Saturday
Aug122006
The Anomalies of the Missionary Life in the 21st Century
Saturday, August 12, 2006 at 12:13PM
I’ve been asked when I was going to put up another blog, so here it is. To my blog friend Beth at National Office (whom I’ve never met) maybe you won’t need Kleenex for this one :). I encourage those of you reading this blog to share your similar experiences in the comment section.
• I can walk to the corner video store and buy a Shania Twain CD, but I haven’t been able to take a hot shower for three days (and we won’t have hot water for another week).
• We can’t buy contact lens solution here, but I can buy my specific brand of Clinique makeup (if I want to pay $45 for it).
• My entire family can go to the movie theatre, watch a movie produced this year in English and have popcorn and cokes for $15, which is less than I can buy a can of Crisco to make biscuits ($18).
• Bernie can have filet mignon for the same price as a cup of Starbucks Coffee in the states. You can buy a bag of Starbucks coffee here, if you want to pay $38 for it.
• After looking for two days for a 9 x 13 baking pan (both my Pampered Chef ones broke in transit), I found one for $29 or I could by one in a baking set for $96 (the same set they sell at Walmart for $9.99). If I wanted cookware, I could buy an entire set for next to nothing.
• Jonathan and Cori can watch Nickelodeon or Cartoon Network, but I have to hang my clothes on a line to dry.
• Apartment complexes have Internet access available, but no elevators.
• If I want entertaining TV, so far I have come across the following dubbed in Mongolian: Gilligan’s Island; Shrek; Walker, Texas Ranger; and America’s Funniest Home Videos. Which would you pick if you were me?
• Our home in Mongolia never had rain until we arrived, and our home in the US hasn’t had rain since we left.
• I’m as tall my refrigerator, but I need a step ladder to get into the bathtub.
The real anomaly is the one in our hearts. I am so grateful for the things we have that we thought we were giving up, but are quite content without the things we did. I am not a contented person by nature. I am learning “in whatever situation I am to be content...� (Phil. 4:11). I am grateful for the home God has provided, especially the location. I am grateful for the team God has given us to work with and the unity we are already starting to experience. I am grateful for my husband and his leadership through this process. I am grateful for my children and what great troopers they have been.
I am grateful to God for His indescribable Gift and the privilege to be a part of bringing that Gift to this country and this people.
• I can walk to the corner video store and buy a Shania Twain CD, but I haven’t been able to take a hot shower for three days (and we won’t have hot water for another week).
• We can’t buy contact lens solution here, but I can buy my specific brand of Clinique makeup (if I want to pay $45 for it).
• My entire family can go to the movie theatre, watch a movie produced this year in English and have popcorn and cokes for $15, which is less than I can buy a can of Crisco to make biscuits ($18).
• Bernie can have filet mignon for the same price as a cup of Starbucks Coffee in the states. You can buy a bag of Starbucks coffee here, if you want to pay $38 for it.
• After looking for two days for a 9 x 13 baking pan (both my Pampered Chef ones broke in transit), I found one for $29 or I could by one in a baking set for $96 (the same set they sell at Walmart for $9.99). If I wanted cookware, I could buy an entire set for next to nothing.
• Jonathan and Cori can watch Nickelodeon or Cartoon Network, but I have to hang my clothes on a line to dry.
• Apartment complexes have Internet access available, but no elevators.
• If I want entertaining TV, so far I have come across the following dubbed in Mongolian: Gilligan’s Island; Shrek; Walker, Texas Ranger; and America’s Funniest Home Videos. Which would you pick if you were me?
• Our home in Mongolia never had rain until we arrived, and our home in the US hasn’t had rain since we left.
• I’m as tall my refrigerator, but I need a step ladder to get into the bathtub.
The real anomaly is the one in our hearts. I am so grateful for the things we have that we thought we were giving up, but are quite content without the things we did. I am not a contented person by nature. I am learning “in whatever situation I am to be content...� (Phil. 4:11). I am grateful for the home God has provided, especially the location. I am grateful for the team God has given us to work with and the unity we are already starting to experience. I am grateful for my husband and his leadership through this process. I am grateful for my children and what great troopers they have been.
I am grateful to God for His indescribable Gift and the privilege to be a part of bringing that Gift to this country and this people.
Reader Comments (7)
Hey, just to let you know that you can find contact lens solution at SKY. It's on the 2nd floor. Go in the grocery store and on the right hand side is an "eye center" with all kinds of glasses. You won't see solution but ask them for it (iThey've understood me when I say contact solution in English or it's like contact water in Mongolian). They usually have some behind the counter. It's like $10 though. But hey it you really need some, they have it!
Lisa - Thanks! We were just at Sky yesterday! I am good for a few months. I brought stock. I am just glad we were able to get it here before the airlines banned all liquid substances!
Well, Renee, I must admit this is the first time I've been on your website. (I'M NOT AN INTERNET PERSON -- I ALMOST NEVER GET ON IT) I've read through everything (I think). I've NEVER read a blog before. Now I know what it is. Back in the dark ages, we used a neat little book with a lock on it, and called it a "Diary"!! =D
Darren is at Josh's playing RISK. So I thought I'd take advantage of the solitude and do this. I've enjoyed catching up on all of your wanderings, as well as thoughts etc.
Know that you're all in our prayers.
I just wanted to say thanks for sharing those. I definately was shocked and laughed at a few. :) I'm also writing to tell you that you are missed and prayed for. I just got your newsletter and am getting ready to read it. I look forward to seeing how the Lord is going to use you all. :)
Hey! Got the newsletter. Looks good! I am taking your prayer cards to the women's retreat coming up Sept.8-10 at the Springville Camp and Conference Center. Patty Peters wants to give them to the churches represented. Am I supposed to forward your newsletter to the District churches or do you have all their addresses?
See ya!
So, would you say I need to ask for a DVD recorder to start sending you DVD's of Murder She Wrote, Poirot, Midsummer Murders (I am noticing a theme to "our" TV viewing)?? With my birthday coming up...it's a thought-and I could send you care packages of TV viewing for those LONG, COLD days and nights. Tell Jonathan that Jack is on the "Red Rage" football team-he starts practice next Monday....soccer starts Wedneday. I may just send myself with all those DVD's now that I think about it! Love to all! Laura
You're right - I didn't need Kleenex for this one!! Sorry just read this weeks later - I've been out of the loop due to vacation and a death in our family. Beginning to blog again now. This was highly entertaining and fascinating to see what is valued and what is available in other parts of the world! I grew up in Japan and honestly am not aware of ANYTHING that is CHEAPER over there than in U.S. So this is truly fascinating. Thanks for sharing!