Lithuania and Hungary, 7 days, 20 hrs of intentional conversations, seeing and being a part of God working in the lives of people. Questions of faith, life, managing conflict, some questions asked generally, others asked pointedly and specific. All answered with a sense of God’s leading in my responses. Each answer needing to be considered in light of and discussed in the context of cultural differences while understanding what gives us a sense of commonality. I appreciated and felt honored that everyone seemed to trust being open and honest in the brief times we spent and it was apparent that God was at work before, during and since our conversations.
I was reminded of the importance of balancing being prepared, with simply personal sharing. God has been at work in my life, giving me a story to tell that’s full of His Grace and Mercy, and quite often that’s the better story to share.
As I have returned home, people ask me “How was your trip ?” and I’m seriously hesitant to answer because I often wonder the intent behind the question. Do they know I didn’t go to enjoy the travel, the sights, the experience of different cultures ? That I went because in the work that God has given me, I’ve seen and talked with many of those I visited or that my “return” visit was to intentionally follow up with our conversations begun 7 yrs ago ? The real response to the question of how the trip went rests with those I visited. I’ve heard from some that it went well, there was a feeling of support and encouragement from our meetings. New insights or perspectives were heard, shared, helpful to their unique situations and appreciated. I saw God at work specifically and directly in one situation as the individual made a personal commitment, decision to follow Christ. Other situations, I realized that planting a seed, trusting God with where and how it would grow was all that I could accomplish in such a short time and that was sufficient.
I was able to see, experience and appreciate again the challenges of living cross-culturally, simple daily activities that we take for granted, road signs, language difficulties in simple purchases / transactions, interacting with people groups and faiths that are not just different but in some ways opposed to your own and finding civil and courteous conversation / sharing, etc.
How was the trip ? A blessing, at times a challenge, another glimpse of what it’s like to work and live cross culturally, an opportunity to share and see God at work, prayerfully an encouragement to those that God arranged for me to visit. Thankful for a sending church that recognizes the importance of caring for those sent.
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