A bit different from other episodes, I ran off to nature and recorded these rambling thoughts about the disconnect between “I am a missionary” and “I am not a missionary anymore” and the truth that both of these statements hold.

How have politics been a part of your life as a missionary? Do you talk about politics in your host country? In your passport country? Do you feel a part of either one? Had your perspective on politics changed since serving abroad?

I was asked this question, and came up with three answers. What would your answer be?

Three years back and looking to buy our first home. All the questions that choosing a location to live brings up. Who knew it would be so stressful? Who knew it would reveal more things I need to surrender and learn and grow? How have you been intentional in where you’ve lived, as a missionary and as a non-missionary (and does it make a difference)? As always- all the questions.

Coming up on three years off the field. What do you do on anniversaries of hard, big things? What has changed and what has stayed the same for you since then?

Do you have a once a year missions fair, celebration, conference, meal, or whatnot? How does that work? Do people come? Is it effective? What would you do if you could do it any way you wanted?

What were your best vacation memories? How do they do vacations where you were at? Did you feel like you couldn’t share pictures of your vacations with your supporters? What are the issues around vacations and missionaries?

Thoughts from before, during, and after the 2023 trip to Brazil

What are the stories of your homes? How has moving/changing affected you? Do you get the angst (“angsties”) when you feel like it’s time to move on? What happens when you can’t move yet? How do you deal with the angsties?