So Much to Learn

from Elliott

We just came back from Brazil where we joined Mission Society Missionaries for Orientation Training which is the first of three training programs that we will complete as a family before we head to South Africa for our assignment. For almost three weeks, we discussed mission theology and cross-cultural relationships, and experienced impoverished communities in Teresopolis and Rio de Janiero.

There was a wealth of new information and at times, I was overwhelmed with how much there was to learn. It almost seemed that the more I learned, the more I learned I had more to learn – not a comforting thought when we are preparing to take our family overseas.

Ultimately, though, there was one thought that I found very freeing. We were taught that in order to be accepted by our new culture and effectively ‘walk in the shoes’ of the people with which we will be ministering, we have to go as learners – humbling ourselves by not having all the answers.

Wow! That is a relief since I can’t imagine ever having all the answers. To think that it is actually beneficial to not have all the answers allows us to move forward with greater authenticity and confidence.