Well, it is just over a month before my departure to Thailand, which means the rush of preparation has begun. Oh joy. I mean that in the best way possible; I am undoubtedly excited for the approaching adventure, but the details in the preparation balance out the excitement a bit. On the plus side, I think most of the 'details' are done. Everything is completed as far as payments, forms and passport items go, so preparation anxiety has slowed down some for about three weeks. Then there is the more mental and spiritual side of preparation. That's where things can get more tricky, or simple, depending on your view. How do you prepare these aspects of yourelf before traveling? Well, on my trip to Zambia we were able to meet with our team prior to departure, which was some good preparation. This time around I have been able to have brief contact with some of the girls going on the trip, so that sufficiently satisfies the aspect of getting to know some of your team. One thing I have been doing that I had not really done before is learning about the culture and people I am going to serve. For anyone who plans to take a trip, I highly encourage this. It is not a confirmed theory from personal experience, but I believe this will help you to relate to the people there and also have respect and understanding for them and their culture. Just a hunch. One thing I need to get on is language. I have strong intentions of attempting some of the Thai language prior to the language classes I will take in Thailand- but they have yet to develop to anything more than intentions. I think the intimidation is delaying my efforts, its about time I buck up and give it a whirl. Anyways, my point in speaking of preparation is how I prepare myself spiritually for this trip? It is not a 'missions' trip where the aim of the project is to spread the love of Christ and message of salvation to those who have yet to experience it. But for my Christian readers, that should be our daily aim. In reality, there is no difference I suppose. My beliefs will obviously still remain constant, but the challenge is in balancing that with respect and courtesy for the organization and the people I will be serving. I think largely what comes to mind is Paul's journey. He related well to people because (although he never compromised his beliefs) he followed the laws of other religions and cultures in order to accomplish his purpose, or rather God's purpose.
"Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God's law but am under Christ's law), so as to win those not having teh law. To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings."
Skills. Mad skills. To mold to someone/something else while still retaining your true self, this is where a challenge seems to arrise. This is one challenge I intend to prepare for in this month prior to departure. pray. advise. encourage.1 Corinthians 9:19-23
K
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