From Mission to Mission and Legacy of Love

From Mission to Mission: 

One of the most challenging aspects of any mission experience in another country for many people is "re-entry."  It is sometimes overlooked or misunderstood.  After spending time overseas, we come back changed, and often to find that the places and people we left have changed as well.  What is assumed to be a homecoming is often actually disorienting and difficult at least for a while.  When missioned in another country and culture we are not ever really fully at home there (we are always foreigners,) and when we return we typically don't feel fully at home either.  

Since my last update, I was fortunate to spend several days in San Antonio participating in a From Mission to Mission re-entry workshop.  It was a gift to meet and connect with others who have returned to the US after mission experiences in various places.  I am grateful that I was able to hear their stories and to be understood well when telling my own.  The workshop topics, prayer experiences, planned and spontaneous discussions were all very relevant and helpful.  I recommend anyone returning "home" after a ministry experience in another country consider participating in From Mission to Mission or another similar re-entry program (if one exists.)         

At one point in the workshop, we were asked to reflect upon our personal legacy.  For me, if we live and love well, legacy will happen naturally.  During our time for reflection on our personal legacies, I wrote the following:  

Legacy of Love

Let love be my legacy,

even if my name and face be long forgotten,

May my love live like little seeds of compassion

planted in the hearts of children.

Or like the drops of rain that nourish the seeds

and seem then to disappear

but leave the plant healthier because the raindrop once was there.

Or like a bit of fertile compost

feeding the seedling. 

Even if my name and face be long forgotten

may love be my legacy.   




The pictures included here were taken in San Antonio.  

May each of you experience many blessings during this season of Lent.  Take care.