My first introduction to counseling with individuals who were working cross-culturally challenged me to re-think my theology of suffering and risk. I had been asked to help someone who was suffering from anxiety, which seemed to be the result of living and working in a different culture, one that was often antagonistic to their purpose and presence. In my preparation, it became clear to me that what I might offer as suggestions or advice for managing the anxiety wouldn't fit with their specific circumstances because they had in fact chosen to live and work in this area of the world knowing that it would not be easy.
One of the first books I read as I began investigating how best to help this individual was "Facing Danger, A Guide through Risk" by Anna Hampton. Anna's personal experience and knowledge of the dangers, challenges, and factors contributing to attrition for those working cross-culturally made this resource very helpful to my need for a steep learning curve. I later was able to participate in a training course offered by Anna and her husband on the topic of Risk Assessment and Management. I also found that "DIscernment" by Henri Nouwen, and "Hearing God" by Peter Lord were very helpful in working with this individual.
This experience set me on a path of learning more about how best to serve or help those working cross-culturally. I've attended Mental Health in Missions conferences, read more about Member Care, became a Cerny Smith Stress Assessment Coach, and I continue to look for and engage in opportunities to improve or equip myself. I also had the privilege of leading a marriage seminar and speaking at a singles retreat in Eastern Europe and counseled youth / consulted with staff at an International school in Eastern Asia.
All of this just to say, I count myself as one of the laborers, fellow workers, with those working cross culturally and look forward to helping you as God continues to prepare me to do so.
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