1. PQT stands for Prior Question of Trust. This question asks: "Is what I'm thinking, saying, and doing building or undermining trust?". And I would say to someone that this is basically a question that we should be making often to ourselves once we enter a new culture to avoid breaking trust and help building one. That way we allow ourselves to consider better how some of the things we do or say can affect negatively the relationships with the locals and choose to act based on what's the best.
2. Three nonmoral issues that I think we should work on as a group are: gender issues, time views, and frame of reference. And in order to build trust we would need to follow the guidelines given to us regarding alone time with opposite sex. We should ask God for patience when we feel like we have none left when things don't go as planned or when things get done late. And not expect everyone to understand everything we talk about because they live in a poor place and things that are usual to us would not probably be for them.
3. From all the twelve nonmoral issues, there is just a big one that I believe I'm going to have trouble with: Food. I am just weird with that. Not eveything is tasteful to me. I can handle most things except meat. I don't eat meat since I'm a little girl. I just don't find it tasteful. And I don't want to leave it on the plate or be seen as demanding if I ask to not put it on my plate, and I wouldn't like to place it into somebody's plate either. All of that seems pretty much rude, and can be seen as offensive as if I didn't like the way they prepare it or something. I think that all I can do is at least try to eat it, just try.
domingo, 5 de julio de 2009
jueves, 18 de junio de 2009
June 14: Dos and Don'ts - Risks
Part 1
I feel that the most dangerous aspects of our trip have to do with the diseases we can easily get and safety because these are things that we are going to have to deal with all day during our time there and that we need to be conscious and careful about. Those aspects are not things we are not familiar with. In fact, we are. It just gets to be a lot more dangerous depending on the area we are in.
Of all the Do's and Don'ts that I read, I didn't feel extremely neither somehow uncomfortable with any because I know those are guidelines for us to make our trip go as smooth as possible and avoid having any problems. But I did find certain things that are going to be difficult for me which were checking our shoes before putting them on and keeping our rooms and everything clean. I tend to be forgetful or just leave things as they are the majority of the time when I'm in a hurry so it's going to be something I need to work on from now on before the trip to get used to the habit.
Part 2
The way I would summarize their point would be: There are risks everywhere. Some will come to your way but there's no need to try to find them if they haven't. We just need to learn how to manage the situation in a wise way and enjoy the trip even if there's a risk.
I strongly agree with risking but on things that are worth it. In my opinion, this trip itself is a risk because we are ignorant of what would happen in our way there and in Peru because things change all the time and something different always happen. But it's worth it because we are going to be servants of God and of the locals and we will have God working through us in people's lives. And that's worth the risk.
Part 3
Well, I came to realize that we should expect some risks for this trip and that we have to find ways to manage it well but we don't have to be extremely conscious of it because it can get to a point where we won't even enjoy fully what we are doing for people and viceversa for having so much focus on it. It is always good to be cautious but it's good also to keep it at an extent that won't take away our focus or main purpose for the trip.
Reading the Dos and Don'ts, and Risks helped me to have a better idea of what things are likely to happen so there won't be any surprises. And also a couple of advices to know how to deal with the situations was good. I hope I can get to learn a lot more about this and be willing to ask for help or anything if I don't know how to act or what to do.
I feel that the most dangerous aspects of our trip have to do with the diseases we can easily get and safety because these are things that we are going to have to deal with all day during our time there and that we need to be conscious and careful about. Those aspects are not things we are not familiar with. In fact, we are. It just gets to be a lot more dangerous depending on the area we are in.
Of all the Do's and Don'ts that I read, I didn't feel extremely neither somehow uncomfortable with any because I know those are guidelines for us to make our trip go as smooth as possible and avoid having any problems. But I did find certain things that are going to be difficult for me which were checking our shoes before putting them on and keeping our rooms and everything clean. I tend to be forgetful or just leave things as they are the majority of the time when I'm in a hurry so it's going to be something I need to work on from now on before the trip to get used to the habit.
