The talk I mentioned in my previous post really got me thinking along the lines of my career choice. My wife and I have decided to pursue full time overseas mission work, specifically in Spain. The interesting part about this is how difficult it will surely be. We won’t have deep connections for a while most likely. Relationships take time to build. We’re planning on spending our first 6 months in Spain in language school outside of where we’ll eventually end up living full time. Yet again we will find ourselves in a state of transition.
For us to thrive, and especially me being the extroverted one in our relationship, we’re going to have to find community wherever we are. It will take a focused intentionality. This is another reason it’s so important to become fluent in Spanish. How can we form deep friendships if we don’t know the native tongue of a place? The onus is placed squarely on our shoulders to develop relationships in a town of about 10,000 in western Spain. We have to take the initiative to begin and deepen relationships with locals. It certainly won’t be easy but is certainly necessary to us living a full life while we’re in Spain. Neither of us wants to just survive over there, we want to thrive.
It struck me during our time over there just how hard this missionary life is going to be once we’re living overseas. There will be more difficulties in daily life than is normal for someone living in their own culture. In order to thrive and be successful in our careers, we’ll need to have strong relationships. Prayers appreciated in this new endeavor in Steffani and I’s life.
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