Things I Remind Myself

Being catapulted from one culture to another sometimes feels a little like Dorothy leaving Kansas and ending up in Oz. The time zone is opposite, you are awake when it’s time to sleep, the food is not home cookin’, and you have to watch out crossing streets because the cars are whizzing by on the ‘wrong’ side of the road.

But, we have made our way through a stopover in Nairobi and now to Rwanda where trainings and sessions have begun.

In case you have not followed my (Roger’s) Facebook posts, here are a few posts of our journey thus far:

Someone has been praying for us. It's almost first class when you have two empty seats next to you to stretch out on! Always grateful for these little mercies. Now for some shuteye!

Things I remind myself as I enter the African culture: 1. There must always be time for a greeting no matter how big of a hurry I am in. 2. Things don't have to happen on time. 3. Indirect communication is polite: "Maybe tomorrow" is better than "No, I'm not interested." 4. Personal space has a different meaning, so just get over it. 5. People usually treat me with understanding and grace no matter how much I muff it up. And I will! Any other cross-cultural reminders?

Starting first training/strategizing/planning with amazingly fruitful/faithful leaders in Rwanda. To be honest, 'faith' for me is always two parts insecurity (what am I doing here? who am I? can I really make a difference here?) and one part just jump-off-the-cliff go for it anyway. And somehow God always does more than I can imagine. Can you relate?

It’s always a joy to worship with these friends from Rwanda and Burundi!