Kings, Cooks, Beggars, Saints Our last chapter was a bit theoretical on the inevitability of culture shock and how to overcome it. This chapter is more nuts and bolts about how to interact with various people on the mission field in the developing world. This
Culture Shock It’s the biggest catch-phrase of moving between continents. When Chloe and I first arrived back in San Diego, it was the first question on everyone’s lips—are you experiencing culture shock? Of course, this question was directed the other way, assuming that we had
“I feel pregnant!” was my recent response to a simple inquiry into how I’m feeling. I am often asked how I’m feeling. This seems to be the most socially acceptable way to ask a pregnant woman how she is doing. In retrospect this response may
The holidays have come and gone. The New Year is here, and with it a reminder of the passage of time. In the past month Christopher and I have become professional house-sitters. When I told my grandmother that I was getting really good at making
Chloe and I presented this movie about our year for Sunday school yesterday at New Life. For anyone who wasn’t able to be there, I’ve uploaded it for your viewing pleasure. Pastor Dave would like me to remind you all that we only had Koolaid
Many of you may be wondering what we’re doing now that we’re stateside. Sometimes I wonder the same thing. The truth, however, is that we’re doing quite a bit even if it isn’t a 9-5 or 24/7 job that we’ve been used to. First, we’ve
As many of you know, Christopher and I are expecting our first child, a little girl, on February 28, 2014 (give or take a few weeks at providence’s discretion). I find my thoughts often wandering to the coming birth and parenthood beyond. It is tempting
The following is an attempt to express some of the whirling thoughts on “re-entry”. The road behind, a streak in the sky 14 months long The road before, a swirling dream of the known made surreal Punctuated with a question mark An exchange has begun,
Back to life in the developed world. Where plastic utensils are disposable and there are public water fountains (remember those?). Many things that I used to take for granted have developed a new novelty. It’s been a wild couple of weeks with Chloe’s parents coming
We are coming home. Or are we? With our current term coming to an end in just a few weeks, it’s hard not to feel a sense of disconnectedness from what’s going on around the Mission. The other missionaries are planning for events that will