I am just going to be blunt and say that it is not easy to embrace times of discomfort. Change is often difficult and always brings one to a place of uneasiness. It may not be a quick transition. For instance, the other day I was walking outside (desiring for some time alone) after a day out of the compound when all of a sudden there were some locals who wanted my attention. To be honest, all I really wanted to do was keep on walking. However, I am learning quickly that it isn't always about what I want, especially if I am to be in ministry. Often times loving people like Jesus requires us to actually be around people especially when we don't want to be. This means that we must greet them, eat with them, talk with them, mourn/hurt with them etc. It means that often times it can feel like an inconvenience.
Despite the fact that I have learned some local greetings, I hadn't learned much of anything to say to these people in Chichewa. I smiled and said "Muli bwanji" (how are you), in which they replied "Dili bwino kaya inu" ( I am fine and you?). I replied, "Dili bwino" and bowed in respect. It is something so simple and yet it made the woman smile and she hugged me and said thank you. It was a precious moment that stemmed from a seemingly uncomfortable place. The next time I greeted a local in the feeding center I messed it all up and he hugged me and said Azungu "White person/wanderer" and laughed... I was a little more embarassed... but I am starting to see that making an effort is better than not trying even if I do not get it right...
Little did I know, God would start to bring me through more uncomfortable places this past week. He would challenge me to embrace the discomfort. I have walked in the hot sun to get to the soon to be crowded mini bus so I can get to the ministry just to wait for the mini bus to fill up for over an hour... I have to get used to possible sporadic rain showers. I am adapting to different environments (market vs. church) and I am trying to get used to having limited personal space. I have embarassed myself countless times as I try to greet the local people and share with them. I have walked in mud, and work my Chitenge (traditional local skirt) wrong, and have had people laugh at me thinking I was so cute for trying to not butcher their language.
The lesson I have taken from this past week: God wants us all to embrace the uncomfortable places. He will not always make things easy. Sometimes we will have to have faith, endure, and rely on Him to get us through. Now I am sure that I will go through many more adjustments including culture shock, and will experience more discomfort (using the local toilet) hahaha... but I know that God is really more concerned with my attitude through the discomfort. So, I will hold my tongue and smile through and keep pressing onward.
Please pray that I connect with the local people and that the joy and love of the Lord is shared with the people despite the language barrier.
Reminded of 1 Corinthians 13... Love is difficult to truly live out in our lives and to give but it is essentially what makes everything else good that we do such as ministry truly matter. Without the love of Christ we will not make a difference. So loving in the uncomfortable places truly does reveal the heart of a person. I am striving to be more loving and more humble.
I challenge you to join me in challenging oneself to love someone this week in a practical way (despite any inconveniences or discomfort that may arise)
More to come..Talk soon.
Chantal
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