you could do it any way you wanted?

What were your best vacation memories? How do they do vacations where you were at? Did you feel like you couldn’t share pictures of your vacations with your supporters? What are the issues around vacations and missionaries?

Thoughts from before, during, and after the 2023 trip to Brazil

What are the stories of your homes? How has moving/changing affected you? Do you get the angst (“angsties”) when you feel like it’s time to move on? What happens when you can’t move yet? How do you deal with the angsties?

What funny, embarrassing, horrible experiences have you had while learning what is taboo in another language? How has that changed what you think about cussing in your own culture?

How have you experienced loss when it comes to money? Have you ever felt manipulated by money? Have you ever felt you had to manipulate to receive money?

And what about worthy/unworthy rich? What about the whole subject of enabling? How can we give and serve the right people at the right time the right way? Is it even possible?

We had two Christmas’s in Brazil, each with their big stories. I share our stories, and would love to hear yours.

What were some things that really helped- and what hurt- when leaving missions? So excited to have Jeff Turner share his insights, after leaving the mission field four years ago. It was such a honor to serve with him in Brazil, and now to continue our friendship here, with both our families in the USA.

It is our two year anniversary of moving back to the states from Brazil. How do you handle transition anniversaries? How do you help other transition well? What have you learned about transitions after transitioning?

I kind of cringe when people say something like “I need to send my kid on a mission trip so they can see how good they have it.” Or thinking that a trip is going to solve a problem they have. Please don’t ask missionaries to fix your problems! We have enough already!