CULTURE SHOCK

Yup, so here it comes.  Some confessions and realness from a long term missionary living in a host culture and country.

When I heard the words “culture shock” I was always thought of the physical aspects.  No running hot water, not having consistent water or electricity, different foods and ways of doing things, etc.

But it wasn’t until a few days ago that I had my lightbulb moment when I felt the Lord directing me to look through my CIT notes.  I came across the section “culture stress and expectations” and I turned there.  Then I read this and my mind exploded with peace in clarity.  I finally can put all my thoughts and feelings the past 2 months in an understanding. 

“Culture Shock is an emotional and physiological state induced by moving from one culture to another.  It is slowly advancing, nearly unnoticed psychological phenomenon, which affects one’s whole way of thinking about himself an others.  It is stress caused by living in a cultural situation in which the cues are misleading because the learned responses are wrong for the cues or no responses have been learned at all,” Loss. 1983, p. 57-58.

In the past two months I have these questions come across my mind, “What is my purpose? What is life on earth all about? What am I suppose to be doing? What is life all about? What do You want to do through me in Nicaragua? Why do I feel more myself in another country? Why do I seem to relate better her than in the states when I can’t even speak the language full here? Why can’t I just do this in my home country? etc.”

I’ve even questioned the definition and finding new definitions for the term “missionary” and “cross-cultural worker” for myself and what that truly looks like to call yourself a “missionary” or “cross-cultural worker”.  Because as Christians, aren’t we all are suppose to be missionaries in our specific sphere of influence?

Being here in Nicaragua for 3 months, I am now on the flip side of the coin when it comes to missions. I have noticed there is a significant difference between being a “short-term” missionary and “long-term” missionary in more ways than just the obvious.

The Lord has been good and faithful to me and stayed by my side through all this.

He said to me, “You ae my servant, Israel, and you will bring me glory.” I replied, “But my work seem so useless! I have spent my strength for nothing and to no purpose. Yet I leave it all in the Lord’s hand; I will trust God for my reward.” And now the Lord speaks – the one who formed me in my mother’s womb to be his servant, who commissioned me to bring Israel back to him. The Lord has honored me, and my God has given me strength. He says, “You will do more than restore the people of Israel to me. I will make you a light to the Gentiles, and you will bring my salvation to the ends of the earth.” Isaiah 49: 3-6 NLT

He directed me back to the vision statement of REAP Granada.

“Our vision is to create a community of believers who are living transformed lives in the presence of God, through the name of Jesus Christ, and in the power of the Holy Spirit.”

We do this through activities such as: discipling in the Word, extending grace/mercy/love/service/humility/forgiveness, prayer walking through our neighborhoods, sports, ministering to those who work at the dump, praying for those in the hospital and in jail, bible studies and micro churches (house churches).  Really building a connection and friendship in a Christian manner.

  

I have learned that I am a vision bearer.  I am to be an example to the people I interact with everyday.  I am Christ’s light to the nations (Nicaragua).  I am to seek and demonstrate God’s righteousness.  To be a witness to Christ.  Right now in this season of life, I am called to work together in this community with Nicaraguans to expand the Kingdom and Gospel of Jesus Christ!

 

I am thankful for this season of my life to give me the time and opportunity to grow in deeper relationship and communion with my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

I am happy that He has gone before me and prepared the country, the ministry and the specific people.

I am seeking to grow in the fruits of spirit and learning to abide and stay close to the Father in all different seasons of life.  Just like there are different physical harvest seasons, I believe there are also different spiritual harvest seasons too.

 

I am humbled to really practice what I’ve been taught in the various spiritual disciplines. Meditation, Prayer, Fasting, Study, Simplicity, Solitude, Submission, Service, Confession, Worship, Guidance and Celebration.

I am gracious to the community the Lord has brought into my life here for truth spoken in love and encouragement to help me continue building myself as Christ sees me.

  

 “Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and earth.” Matthew 28:18

“I, the Lord, have called you to demonstrate my righteousness.  I will take you by the hand and guard you, and I will give you to my people Israel, as a symbol of my covenant with them. And you will be a light to guide the nations. You will open the eyes of the blind.  You will free the captives from prison, releasing those who sit in dark dungeons.” Isaiah 42:6-7

(loved that I had the opportunity to walk aside young adults from World Race Gap year for the past 2 months.  These are two young ladies are ready to return to their homes in the states and change their atmosphere for the Lord!)