2x6 Pews

Excerpt from a book I'm reading:

Culture is the anthropologist’s label for the sum of the distinctive characteristics of a people’s way of life. All human behavior occurs within particular cultures, within socially defined contexts. For example, in America, worship occurs in a specific context with distinctive characteristics. A church building, chairs or pews, music, readings from the Bible, a sermon, an offering, and prayers are all part of that context. The social organization of worship includes pastors, musicians, ushers, a seating arrangement by families, and a schedule of activities. If one were to go to Saudi Arabia, the context of worship would differ dramatically. The mosque would have no chairs, musicians, Bible, or sermon. Removing one’s shoes, kneeling, prostration, and prayer would be the primary elements of worship. The sexes are carefully separated, and leaders and learning have only minimal significance. A Moslem entering an American church would not understand what happens there as worship. He may even deny that worship is possible in such a context.
(Ministering Cross-Culturally by Sherwood G. Lingenfelter, 18)

Could you worship in a cinderblock building, where you are packed like a sardine, sitting on a wooden bench, in the heat with no fan, for four hours? Would you be as excited as everyone else is to come to worship their creator and savior? Would you clap? Would you dance? Would you be humbled by their enthusiasm - while you’re wondering when it will be over and what you’re going to have for lunch? I finally figured out that comfort is not in their context of worship. What if I am not comfortable in church, does that change my purpose for being there? What if I can’t understand the music or preaching, does that mean I can’t worship or learn? When will I learn to sacrifice “my context” and worship?

Our world

Two excerpts from a book I just finished… thought it appropriate

This book started as a blog that I wrote from my hut in Sudan. It was my attempt to communicate with my family and friends, to help bring them closer to my hot, hot days. It was also a chance to tell the story of Abyei, Sudan, a torn, tiny place straddling a contested border in a difficult country. Mostly, though, it was where I told a story about humans: the people from Abyei who suffered hardships because it was their home, and those of us who left ours with tools to make it easier for them to endure. It is a story that could be told about many places.

“it’s not about trying to reconcile two different worlds, it’s about understanding that there’s only one. “

Six Months in Sudan by James Maskalyk


The bold is mine to highlight the parts of his experience that were the same as mine. There is so much to tell, but I haven't figured out how to tell it yet.

I'm a what?

So I thought I was just coming to help the missionaries. Tim corrected me quickly, saying...
NO you are a missionary!

At this point we are still praying about the ministries I will be involved in, but these are some of his suggestions…

Teaching English as Second Language (possibly to two groups – pastors and businessmen/women)
Getting involved with a local church (2 miles down the road) [this is something he definitely wants me to do and build relationships]
Working with the children/youth of the local church

Please pray that the Holy Spirit would lead me into His ministries He wants me to help in.

My Roomies

Tim and Meredith (T&M) are with the Short Term Missions Office of the CMA. Their primary responsibility is to host teams and individuals (such as me) that come to Gabon, and plug them in to the church and its ministries. T&M is the couple I will be living above/with for the next year (along with others that come and go).


So philosophically I’ve analyzed T&M and come to the following conclusion: there are two options, which are not necessarily mutually exclusive.


Option A: T&M really are wierdos and that’s why they get along with me so well


Option B: T&M are faking getting along with me


If option A is true, I don’t have the heart to tell them. And they seem to get along with everyone else as well, so there is no need to upset the papaya cart.


If option B is true, then they are doing a fantastic job and they truly should consider acting – the pay is much better! And you know what, I’m okay with this option – ignorance really is bliss.


T&M are comfortable people to be around; they are cool, funny, and easy to get along with. And they actually do put up with me well so far (talking to myself, burping, etc.). Please continue to pray for them as they are living with me for the next year – and some of you know what an experience that can be!


Here are T&M getting a quick nap after a day and a half of clinic.

Home sweet home

So for you in the US, here are some photos of my new home for a year...

Here's a photo of the house... I have the whole second floor - so there is no reason for you to not visit me! Plenty of room! Ok so I do have to share it with the teams that come in, but we can work around that!















Here's a photo of the banana tree that's in our yard; we also have an avocado tree and a guava tree.




















And here's a picture of my room...

Food!

So, what's the food like?
I spent my first weekend at Coco Beach where Mama Jeanette cooked some great meals for us! There were some familiar things we ate: rice, white sweet potatoes, bananas(plantains), and fried fish.

Then there was the manioc, let me describe... it is a root that they grind up and wrap in the leaves of the plant and then let ferment. It did taste a little sour, but otherwise it didn't have much taste.


While we were stopped for lunch, along the road, someone chopped down this palm nut for us.


They used the palm nut to make an orange sauce that they put on the chicken in this photo, and it was really good! Thankfully I didn't spill any on me because it stains!



We've had some Lebanese swarmas(sp?) in Libreville - which are wraps with meat, sauce, onions, and parsley that were really good. We've also had pizza which tasted a little different than in the US, but every pizza comes with olives - so I'm good with that!

THANK YOU!

The truth is I'm not good at thank you's... I rarely send out thank you cards, and now I'm overwhelmed, there are so many people I want to thank!!! If you're reading this, you are probably one of those people. Thank you!
I am moved by the love, encouragement, and support I have received. The neat thing is that it has been such a range of gifts and support...

Prayer - I can't begin to count how many people are praying for me: from the girls and boys who pray for giant ants not to bite me to Ms. Joyce and the ladies who faithfully pray every Tuesday. Please continue to pray for me!

Financial - Ok so I never expected people to support me financially in this endeavor, but it has been a huge blessing: from my friend who is saving change for me to those who have given generously (hey that rhymed!)

Gifts - Water bottles, gifts for the children here, an ipod, books, and more! I'm all about practical and these gifts have helped others and me: physically, spiritually, and mentally.

Support and encouragement - Notes to open on the plane, emails, facebook posts, etc. These really mean a lot to me... they help me keep in touch with the people I miss and remind me that I am loved!!

THANK YOU for everything you have done and given me!!!
I love you!
Leanne