Ten Years Ago

One early morning ten years ago my parents drove me to the airport to travel to Colombia. I had graduated from college the month before and was eager to jump into missions. Several friends recommended Youth With A Mission (YWAM), whose Discipleship Training School (DTS) offers classes and an outreach trip as a short-term training experience. I had studied abroad in Latin America very briefly in college, but I hadn't had the opportunity to serve in missions and knew I had a lot to learn before making long-term plans and commitments.

DTS Class

Using Skits for Evangelism

During the fall, I looked into different YWAM bases throughout Latin America -- except in Colombia. It was too dangerous, I thought, based on the little I knew and had read in the news. As I prayed about different options, I felt very strongly that God wanted me to look into the Colombia bases. I responded like this, "But, Lord, I can't go to Colombia, right? Plus, there are so many other options!" I looked up the information, just to say I had done it, but when I read about the Cartagena base, I immediately felt like that was where I should go. So many things were just what I was looking for (mostly Latino students, classes in Spanish, variety of ministries, etc.), but... what would my parents say?

Participating at the Base

 

Children's Ministry

 

"OK, Lord," I said, "I'll see when the next DTS is and if that would work with my plans." My plans were to get to Latin America as soon as possible. I received a prompt response telling me the next school was in January and to fill out the attached application. January?! Everything indicated that God was leading me to Cartagena.

Friends

 

I remember them asking, "What about Mexico, or Peru, or...?" But I replied, "It will only be for six months, and then I'll be back." I didn't know at the time, but one of my dad's co-workers asked him, "What kind of father are you, to let your daughter go to Colombia?" As we drove to the airport that snowy morning I started feeling nervous. What was I getting myself into?



Outreach Trip

It turned out that I didn't stay six months; I stayed the whole year, and it was life-changing! God worked in my heart, leading me to repentance, freedom, healing, and increased commitment to Him. He also gave me friends and leaders I could learn from, grow with, and continue to stay in touch with today (they are all over the world!). I can reflect on many testimonies of God's power and love in our lives during those months, during uncomfortable and difficult times, and also moments that seemed too good to be true.

Outreach in Panama

 

God also used that year to bring my parents and me much closer. They prayed a lot for me, helped me expedite documents for last-minute visas, and welcomed me back home with open arms and willing to listen to all of my stories (!). Since then, they have encouraged me to follow God's calling in my life, even when that means living far away in places that are known for being dangerous. What a gift!

My Dad Welcoming Me Home

During that year in Cartagena, I felt called to work among indigenous people of Latin America. At the same time, I remember how much I loved living on the coast, particularly the Afro-Colombian aspects there. I had no idea God would lead me to a people with both of these roots! Just like I never thought I would go to Colombia for a year, I also had no idea how much I would be surprised afterward.

Children's Ministry

I thank the Lord for those who invested in my life in 2004 in Colombia, for how He has taken many of us to new places to serve Him since then, for my parents' unconditional support, and because His plans are so much better than ours.

Outreach Team

Winter Newsletter

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Back to Honduras!

Hello from Honduras! We arrived on December 4, and this is what the past few weeks have looked like for us:


Celebrations and Grief
November was an intense month for our family. My aunt Corie and my grandma had birthdays, my parents celebrated 34 years or marriage, and my brother came all the way from China to spend Thanksgiving with us.

As some of you know, Corie had battled cancer for 15 years. In October, her health suddenly and rapidly declined. My parents and I took care of her at our home for four weeks until she was moved to a hospice center, where she passed away on November 25.

I am deeply thankful to the Lord for allowing me to be with my family during those weeks and be with my mom when Corie passed. I am also thankful for many happy memories with her, gifts she gave me that remind me of her love for me, and the ways she supported our ministry here. I am also grateful for each person who helped our family and made Corie feel loved during the final weeks of her life.

Transition and Settling In
Our last few days in Washington were filled with last-minute errands and packing. This was by far the most difficult departure for me so far, but our trip went well from start to finish (although I hope to avoid taking any more red-eye flights during pregnancy!).

We arrived in time for Bible school classes in La Ceiba the week of December 9. I have had an appointment with my OB doctor, and everything is going well with our baby and in preparation for his arrival. This past Monday we moved to a larger place where we will have room for the baby and for family when they visit (we already had someone stay with us last night!). We have been unpacking and getting settled in, praising God for his timing and provision in each detail.

On the 18th we celebrated three years of marriage! This past year I have appreciated Fernando taking good care of me, especially during pregnancy, and also for his adaptability while during our visit to the U.S. One of the aspects of marriage I most value is that I get to be serve the Lord with my best friend wherever we happen to be!

A Time for Everything
Lately I have been reminded of the passage in Ecclesiastes 3 that discusses how there is a time for everything in life. This makes me aware of how much we need the Holy Spirit to show us how to fully live in the current season God has for us. As you and your families prepare to celebrate Christmas and begin a New Year, may the Lord direct your hearts in whatever He is calling you to and give you the courage to fully embrace His will. Please pray for us in this way, too, as we celebrate the holidays with our brothers and sisters here, and as we prepare for what God has for our family and ministry in 2014.

