Could be countup instead of countdown, but I am checking things off my list. I have three weekends and two-plus weeks before returning to the states so, on this morning off, I did typical ‘Pam’ things. That would start with breakfast at a 1902 cafe called the Louvre. A ‘fit’ breakfast consists of a small avocado toast with part of a hardboiled egg and granola with baked apple and yogurt. Made a memory for me! Then I found a street faire near a souvenir shop that had good reviews but high prices. I found a few small things that I hope will fit in my bag for the five grands and their parents. Last week my fav Burlington Coat factory warm boots broke down. Cardboard inserts only last so long when you pay the minimum, but all of this walking took a toll. I found a replacement, sturdier, shoe and all of this on my dime, of course. Home to the flat by 12:30 and I am reminded that a thorough breakfast makes lunch unnecessary – unless one nibbles on chocolate (cokolada).
I was so happy to come to Prague and Berlin but am surprised that I am so happy to think of my return to the familiar. I am used to this place. I’m used to small beds and shared facilities. Do you know that I hold the side of the bed when I roll over to prevent a fall? Sharing with good people is never hard no matter where you are and I have new friends. Why this excitement for the holidays in the states? I’m not sure there will be time for Christmas cards or putting up a tree but being nearer my people is the draw. I read a piece today by David Platter, of Radical, who always writes about the ‘Go’ challenge. I’m summarizing his good ideas…, Because I am a believer in Jesus I am a disciple maker. My first call is to my family, my church, and to be the best neighbor in the land I call home (in that order). As far as service? I need to follow Jesus according to His word about being a disciple maker wherever I live (in my passport country or another). Do I have a desire to go abroad to a different people group? What are my gifts and abilities? Lastly – what opportunities fit best? I learned something new this time. I learned that I was serving in a place that fit better than the other. I was the same person at both locations but the circumstances varied. Things that applied: contain the drama (I have long patience but want to run to a fight when all else fails), follow the bosses dictates, and forgive and forget. Not everything in missions is as it seems. I am a peacemaker by nature and this experience bore that out. I’m relieved to be back serving in Prague. No self-pity – just what I experienced and worth it. Lam 3:22-23 reads, “Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions they fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness”. Thank you to the team in Prague for the warm return welcome. I had prayerfully sought God’s guidance and learned it is OK to not perfectly fit everywhere because the joy comes from doing the best we can to serve Jesus. It makes me all the more excited to return home, having kept the promise to serve, even though it was difficult. I come from a healthy church that is teaching the practice of missions as a daily consideration. We are not just weekend warriors. God has created a big world and He has a big plan for everyone. Showing up in other places in the world is an honor.
True heroism is remarkably sober, very undramatic. It is not the urge to surpass all others at whatever cost, but the urge to serve others at whatever cost. – Arthur Ashe
Use whatever gift you’ve received for the good of one another so that you can show yourselves to be good stewards of God’s grace in all its varieties. – 1 Peter 4:10, The Voice
