Living Downside UP: a word by Sandy G.
Living “down” as a missionary with people groups in Asia brought amazing richness to my life. I am forever changed in many unexpected ways. I had a lot of pre-field training to prepare me for learning the local and national languages, for dealing with inconveniences (like power outages, no water, and toilet disasters). We even trained in emergency medical procedures. But, one aspect of living abroad that I was not prepared for, was dealing with people from other English-speaking nations! Just because we both speak English as our first (or second) language does not mean our words mean the same thing. Yes, it is a well-known fact that the biggest reason for missionaries to return home prematurely … is OTHER missionaries … NOT lack of finances or sickness or depression. Although, those things are very real and I experienced all of them, too.
I worked with Australians, Kiwis, Brits, Dutchies and Germans and we had to intentionally sort out how we use English, expectations for lifestyle and work duties. I learned that if my Dutch friend offered me a cookie, I should only take one. Just because they put out a plate it was not polite to take more than one. Australians show their friendship for you by keeping you “knocked down” a peg or two. My German colleagues were very direct, especially when they didn’t think you were doing something correctly. And, don’t get me started on the different ways I offended friends by using vulgar English words that did not hold the same vulgarity for me.
One of the ways living among other nationalities has changed me is to know there is always another perspective that supports Christian values no matter what the issue. Which is why I find it difficult to land heavily on a particular political or theological issue. There are some things that are non-negotiable, of course, but I hold tremendous respect for the way God has given people all over the world different experiences that construct world views that are different from mine.
Living long-term in foreign lands is a rich experience which has added immense value to my life. Even the negative experiences and seasons of disappointment and discouragement were used by God to bring perspective and maturity.
About the Author:
Sandy lived in three different southeast Asian nations working as a missionary for ~15 years. After relocating back to her home nation she then traveled to Africa frequently for the next 15 years doing the same type of work.