Thank you for being part of our lives and work! Merry Christmas!

Odds and Ends: Wrapping It Up

Hello, friends! This is a quick post to fill you in on some final bits of news and info before we wrap up our furlough and return to Honduras the first week of December.


BILD Conference
Fernando is back from the Midwest, where he attended the annual conference for BILD International, the theological training program being implemented in the Garifuna seminary. He had the opportunity to meet others from around the world involved in leadership training and church planting, as well as get a good feel for strategic ways to expand our work in Honduras. Thank you for praying for him, and we praise God for safe travels, good health, and a productive trip.


Immigration Process: Complete!
We also praise God that Fernando has completed all necessary requirements for being able to be in Honduras or the U.S. at any point in the future. This is a big answer to prayer! Our heart's desire is to serve in Honduras indefinitely, but we are so glad we can travel to the U.S. as a family whenever needed for future ministry and personal visits. Thank you for supporting us in prayer during this process!


Speaking Engagements
This past week we shared with a small group and with almost 100 fifth graders at a Christian elementary school. Since God called me (Alison) to missions at a young age, it is always a gift for me to share with children and youth about God's heart for the nations and how we can serve Him in different ways wherever He calls us. We have two more speaking commitments: tomorrow morning we will share at a church and then on Thursday with a small group. Please continue to pray that God will speak through us and lead people to join with us in serving the Garifuna church in Honduras.


Partnership and Provision
We praise God for the many people who pray for us and for our Garifuna brothers and sisters. We are continually reminded of how God has raised up a faithful team standing with us in prayer. The past few months we have had the opportunity to share more in-depth and meet more people who will be praying. We also are grateful for more monthly supporters and for gifts for special projects. For more details, feel free to email me. Thank you to each of you for being part of this answer to prayer, which will help us so much as we serve in Honduras.


Family, Suitcases, and Good-Byes
We are looking forward to spending time with my family, including my brother, who will come for Thanksgiving. Then we will finish packing and head back to our home in Honduras. If you think of it, pray for each detail to come together and for God to prepare our hearts for the transition.


Here are two pictures from a baby shower our church small group held for us. A big thanks to them for "adopting" us as missionaries, praying for us, making us feel welcome, and "showering" us as parents-to-be!

Minnesota Trip

Happy November, friends!

I just returned from a trip Fernando and I took to Minnesota. He is currently in Iowa at the annual BILD International conference, the program being implemented in the Garifuna seminary. We'll share more about that when he returns to Washington later this month.

The picture below shows a very special couple, who invited us to Minnesota to share about our ministry with groups and individuals they know. They have been closely connected to the Wycliffe missionaries in Honduras who coordinated the Garifuna Bible translation project, so Fernando has known him since 1992. Since then, this brother in Christ has played a highly influential role in a variety of projects, including starting a scholarship fund for pastors, leading teams to Honduras who have built homes for pastors and widows, and linking several missionaries to those who have supported them. He also is on the pastoral staff of a very missions-centered church, where the BILD program is also used.

He planned a very productive time for us, scheduling about ten meetings and speaking engagements. We also learned a lot from him about fundraising, as he is gifted and experienced in this area. We hope to follow his example in advocating for others and wisely administering resources for the advancement of God's kingdom. It was a gift from the Lord to get to know him better and learn alongside him.

The next picture shows Fernando sharing at a church missions night. There were tables representing countries around the world where the church supports missionaries, and the enthusiasm and commitment to the Great Commission on a global level was palpable and motivating. Fernando did a great job sharing (according to others, not just me!).

A special part of this trip was visiting my mom's cousin and her family. We spent two nights with them and shared at their church. It was fun to get to know them better and talk about what our families have in common. I also enjoyed the beautiful farmland and cornfields where they live, getting a taste of a part of the U.S. I hadn't seen first-hand. We went to a high school cross country meet, and they brought us extra layers since we are not quite used to the cold!

We are thankful for:

• The hospitality and advocacy generously extended to us during our trip. Thank you to all those who drove us places, made meals, and took time to learn about our ministry.
• Your prayers for safe travels, good, health, and stamina. My pregnancy symptoms were much lighter than usual, and I was surprised by how much energy I had!!

Please pray for:

• The people we met with to follow God's prompting as to how to support pastor training and church planting among the Garifuna people.
• Fernando's time at the BILD conference: for good networking with other participants and leaders and for clear vision as to how to further pastor training in Honduras.

Binilaün Bungiu súngubei! (God bless you all!)

Getting Ready to Travel To...

Hi everyone! First of all, thank you for praying for us during some busy days of speaking engagements and meetings. Here were a few highlights:

• I (Alison) met two girls, one a senior in high school at a youth group and the other around 13 at a church, who are very interested in becoming missionaries. I remember being their ages and feeling that same stirring in my heart. What a joy to look in their eyes and encourage them to follow the Lord and see what He has in store for their lives! (I also realized how much I miss teenage girls...)

• We met with a pastor who implements the same program at his church as what is being used at the Garifuna seminary. It was motivating to hear how the Lord saved him and called him to train leaders and develop church planting teams. He was excited to hear about how the Garifuna church is growing, and we look forward to being in touch with him.

