Perspective

I find myself, yet again, sitting in the Indianapolis airport. The last time I was here, I had just been accepted as a Global Mission Intern (GMI) to Hungary. The excitement was palpable and bursting forth. I could not wait to tell everyone! That was May...Now, it is the end of September and the excitement has morphed into anxiety. Planning and logistics have overtaken my emotions.

I came to Indianapolis a week ago for a global mission conference and training. In my mind, I thought of this conference as the last step before my departure. It is almost comical how emotionally unprepared I was for this week. And in a way, I think everyone else who participated in this conference was just as unprepared for the faith and community that came from our week together. The group consisted of missionaries from around the world, both new and old, continuing, beginning and concluding. We literally spent four FULL days together. The Global Ministry staff brought in speakers from all over the country to discuss sensitive and important issues that missionaries must face - cultural awareness, race and racism, health, security...

But most importantly, we created a community; a community of faith where experiences as well as fears were shared without rebuke. The people I met and the conversations we shared, helped me begin to shape a new perspective on "mission." My purpose in Budapest is so much more than "doing."It is a time to create a shared path in faith with my partner in Hungary. Above all the cultural differences that exist between us, is the only thing that really matters - our equality around the table as members of the body of Christ.

Until next time, I'll leave you with a prayer from Thomas Merton that was shared with us by our Area Executive to Africa, Sandra Gourdet.

God, I have no idea where I am going.
I do not see the road ahead of me.
I cannot know for certain where it will end.
Nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I think that I am following your will does not mean that I am actually doing so.
But I believe that the desire to please you does in fact please you.
And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing.
I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire.
And I know that f I do this you will lead me by the right road though I may know nothing about it.
Therefore will I trust you always though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death.
I will not fear, for you are ever with me, and you will never leave me to face my perils alone.

Amen.