Part 2
The way I would summarize their point would be: There are risks everywhere. Some will come to your way but there's no need to try to find them if they haven't. We just need to learn how to manage the situation in a wise way and enjoy the trip even if there's a risk.
I strongly agree with risking but on things that are worth it. In my opinion, this trip itself is a risk because we are ignorant of what would happen in our way there and in Peru because things change all the time and something different always happen. But it's worth it because we are going to be servants of God and of the locals and we will have God working through us in people's lives. And that's worth the risk.
Part 3
Well, I came to realize that we should expect some risks for this trip and that we have to find ways to manage it well but we don't have to be extremely conscious of it because it can get to a point where we won't even enjoy fully what we are doing for people and viceversa for having so much focus on it. It is always good to be cautious but it's good also to keep it at an extent that won't take away our focus or main purpose for the trip.
Reading the Dos and Don'ts, and Risks helped me to have a better idea of what things are likely to happen so there won't be any surprises. And also a couple of advices to know how to deal with the situations was good. I hope I can get to learn a lot more about this and be willing to ask for help or anything if I don't know how to act or what to do.
martes, 16 de junio de 2009
June 7: The African Planter
When it was asked to the african about his vision for model of missions, he said how it strucked him to realize that David was not only planning to live for his own generation but for the next one as well. And I believe that this one can apply not only to our peru team but for everybody else. Because most of the time we have fixed in our minds that we are doing things for God, and we think of it in the present. But we should think beyond that! We should serve and live for God in a way that can impact the next generation, that our efforts and desire to pass out God's will would not be meaningless and that would produce fruits in people's lives so that can be carry on to further generations that would do the same for their next one. Because it is very important to keep this moving in a passionate way and not let it be dormant.
It is true that for an American can be really shocking to face the poverty in Kenya and that for us in Panama it might not be much of a difference what we will see in Peru because we see similar things everyday. But I still think that it applies to us to learn a lot more about the background of Peru and any other country we might go to as missionaries later on. Because it's important to have a good understanding, and be prepared so we can have a better approach to people.
We sure know in a sense how poverty can be because we see it sometimes in the streets in Panama but that does not mean that we clearly understand how it is like to be poor, to live under such conditions. And it's only through a experience that we can have a better insight of it. So it's good to know very well at what extent poverty can get and be a just a little familiar with it to not have any unexpected surprises.
I had never been in a short-mission trip but it never crossed my mind how the locals can see us because of the way we approach everything. The African basically said how we can take control of everything. And that's not the way we should be seen. We are to make friends, to create a familiar environment and it's hard when people feel that they are at the command of others and there's not really that sharing of opinions and the opportunity for the locals to be of help if they willingly feel like it. I don't know if it's been like that in the past missions trips. Maybe not. But it's certaintly something that can't be let happen ever.
It is true that for an American can be really shocking to face the poverty in Kenya and that for us in Panama it might not be much of a difference what we will see in Peru because we see similar things everyday. But I still think that it applies to us to learn a lot more about the background of Peru and any other country we might go to as missionaries later on. Because it's important to have a good understanding, and be prepared so we can have a better approach to people.
We sure know in a sense how poverty can be because we see it sometimes in the streets in Panama but that does not mean that we clearly understand how it is like to be poor, to live under such conditions. And it's only through a experience that we can have a better insight of it. So it's good to know very well at what extent poverty can get and be a just a little familiar with it to not have any unexpected surprises.
I had never been in a short-mission trip but it never crossed my mind how the locals can see us because of the way we approach everything. The African basically said how we can take control of everything. And that's not the way we should be seen. We are to make friends, to create a familiar environment and it's hard when people feel that they are at the command of others and there's not really that sharing of opinions and the opportunity for the locals to be of help if they willingly feel like it. I don't know if it's been like that in the past missions trips. Maybe not. But it's certaintly something that can't be let happen ever.
jueves, 28 de mayo de 2009
May 24: Aligning with God's 21st century moves
On Sunday 17, Rev. Gary Edmonds came to preach about five points that are really present in this century regarding to God and his followers.
