update #6 - cross-cultural training & reflections

"I want to travel the world and breathe the air of new places." --unknown

Some reflections of the time I spent in the cross-cultural training this past month:

Culture is a beautiful and unique mosaic that I believe is a picture of the diversity and creativity of Christ. He makes Himself known in all cultures, people groups, and countries across the world, not just one. He is not limited to our simple understanding of a design for living. He is bigger and greater than we can imagine. He encompasses all cultures, never changing who He is by nature, but revealing Himself in different ways to different people.


We can stand to learn a lot about Christ by visiting and immersing ourselves in different cultures. Each culture’s unique explanation of the purpose of the animals, plants, landforms that fill this earth reveal just a bit more of who God is. In my opinion, culture is a picture of the Body of Christ – each part unique and necessary for the Body to function properly; parts of each culture are a reflection of who Christ is and when we learn more about other cultures, we are able to see new and different parts of Christ.


However, while there is much beauty in the unique creativity God has in forming countless cultures throughout the world, our human brokenness is also made evident in certain parts of these cultures. There is no right or wrong culture, but there are clear parts of each culture that are simply not Christ, but the flesh. In those parts, however, there is a story of redemption waiting to be seen.


And that’s the beautiful thing: Christ is in every culture because He is a mosaic of cultures, and culture is a mosaic of who Christ is. Though He may have spent His time on earth in the Middle East, He now relates to all people in all cultures. His love is bigger than cultural divides. He is greater than the differences that can blind us humans. And it’s His love that must be taken across these cultural barriers. It’s His love that can be communicated across the cultural barriers because He is the one constant that remains true in all cultures. We just need to look for Him with a different perspective. There may be different ways of seeing Him, relating to Him, understanding Him in each culture, but one thing remains constant: Jesus is there.


I think this is something truly evidenced in culture: His love, glory and power are understood in various languages and experienced by people all across the globe. There is not just one culture that understands and experiences Christ. He is present everywhere. He might look different, but I think people are just seeing a different part of His face. It’s still Christ. It’s all Him. This outward expression of who a people group is shows just a portion of God’s marvelous creativity. What a wonderful gift it is to have multiple perspectives of the things God has created – and of our Father Himself!


Given our discussion of the multiple views of culture, I believe that one’s attitude towards a given culture will be positively impacted by having a high view of culture because there will be an openness and willingness to learn from the people of the host culture. Having a low view of culture, however, can negatively affect one’s attitude towards a given culture and its people by allowing a preconceived notion of right vs. wrong to dictate all interactions a person has with people in the host culture. It would prevent one from being able to have genuine, trusting relationships with people of the given culture because there would not be a willingness to understand the reasons behind why people do what they do. There might be an assumption that if it is not done the same (“right”) way, it is wrong and therefore sinful. I also think that having a neutral view of culture will negatively affect one’s attitude towards a given culture and its people because that person won’t see the need to actually understand the culture of the people before building a relationship. There would be countless misunderstandings based on cultural differences that could be avoided if that person valued culture.


Having a high view of culture can affect one’s approach to missions by seeing that Jesus is the one who makes culture beautiful, unique and diverse. Understanding that He is revealed in different ways throughout the cultures of the world will help the missionary’s approach in sharing the gospel. Being culturally aware allows us to share Christ in a way that is understandable to people in our host culture. Having a low or neutral view of culture would likely lead to many difficulties in sharing the gospel with the host culture because there is no value for, or understanding of, the need to contextualize the gospel for the sake of the people in the host country.

♥ mk

update #5 - finding rest

"take rest; a field that has rested gives a bountiful crop." -- Ovid

I've been at a cross-cultural training for the past three weeks as part of my preparation for moving to Spain long-term. It’s been a time filled with learning from facilitators who lived overseas for a number of years, other students who are preparing to enter the field full-time as well, and everyone in between. Coming in to the training, I was feeling pretty exhausted from a number of months of traveling, not feeling settled anywhere, and constantly living out of a suitcase. I was looking forward to being in one place for six weeks – the longest I've stayed in one place since returning to the States last July – and (finally) getting some rest.

This training is out in the middle of nowhere, North Carolina, and there are about 30 students here, so in my mind, I thought I’d definitely be getting my share of solitude and alone time. I’d recharge here and be ready to hit the ground running and raise the rest of the support I need to return to Spain (hopefully) this Spring.

However, God had other plans in mind. I live in a dorm with 6 other women who are leaving to various parts of the world, so stories have been shared over meals, walks around (the booming metropolis of) Union Mills, in the classroom, and between fits of laughter. I've gotten less sleep and much less alone time than I’d planned or thought I might have. I haven’t read nearly as much as I’d hoped I would. I haven’t written on my blog in months. I've hardly had time to make phone calls during the week.

I haven’t, I haven’t, I haven’t.

But I have made some incredible friends.

I have been encouraged.

I have gotten rest.

I have been rejuvenated.

I have seen Christ in others.

I have fellowshipped with brothers and sisters.

