Mission Safari: The Next Chapter(s)

Culture

Over the past couple of years, I have invested a lot of time learning about different cultures.  I spent the summer of 2004 in Belgium observing the European culture.  From October 04 to May 06 I have been immersed in Kenyan culture.  I have been on "high alert" to learn about the various cultures and subcultures in Kenya.  I have enjoyed the process.  I have learned a lot about Kenyans and a lot about myself.

Kenyans are very quick to point out that there are many differences among the different people in Kenya - ie, Maasai are different from Kikuyu who are different from Kamba who are different from Asians.  In fact, they pride themselves in being diverse.  Unfortunately, Americans in Kenya (and probably elsewhere abroad) get pigeon-holed into being just one big culture.  Apparently there is this idea that all Americans are the same.

This summer I have learned that we too as Americans are as different as Apple Pie and Black Forest Cake.  We too have a lot of different cultures.  And we should be just as proud of our diversity.  We tend to be ashamed of this fact...particularly if you are of the White Male Conservative persuasion.  But God has made us all different.  And for that we should be thankful.

I have enjoyed the opportunity to observe and feel at home in the Southern Culture.  I especially (for reasons I can't fully understand) enjoy observing the Redneck Culture.  I love the accents, the mannerisms, the sayings, the way of interacting, the topics of discussion.  Rednecks have been the butt of many jokes, but they have an interesting culture.

I have also been intrigued by Black Culture.  They have their own vocabulary, sayings, and ways of relating.  They are more animated.  More vocal.  More emotional.  And that is good.

Midwesterners have a different culture as well.  They are a bit more direct than Southerners.  But they are not as bold as Northerners.  They love to complain about the weather and the roads and the government.  But they like their Baseball, American made cars, and shopping malls.

I have been able to learn about a few more "new" (new to me anyway) cultures.  The cowboys and Indians of South Dakota all have a bunch of differences.  Even though I am in America, it is different here both geographically, topographically, and socially.  I feel like I am in a different country to tell you the truth. 

I could go on about all the different cultures and subcultures that we have in America but I think the point has been made.  As Americans we do share a lot of the same values.  But we are also very different.  And that is ok. 

Of course, what is of most importance in reality is whether we belong to the Kingdom Culture.  This too is a different culture (or at least Christ calls us to be "set apart.")  This is the culture that we should look to be immersed in.  And the funny thing about this Kingdom Culture is that Christ calls all people from all the Cultures (yes, Rednecks, Southerners, Midwesterners, Cowboys, Indians, Kikuyu, Maasai, Kamba, and Asian) to all participate and feel at home.  That is the best part of the Kingdom Culture - we all are invited.

Confusion

All of the traveling and moving around is starting to affect some of us.  Over the weekend Sam had a really hard time keeping things straight.  He is usually totally into seeing new things, but he has hit the wall so to speak. 

This weekend we were in Newberry.  We stayed at a hotel as we had a get together Saturday night and then a church to speak at on Sunday morning.  You could tell that he was recognizing several things about Newberry but that they seemed to be "out of order."  It was cute but also painful to see him try to put all the memories in the right context.  We moved when he was 3.

Sunday night he finally broke down and started crying.  He said he wanted to "go home to Kenya."  I understand what he means.  He knows our house and routine are there.  He is tired of having fun here at the cost of moving around from place to place.  I didn't think he would have much of a problem this summer as he loves to do new and exciting things.  I guess I was wrong.

50 Days Left in the U.S.

Our time in the U.S. is about half over.  We have been on a whirl wind tour of the States.  We have enjoyed our time, but are starting to feel some of the strain.  In some ways we are looking forward to getting back to Kenya just to get back into a routine.  Strangely, we don't feel like we are pressing to get everything in (like showing up at Disney World 4 hours late and trying to do a full-days worth of rides in the shortened time), it is just that we are finding that the days go by so quickly.  I am sure that the next 50 will go even faster.

Great Reviews

A while back I mentioned that a video team had come to Nairobi to film our life and ministry.  After spending four days shooting 15 hours of footage and interviews the team went back to Charlotte and began the hard work of production.  Fortunately their talented Arts Guild at their church, Christ Central Church, pitched in to craft a beautiful 16 minute video.  Helping the original crew was a musician (composing original background music), a TV producer (helping with the editing), and a graphic artist.  I have been blown away by the work that they did.