Those five points were:
1. The world has been turned upside down! (Psalm 87)
--I think the last three points are revelant for us as we prepare for this trip because we need to be unified to be able to work well and get done whatever has to be done on time and demonstrate through our actions a way to be like Jesus. As we go, we would be pretty much an example to follow for them so we need to be careful on how we interact with others and how we approach things because that talks about who we are. And the least contradictory action taken after had said so many things about God can affect somebody else's faith. I'm sure we would face things that we are not used to or might start having problems in different aspects of life as we prepare for this trip. Things can get out of control and really overwhelming but we need to stand and overcome the situations.
Those five points were:
1. The world has been turned upside down! (Psalm 87)
- It means that things that were not easily done years ago are now being done at an incredible fast pace. Missionaries are traveling more often and the spread of the gospel is even greater. Another example is that churches are being built in places that we never think of before. Really hard places due to their other beliefs and stuff like that. But is all being done because it all belongs to God!
- In this one Rev. Gary mentioned how this is basically about God who comes to restore everything! It is about Him shaping us and moving things around. What God wants from us and promises.
- This is about making all of us into one by eliminating boundaries to bring all kind of people together from all over the world so that the rest would start to believe. Because we can't talk about God's love to others when we don't try to live that attribute too. It would be contradictory. And when words are being contradicted by actions then people obviously are not going to believe what is said.
- In this one, Rev. Gary mentioned something about identifying the people to then guide them. I think that this mean about having chosen people from the congregation that have a true desire to be servants of God and do his will. And send them to others that are in need of Jesus so they can serve as guidance for them through the process of letting Jesus in.
- This one is pretty much self-explanatory. Everyone that is in God's will will pass through sufferings of all kinds. But we have to be strong and know that God doesn't lay on us burdens that we cannot hold,. He is there all the time, He loves us and He must have a reason for it that might go beyond our comprehension but that we have to accept because it forms part of His plans.
--I think the last three points are revelant for us as we prepare for this trip because we need to be unified to be able to work well and get done whatever has to be done on time and demonstrate through our actions a way to be like Jesus. As we go, we would be pretty much an example to follow for them so we need to be careful on how we interact with others and how we approach things because that talks about who we are. And the least contradictory action taken after had said so many things about God can affect somebody else's faith. I'm sure we would face things that we are not used to or might start having problems in different aspects of life as we prepare for this trip. Things can get out of control and really overwhelming but we need to stand and overcome the situations.
May 24: Jeff's Challenge
1. We are not going to Mancora to serve: we are going to Mancora because we are servants.
The difference is that serving is the action of doing something for someone and it seems more like a choice you have whether to serve or not. While servants are the people specifically chosen to do a job and make things succeed.
If I'm a servant then whatever is told to me to do has to be done in order to let things flow in a easier way and accomplish the purpose of the trip or etc. It requires obedience and cooperation. Being a servant has to do with being submissive to someone, specifically to God. In the other hand, if I were to serve then I'm pretty much on my own deciding on how to do things or not.
We can serve to people in Mancora by being servants of God and to them. Because God is graceful and loving and those are attributes that should be applied whether we know the people or not. That way people might see Christ in us and be moved so tighter bounds or friendships would be built. I think is about being servants to them in an action of love to God, not of obligation.
2. "To get closer to God"
-What is the impact of culture on faith?-->How can I see life and the gospel differently because of what I've experienced?
-What's wrong with the world?-->What can I learn about justice, poverty, and the causes of suffering?
I hope to get more insights in this questions because I'd like to see what great impact people from other country and their lifestyles can make on me. How that would make me see things or realize things that were always there in the scriptures or constantly presenting in my life and maybe I haven't been able to clearly see or understand. Maybe the experience would be eye opening to me in that part. And I have to say pretty much the same for the second question. I just want to truly understand the circumstances in which others live, how things affect them emotionally, physically, and mentally so I can think of good ways of approaching people and helping them go through whatever they may be going through.
