“Perhaps no part of the cost of being a foreign missionary is greater than the loneliness. The alien experiences a sense of utter isolation, and is tempted to cling with greater tenacity to others of his own language and culture.”~ A Chance to Die, Elizabeth Elliot
I might not
be a missionary but being in a foreign country with people of different
cultures and languages, I can relate to this quote. I have noticed myself
hanging out with the North American crowd more and more because it is easier
than trying to learn the language and culture of the others. I do see the error
in this. I love the people of the other cultures as much as the North
Americans. I wish to get to know them and their languages by the time that we
are to leave. I want to be able to talk to them in a language where they feel
comfortable and able to express themselves. I pray for the opportunities to
learn.
The
loneliness that comes from being in a country not that of my childhood is not a
sad loneliness but a happy one, if that makes any sense. It does not leave me
saddened at the end of the night but grateful that I have a chance to lean more
upon the familiarity that Christ brings. Plus the isolation isn’t as bad as
that which is talked about in the text due to the fact that there are 23 other
Canadians here as well J
Through all
of this God is cleaning me out. It hurts but I needed to leave in order for it
to happen. To be surrounded by His words, presence and people who are also
seeking Him at the cost of a year of normal life, is an amazing environment to
be cleansed. My view of my sin hasn’t changed, it’s just become clearer. The
lectures this week have magnified all the things that I have been forgetting
about the character of Christ.
Reading
about Solomon and David have a way of taking off the blinders. To hear about
the raw honesty of both of them convicts me of my complacency. It shows me of
the compromises that I have let into my life: the things that I have reasoned
my conscious quite on. It shines a light on the darkness of my heart. For that
I am thankful.
Including
this and many times where I laughed until I couldn’t breathe. these past few
weeks have been amazing! I have learnt knew things and grown in my love for
those around me and most of all the God who brought me here. I have come to
appreciate those things that He has blessed me with and embrace the things that
are new. I am content to be shaped by Him and to be wherever He calls me to
be.