Yesterday afternoon, it started to “snow” here. Now, I’m coming to learn that snow means something different depending on what part of the country (or world) you’re in. There’s maybe an inch or two of snow out there, but it’s covering a thick layer of ice. So our classes were delayed this morning. We were supposed to have a time of worship together as a class before our cross-cultural classes started, so we invited the guys to come over and join our dorm of girls for some songs and prayer. And it’s been incredible. 

Something unexpected.

Something truly beautiful.

Spontaneous outpouring of love for our Father.

I have gotten to rest here. It most certainly didn't look like what I’d expected. But, then again, when does it ever?

In Christ, I find true rest.

Only in Him.

“Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.”

Psalm 90:14

♥

mk

update #4 - loving my (homeless) neighbors: Seattle

"we think sometimes that poverty is only being hungry, naked, and homeless. the poverty of being unwanted, unloved and uncared for is the greatest poverty. we must start in our own homes to remedy this kind of poverty." -- Mother Theresa

Last night I went to a local shelter to serve dinner to some of my homeless neighbors. Since it wasn't raining, I decided to walk down to the shelter, which is always helpful in clearing my mind, slowing my thoughts, and preparing me for the experience and conversations I'm about to have.

And I had no idea just what I was in for.

Before the meal, we all sang some Christmas carols together and it was such a beautiful sight, looking at all of these people who are visibly hurt, broken, struggling to make it another day opening their mouths and singing. It's amazing what a little bit of music can do to lift spirits. And to see a room filled with men and women desperate for hope, finding some joy in the moment as we all sang together, gave me an overwhelming sense of love for these people I'd just met.

It keeps things in perspective, really, to meet people who don't have a house or apartment to call home, and yet can smile, finding joy in the midst of such pain. My heart broke for my neighbors there, but I also felt so much hope for them because of their outward demonstration of hope, joy, and peace.

The conversations I had with a couple of them after the meal were such a good reminder to me that these neighbors of mine are just as broken as I am, because we all share in our humanity. And they can also have just as much joy and hope as I can.

And so I gladly and humbly plan to return to that shelter to not only serve my neighbors, but also listen to their stories. There's so much I can learn from them. But, more importantly, when I slow down and actively engage in conversation with my homeless neighbors, it gives them a chance to regain their sense of humanity, feeling valued and loved again. And what greater gift is there to give than sharing in Christ's love with one another? 'Tis the season, after all. :)



♥ mk

update #3 - adventures in the South

"it doesn't matter where you go in life... it's who you have beside you."

Friendsgiving 2014: reunited with one of my best friends

I'm now back in Seattle after an incredible week in the South. When I first started planning this trip to North and South Carolina, I had no idea what the week was going to look like, who I'd be able to see, or how I was even going to get from one city to the next. Now, looking back on the last ten days, I'm amazed at how the details all fell right into place, humbled by the wonderful hospitality I experienced, and beyond thankful for the time I got to spend with friends - both new and old.

Exploring Charleston, SC with some
wonderful (new and old!) friends

Spontaneous adventures, many wonderful conversations, countless fits of giggles. Those things all make life - and traveling - that much more fun. But they can't be planned. 

It's when things aren't planned that I get to keep my eyes opened for opportunities to see, enjoy, taste, experience new things. I see these things for what they are: gifts.

Sharing a meal with a dear friend from high school
in Winston-Salem, NC

Every little thing that happened while I was traveling around the Carolinas seemed to be a gift - the extra time spent with new friends, the beauty of a change in scenery, the chance to catch up with friends and family I hadn't seen in years, the refreshing feeling of hiking on a cool Fall day, the kind of laughter that makes you double over, and the true fellowship that was centered completely around Jesus. I'm still amazed by it all, really.

It's pretty wonderful what can happen if I let go of trying to control every single detail and let God take care of it. That's something I've said for years and always thought it was a great idea, but it was such a struggle to actually let go of that control.

I've learned a lot this past year, but among the most life-altering was a complete shift in my perspective. I no longer have my own agenda, don't try to do things my way, don't even have expectations of what I think should happen.

Because it's only when I let go of those ideas that the most incredible moments, interactions, conversations, experiences happen. Everything becomes a gift.

Visiting my sweet cousin in beautiful Greenville, SC

♥
mk

tuesday update #3

"when it rains, look for rainbows. when it's dark, look for stars"

I'm sitting in a coffee shop as it pours rain outside and I'm not even in Seattle. Kind of makes me wonder if the rain follows me. ;)

After spending a good portion of my upbringing in the Seattle area, I feel like I've paid my dues and gotten my fair share of rainy and overcast days. I'm not really the biggest fan of rainy days (unless I can get away with cozying up and not going outside for the day), but have learned to appreciate the beauty of what a rainy day can mean.

It forces me to slow down.
Allows me to wrap up in a blanket and get cozy.
Makes me rest.
Is the perfect day for a hot chocolate or cup of tea.
Helps me see the importance of the rain for the healthy growth of plants, flowers, trees.
Makes me look for rainbows.

There are times right now, as I'm raising support to return to Spain full-time, that can feel like I'm stuck in a perpetual rain cloud. But it's not as gloomy as it could be. Or as I thought it might be.