As I pray, read the scriptures, and prepare for this trip I feel that God is telling me to be strong and stay focus in this because I've been going back into putting walls and not letting people in anymore. I feel his word is comforting me and letting me know that I'm not alone, that I can trust in Him, that He is with me, and that I need to pass through that mass to work efficiently for this trip. Also, that this isn't about me but about what I can do for others and how I can work in people's lives with God by my side.
The difference is that serving is the action of doing something for someone and it seems more like a choice you have whether to serve or not. While servants are the people specifically chosen to do a job and make things succeed.
If I'm a servant then whatever is told to me to do has to be done in order to let things flow in a easier way and accomplish the purpose of the trip or etc. It requires obedience and cooperation. Being a servant has to do with being submissive to someone, specifically to God. In the other hand, if I were to serve then I'm pretty much on my own deciding on how to do things or not.
We can serve to people in Mancora by being servants of God and to them. Because God is graceful and loving and those are attributes that should be applied whether we know the people or not. That way people might see Christ in us and be moved so tighter bounds or friendships would be built. I think is about being servants to them in an action of love to God, not of obligation.
2. "To get closer to God"
-What is the impact of culture on faith?-->How can I see life and the gospel differently because of what I've experienced?
-What's wrong with the world?-->What can I learn about justice, poverty, and the causes of suffering?
I hope to get more insights in this questions because I'd like to see what great impact people from other country and their lifestyles can make on me. How that would make me see things or realize things that were always there in the scriptures or constantly presenting in my life and maybe I haven't been able to clearly see or understand. Maybe the experience would be eye opening to me in that part. And I have to say pretty much the same for the second question. I just want to truly understand the circumstances in which others live, how things affect them emotionally, physically, and mentally so I can think of good ways of approaching people and helping them go through whatever they may be going through.
As I pray, read the scriptures, and prepare for this trip I feel that God is telling me to be strong and stay focus in this because I've been going back into putting walls and not letting people in anymore. I feel his word is comforting me and letting me know that I'm not alone, that I can trust in Him, that He is with me, and that I need to pass through that mass to work efficiently for this trip. Also, that this isn't about me but about what I can do for others and how I can work in people's lives with God by my side.
domingo, 17 de mayo de 2009
May 17: Commitments (Missing part...)
"Our individual and team preparation would be characterized by:
- Building Unity
- Getting our minds and hearts open to what will come and to learn
- Being humble
May 17: Commitments
I read through all the commitments and found out that I didn't disagree with any of them because I think they are good to apply in a mission trip and daily life.
Two commitments I felt strongly about are:
For me these two are really necessary for a short-term mission trip because we are to build lasting relationships with the locals not making them feel bad around us and go away.
As Christians we are to be loving just like God is. And a way of showing that is by being respectful to others in all ways.
I also think that the journal will be helpful to let us keep track of the things we will be doing and reflect on how we will be feeling about a certain situation and realizing the changes that get to happen in people's lives as well as our own. Having the time to journal will help in our spiritual growth to have a lasting change in our lives.
Two commitments I felt strongly about are:
- We WILL dignify and respect the locals and the church we serve by not talking about them in demeaning ways.
- We WILL encourage journal writing on the trip, focusing on things that make us uncomfortable, questions that come to mind, and insights we gain.
For me these two are really necessary for a short-term mission trip because we are to build lasting relationships with the locals not making them feel bad around us and go away.
As Christians we are to be loving just like God is. And a way of showing that is by being respectful to others in all ways.
I also think that the journal will be helpful to let us keep track of the things we will be doing and reflect on how we will be feeling about a certain situation and realizing the changes that get to happen in people's lives as well as our own. Having the time to journal will help in our spiritual growth to have a lasting change in our lives.
Suscribirse a:
Entradas (Atom)
