Only 2 days until we leave for Nepal!
Well, 4 of us. Joanna and I leave Edinburgh just before 2:30 on Monday and then meet up with Chuli and Suzi in Heathrow before flying out, we’ll then meet John and Peter out there.
It’s all getting very real and very exciting! I feel a bit like a girl (no offence!) with how many times I’ve packed and repacked my bag!
It’s been a wee bit of a tense week leading up to leaving – the eryognsdioghdgfklgdj!?!??!!? volcano still seems to be spewing out ash which disrupts UK air traffic now and then. There have also been some Maoist led strikes out in Kathmandu, thankfully they are over now and remained peaceful (for the most part).
While I was packing all my things, i came across a very interesting sheet that we were given at the training weekend a few weeks ago. It’s a list of things that we should ‘come with’ on these types of trips:
Come:
With flexibility – visitors come to be part of what is going on already. They should be ok if their need to ‘do something’ isn’t met right away
To build relationships – A good ‘missionary’ will focus on the people they have come to be with, rather than the events they have come to do.
With an attitude of listening and learning – not only does this help understanding about local people, but it empowers local people to explain their ways of thinking and doing things.
To follow instead of lead – while we are called to ‘go and make disciples’ it is only after we ‘come and follow’ Jesus.
With appropriate gifts – sharing resources is part of God’s call on our lives, but make sure they are useful and have a positive long-term impact.
Ready to encourage anyone – it is not just the poorest who look forward to cross-cultural exchange, but there are many people working behind the scenes to keep these programmes going. They should also be part of a cross cultural exchange of ideas and support.
Without a to-do list – being task focussed limits the impact you can have, and the impact the local people can have on you. Come prepared to stand with people, rather than doing something yourself.
Without a guilt-trip – don’t feel like you should come, and don’t think one trip lets you off a lifetime of resonsibility as a member of the global church.
Without unwanted stuff – most locations you are going to do not need western consumerist junk.
Without thinking you are the ‘centre’ – the people you meet were there before you arrived and will be there after you leave.
With questions, they can be more important than you think!
Peace Out
Chris