• A big "THANK YOU!" to:
• The Grace Community Church missions team and our small group for helping put together a luncheon where we and another GCC missionary could share about our work. We continue to be reminded of the gift of a supportive, enthusiastic church family who cares about us and our Garifuna family in Honduras.
• A friend of mine who connected us with her church to share and prepared a beautiful reception for everyone afterward, and a couple who organized a dessert night at their home. Once again we thank God for those who go the extra mile and demonstrate Christ's love in practical ways.

Of course, we could share more, but suffice to say we have been busy and are thankful for each opportunity to share with groups, as well as catch up with friends for coffee or in their homes.

This coming Thursday we will fly to Minnesota, where we will share with several churches, groups, and individuals about our work (more about that in an upcoming post!). The following week, I will return to Washington, and Fernando will go to Iowa for the annual conference for the program that has been implemented in the Garifuna Bible school. This will be a great opportunity for him to connect with those involved in theological training around the world and consider how to further develop what is going on in Honduras.

Here are a few prayer points for our time in Minnesota:

• For safe travels, good health, and stamina in the midst of meeting many people. I'd especially appreciate prayer for good sleep and for pregnancy symptoms to be minimal (particularly stomach aches and joint pain).
• For fruitful interaction with people and the Holy Spirit to clearly lead those He would have join our ministry support team.
• For God to encourage and bless the special people who have organized this trip and invited us to come.

Thank you for your faithful prayers and each one who has shown us the Lord's love in many ways (you know who you are!).

Third Culture Kids: A Book Review

I just finished reading Third Culture Kids: Growing Up Among Worlds, by David C. Polluck and Ruth E. Van Reken (click here to find it on Amazon). The term "third culture kid" (TCK) refers to "children who spend a significant period of their developmental years in a culture outside their parents' passport culture(s)" (p. 13). As we look forward to welcoming our baby, who will be biracial, bicultural, and (hopefully) multilingual, I decided to read this book little by little during the past few months. Here is a brief summary and some of my thoughts. I welcome your comments, as well.


The authors divide the book into three sections:

1. Understanding the World of TCKs
These chapters flesh out the definition of a TCK and also discuss Cross-Cultural Kids (CCKs). The latter are those who have lived in and/or interacted with two or more cultural environments for a significant period of time (this is probably a more accurate description for us). These children and teenagers can be "military brats," those whose parents are diplomats or international business workers, or "missionary kids" (MKs). They usually experience two key issues: (A) cross-cultural living and (B) high mobility.

2. The TCK Profile
This section describes a variety of traits, skills, and patterns that tend to characterize TCKs. Polluck and Van Reken emphasize how the concept of paradox underlies these areas, creating benefits as well as challenges unique to these children's identities, life stories, and abilities. One example of this paradox is that TCKs often develop an "expanded worldview," enabling them to appreciate and interact with a wide variety of people in many different contexts, but experience "confused loyalties," which means they may not feel fully part of any one location or group (pp. 88-90).

3. Maximizing the Benefits
This final part of the book outlines practical suggestions, based on research with TCKs, of how families, friends, and organizations can help make the most of the advantages TCKs are offered while addressing their struggles and needs in a healthy way. For example, parents can create special family traditions that their children enjoy and that bring relational cohesion, cultivating stability their children can find comforting regardless of which country or culture they are in.


As I read the book, several recurring ideas stood out to me:

• My experience is markedly different from TCKs' experiences:
• I grew up in a monolingual, monocultural environment, felt called to move to Latin America, and prepared as best I could based on my own initiative. I have chosen to embrace this lifestyle, I have had to learn adaptability as an adult, and I know what it's like to return "home" to where I grew up.
• TCKs usually have no choice in growing up in different cultural contexts with frequent transitions. They often learn to ways to cope and adapt, and they might not have a clear answer as to where "home" is.
• Being intentional can make all the difference.
• By educating ourselves as parents, we can more easily understand how our child might think, feel, and act.
• If we foster healthy habits from a young age, it is more likely that our child can cope with difficulty and enjoy enriching benefits as he grows up.
• As our world becomes more culturally intertwined and mobile, TCK and CCK life is becoming more common and better understood. This is encouraging!
• The internet provides access to abundant resources about this topic and connection to others in similar situations.

What I most like about "Third Culture Kids" is:

• It's very well-organized, research-based, and balanced.
• Many examples of TCKs illuminate concepts and poignantly show the real, personal aspect of the topic.
• It invites thoughtful dialogue, not superficial formulae.
• The tone is positive and there is even an entire chapter called "Enjoying the Journey," which was very inspiring!
• It is the kind of resource I can refer to in the future, not only as a parent, but also as a friend to other missionary parents and TCKs.

I would love to read your thoughts if you have read the book or other literature about TCKs. For example:

• What has your journey been like as a...
• TCK/CCK?
• Parent of a TCK?
• Friend of missionary families, both parents and kids?
• What are some of the best parts, and how did you make the most of them?
• What would you do differently?

Feel free to leave a comment below, email me, or contact me through Facebook.

Thanks for reading!