Not only was it professionally done, but it also accurately and powerfully portrays our first two years in Kenya without being overdramatic, over the top, or sappy.  I would have hated that.  It reveals the real struggles that we have had and how God is working through that for His Glory.

And, it has opened up many an opportunity to further the work of God's Kingdom at home.  Last week, before I introduced and showed the video, a Sunday School coordinator made an announcement pleading for some help with one of the classes.  After the video, one of the elders asked me to challenge the congregation to get more involved in our work.  My reply was a bit odd.  I stated that before folks considered coming and helping with our work, they needed to look around at the needs that were facing them locally and participate in that work first.

Right before I left the church, the Associate Pastor wanted to thank me and let me know that a couple had "answered the call" to teach Sunday School for the next year.  Praise God for how He works in people's lives.

Marti's Birthday Party

Marti turns the big "_ - 0" (what do you think I am stupid or something to post her age?) next week.  We decided to have a birthday bash so we could celebrate with many friends.  It was a great idea as the party was wonderful.  We got to see lots of old friends and reconnect.  That was the best part.

Marti's favorite gift was a scrapbook of letters and cards we collected for her.  We asked different people to write notes about what Marti means to them.  The response was overwhelming and such a blessing.  Her best friend did a great job with the book.  It will make it even more special in the days to come.  It will even be a more important gift once we get back to Kenya. 

Can't wait to her next big party!!

No Regrets

In the last post, I used the word "regret."  It reminded me of a post I have been wanting to write.  The other night, after driving back from the St. Louis area to South Carolina, I was a bit tired.  I was looking in the mirror and thinking about how I looked a bit older than I did a few years ago (duh??!!!).  I was thinking about how fast the kids are growing up.  I was thinking about the impact that my decision to move to Kenya has had on our family.  I was thinking about what life would be like if I hadn't moved.

And thankfully, as I studied myself (looking at a few wrinkles and a thinning of the hair), I knew that I could honestly say that if it was my last day on earth, I would have no regrets.  I do not regret the decision to go to Kenya.  I do not regret the decision to raise my family there.  I recognize that life has been harder there, but I don't regret the decision to be obedient.  I heard God calling - I answered.  I followed through on my convictions.  I submitted myself to church elders and the mission agency.  I took a huge paycut.  I suffered emotionally at times.  I put my family through some trying times.  And in the "mid-term" analysis, I have no regrets.

And man did that satisfy my soul!  Praise the Lord that He has given me the faith to follow through.  He is the one that has allowed me to say, "I have no regrets."

A Busy Time or a Busy Culture?

Being home is not a vacation.  Life has been much busier here than when we were in Kenya.  It has been fun but also draining.  I miss my routine.  So does Marti.  So do the kids.  We know that we are trying to squeeze in too many visits, too many things.  But we can't seem to help ourselves.  We enjoy the time with family and friends.  But we can't seem to slow down.

I have been trying to figure out whether it is just because we are here for such a short period, or because ours is a busy culture.  I am sure it is a combination of both.  But I really do miss having my time to write and reflect.  Things are a blur.  I know I am going to regret not spending more time processing our time here.  It will be over and all I will have is a blur of memories of getting together with folks and doing things that are American.

I pray I learn to at least enjoy each day and not look forward too much to having a "routine."

Enjoy Your Work

One of the things I am doing while in the U.S. is working a few shifts in the ER here in South Carolina to keep current with American medicine and to learn a few things about better management of the ER.  Tonight, before going to the ER I stopped for supper at O'Charleys (yum).  As I was leaving, the waitress noticing that I was wearing scrubs, said, "Enjoy your work tonight."  I answered, "I will."

I thought about that on the way to the ER.  I realized that I really do enjoy the work that I do.  I like being a doctor.  I like taking care of patients.  I like working with the ER staff.  I like being a missionary.  I like being a Clinical Director.  I like being faculty member.  Not everyone can say that they like working.  But I do.

And that is a blessing.  God created us for work.  He created us to take dominion over what He has put us over.  It's not always easy, but part of being made in His image.  And I thank him for the opportunity to work with my hands and mind.  I thank Him for allowing me to interact with people and serve them through medicine.

And so, even as most of you prepare to enjoy the long holiday weekend, enjoy your work.