From the Hills of Cherokee

Our Cross-Cultural Experiences

 

We have had a wonderful experience in Belgium so far.  It has had its challenges with learing how to travel by train and bus, but overall it has been good.  We must confess that we came with some thought that we really did not need to be a part of this experience and that it would be a poor use of our time and our finances.  However, God has quickly shown us that there are many benefits to being here with other missionary families. We also realize that there were some individuals as well as churches who questioned the wisdom of our being here.  We hope that you will trust us when we say that this is something every missionary who is serving in a different culture needs to be a part of.  We may not be able to see the "big picture" at this point, but we am very thankful for what we have been able to learn and experience during our first week.

 

We begin our day with worship at 8:30 am and we then begin our classroom session for the day.  We have been instructed by some veteran missionaries on the issues of team dynamics, personal spiritual health, living and ministering in a culture different from our own.  The session leaders so far have been willing to be very transparent as they have shared with us.  They have talked about their failures as well as their successes.

 

We had an opportunity to work alongside a ministry called "Serve the City" on Saturday as we went to Brussels to help them set up tents, tables, chairs and grills for a huge block party.   This was a great opportunity.  We also went to a park in Brussels on Friday to interact with the community there.  Scott had an opportunity to carry on a conversation with a man from Angola who spoke three or four languages, none of which was English.  Since he speak zero French he almost gave up on being able to get past where he was from and how long he had been in Belgium.  God gracioulsy intervened and provided one of the interns who speaks French and she served as an interpreter for Scott and Steffan.  What a wonderful experience!  Ruth was able to interact with an elderly woman who was seated at a picnic table.  Susan Young served as interpreter and Ruth thought she was able to keep up with the conversation.  At one point Ruth thought the lady said that as a little girl she liked to climb trees, but was often disciplined for it.  In reality, what she said was, "My brother lives in an apartment three blocks away."

 

Johnathan and Katie have done well adjusting to Belgium.  They have been hanging out with the interns and taking day trips to vairious places.  Johnathan was even able to lead us to a place that sells ice cream, and we never got lost!

 

Riding the trains and buses has been a cultural experience.  You have to figure out which track your train leaves from or which stop your bus stops at.  You also have to know the area you are going to so you know when to get off.  The first couple of times was a little intense, but we have done well.  Walking is very much a part of life here for many people.  Whenever we want to go to another town we begin with a fifteen minute walk to the train station.  There is no car to take you there, rain or shine.

 

We are being stretched and challenged every day.  God is continually taking us outside of our comfort zones.  I (Scott) am convinced, however, that everything we will experence here will better equip us to serve God in Cherokee, NC.  Thank you for your prayers.  Please continue to lift us before the throne of grace, asking God to use this time in our lives for His glory.

 

We will continue to update information and our experiences at least weekly, perhaps more frequently.  Just continue checking in to see what is happenting with us as we continue to experience Belgium.