My perspective is no longer on feeling stuck in a grey, overcast sky, but on what is happening as it's raining. I'm seeing the amazing blessing of the "forced" slower pace of life that allows me to rest and actually live in the moment. I'm able to be fully present for conversations, not worrying, planning or thinking about what's next, but see that time as a gift. I enjoy slowing down and sipping a cup of tea.

I look for the rainbows, keeping my eyes up.

Why dwell on the frustrations that the rain can bring - the extra traffic, not being able to get work done as quickly, the forced change of plans - when there's so much beauty because of the rain? There's growth that comes from it. There's rest. Enjoyment. Peace.

We can probably all stand to have a few more rainy days. And for those who are like me and have trouble really enjoying them: just embrace them. We can't control the weather. We can't control the "rainy day" phases of life. So take it as a gift and rest.

Enjoying some chai tea at my temporary office on this rainy day :)

♥
mk

travel: Colorado

"the mountains are calling and I must go" -- John Muir

I just got back from a lovely trip to Colorado, so I thought I'd make my second travel post about my favorite state. :)

Ahh, those Colorado Rockies
(Pike's Peak - Colorado Springs, CO)

This trip was primarily for fundraising and partner development, but it (of course) ended up being so much more than that. Things like this usually are. I had the opportunity to spend time with some friends I hadn't seen in months - and, in some cases, years. So much had happened in that span of time - some had gotten married, had children, moved to a new home, new state even... There's so much that can happen in just a few years!

Hiking with a friend I've known since we were 15

But the most beautiful thing is that most of these friendships picked up right where we left off. And for that I'm beyond thankful. I'm definitely not the best at staying in touch regularly, but I've come to realize that any effort can mean so much. Many of the conversations I had with these friends over the last couple of weeks showed me how founded they are in love. 

Befriending my first roommate's daughter

I've known a few of these friends for nearly half of my life and others just for a handful of years, but I share the same laughter, deep and meaningful conversations, and love for each of them. Yes, it may be easier to jump right back into this when you've known someone for a decade, but it doesn't mean it can't happen with someone you briefly knew while living in the same city.

Visiting a friend I met this year in Spain - in Colorado!

And this has helped me more fully realize what a gift friendships are in this life. 

So, this post may not be about travel, fundraising, or even Colorado... but I hope this can be an encouragement to anyone who reads this to reach out to a friend you haven't seen in a while. Send an email, give a call, write a letter. It could make someone's day. And maybe help you realize the amazing blessing that friendships are.

Christmassy Old Town
(Fort Collins, CO)

♥ mk

update #2 - perspective shift

"every dreamer knows that it is entirely possible to be homesick for a place you've never been to, perhaps more homesick than for familiar ground" -- Judith Thurman

I'm a bit behind on blog posts, so I'm going to pretend like today is Tuesday and give you an update. Just go with it. ;)

So, if you read my update from a couple of weeks ago, you know that I've been back in the States since July and am currently preparing to return to Spain for (at least) three years. As part of this preparation, I have the opportunity to share with friends and family what God has been doing in Spain and what He's calling me be part of there, and invite them to invest in this work. It can be an emotionally, mentally, and physically draining thing for me - an introvert - to do day in and day out.

But God has been amazingly faithful, giving me strength, rest, and peace through it all.

Actually, it's not just that He gives me those things, but that He IS those things. God has become my strength, my rest, and my peace through this journey. I don't go looking to Him to give me momentary peace and rest when I'm tired because He is not momentary but eternal - the beginning and end. He is my continual rest, my constant peace, my everlasting strength. There is no way those things - which are characteristics of Christ - can leave me as long as it is His life (not my own) living in and through me.

And that has caused my whole perspective to shift.

It is no longer about having enough strength to make it through a day, morning, conversation. It is not about how quickly I can raise the funds I need to get back to Spain. It is not about how much sleep I can get to have the energy to keep going through this stage of the journey.

It's all about Jesus.
Just Jesus.

My focus has turned away from the things that can so often get me down or stress me out and to the One thing that matters: seeking to know Christ more fully. And it's so beautiful what this has done to my whole world. As I look to Him, all I can see are the ways in which He's provided for me in the past - and is clearly continuing to provide.

I used to be so scared of the idea of raising support for my salary, but I've come to see the incredible blessing it is to live in complete reliance on God's provision for my needs. It's no longer about the dollars, but about seeking more of Him and trusting that He will continue to provide as He always has - this time in a new, "non-traditional" way.

And oh, what a wonderful thing it is when He chooses to provide through gifts from dear friends and family! I love getting to share in Him and His work in this way. It creates quite a community when people come together for a cause. And I can't even begin to tell you how blessed I feel to be part of a community and family like this. Wow.

(Note: if you'd like to know more about what God is doing through CRM in Spain, please feel free to write me! I'd love to share more about it.
ALSO, if you feel led to partner with CRM in this, please follow this link and type "Mikaela McGee" in the search box to make a donation to my fund.)


Please post questions or comments below to continue this conversation!

♥
mk