What is it they say? March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb? Well, our local lion seems a bit confused. Blustery winds with a tinge of Spring one day, then back to below freezing temperatures and light snow. The weather can sure keep us on our toes! Just like the ongoing physical, spiritual, and emotional needs of global workers. That’s why you need these fresh, weekly links to resources you can use in caring for the missionaries you know.

 

LIFE ON THE FIELD

Getting past the initial shock of a new cultural setting is not the end of struggles for field workers. Once the newness wears off, other challenges arise.

Losing the wonder for the adventure is normal—it doesn’t mean you have made a wrong turn.

Elizabeth Spencer talks about how to regain the invigorating sense of newness.

 

We talk a fair bit on this site about self-care and why it is important for global workers. Unfortunately, many others talk about self-care as well, but in an entirely different way. What they describe is more like self-indulgence. Briana Wiest does a good job of distinguishing between the two. This will help you when you promote self-care to your friends on the mission field.

 

While many missionaries realize the necessity of maintaining their spiritual health, fewer pay as much attention to their physical health. SEND International offers this list of super practical tips for staying healthy on the field. While you’re over there, check out the other articles in the series on flourishing (listed at the bottom of the page).

 

The good news is that it is easy in most parts of the world to get access to international banking options. The bad news is, there are so many options sometimes it is hard to choose. The good news is, the folks at the Evangelical Christian Credit Union has published a very helpful guide for navigating all those options.

 

An increasing number of women on the mission field have issues related to food and their body image. Elizabeth Trotter, speaking from personal experience, talks about how to have a healthy perspective in this podcast over at Taking Route.

 

 

MKs/TCKs

Am I doing what’s best for my child? That question is asked frequently by parents on the mission field. Lauren Wells may be able to help your friends on the field who are wrestling with this question.

 

Who do you know raising children on the mission field? They need to see this post by Lauren Wells.

Remember that the purpose of asking these questions is not to provide a solution, but to open up the communication between you and your child.

Ten questions to routinely ask, that can make all the difference in their ability to thrive.

 

 

TRANSITION

One of the unexpected realities of returning to one’s sending country is the discovery that home really isn’t home anymore. J. Windle’s article will help you understand those you encounter who are back for a while, but so distant as well.

 

Ruth’s post is very similar in nature to J. Windle’s (above). She deals with the topic from the perspective of one who is about to leave the mission field for a visit in their passport country. Articles like these will expand your ability to show compassion and understanding to those in transition.

 

What does whipped cream have to do with re-entry? Kirstin Durfey explains. She will help you understand the gut-wrenching dynamics of returning to one’s sending country.

 

 

EVENTS

The folks at Interaction International are offering a transition seminar for TCKs returning to the U.S. It will be held in Colorado Springs, CO from July 21 through July 27.

 

It is hard to overstate the value of retreats for missionary women. But the cost in terms of travel time and registration fees can prevent many from attending. That’s why the virtual retreats hosted by Velvet Ashes are genius. Watch this video to learn more.

 

 

EQUIP YOURSELF

This resource may have a limited audience, but when you need this kind of help, there are not many resources out there. Detained in Dubai “is considered the international authority on UAE (United Arab Emirates) law.” If you know anyone working there, you will want to keep this information handy.

 

That’s it for this week. Thank you for caring, for taking the time to check in here, for availing yourself of resources like this, and for utilizing them as God leads.

 

 What I’m reading this week:

• The Emotionally Healthy Woman, by Gerri Scazzero (reading with my wife)

• Winston S. Churchill: World in Torment: 1916-1922, by Martin Gilbert
• Winter: A Spiritual Biography of the Season, Gary Schmidt, ed.

• Your Best Year Ever, by Michael Hyatt

Just finished reading:

• Terrific! Five Star Customer Service, by Stan Toler & Keith Hawk
• Living Far Away, by Esther Abbott
• Moving Far Away, by Esther Abbott
• Ali and Nino, by Kurban Said
• Messianic Christology, by Arnold Fruchtenbaum

Up next:

• Consider Your Calling, by Gordon Smith

• Emotionally Healthy Leaders, by Peter Scazzero