Is it Friday again already? What happened to this week? Of wait…I remember—I was sick. While hosting eight guests. I love what we do here at the lodge, but sometimes it’s flat-out inconvenient. Then again, caring for others is rarely convenient. The best way to make it through the rough spots? Prepare as much as you can during the times of smooth sailing…by “stocking up” on resources like these, so you are instant in season and out.

LIFE ON THE FIELD

Not every experience needs to be documented. According to Michelle DeRousha, some experiences might be more enjoyable if you don’t (as in put your phone away). Read this for yourself, because nothing is more important when you are with your missionary friends than giving them your full attention. Then forward it to your friends on the field. It might help them eliminate an unnecessary source of stress in their lives.

Most missionaries I’ve known, at some point, have questioned their decision to work cross-culturally. When things get tough, many give up.

Could there be a connection between retreat, knowing the why, and staying on mission?

Timothy Austin offers this excellent insight that could curtail much of that attrition.

Unmet expectations are one of the big reasons many global workers quit. Bill Tell talks about how to deal with them.

TRANSITION

Transition season is about to go into high gear. It can be a crazy-making time for many.

It takes time and energy to establish new rhythms of body and soul.

Patty Stallings has some great advice on how to avoid the loony bin.

We don’t often talk here about the transition into missions, but it is an important topic. Josie Oldenburg has posted 8 guideposts that can help you help those who are just beginning the journey to overseas service.

Jodie Pine tackles the reality that returning is not easy. Her article will be useful to you in understanding why, plus it would be a great thing to pass on to those you know who are in transition.

Loss of a sense of identity is quite common among returning missionaries.

Returning home did not mean He was finished working through me.

Sarah Sams address that topic in this piece.

There’s no way around the discomfort of re-entry.

A person going through re-entry experiences the pain of simultaneously being pruned and replanted.

Reading this from Leslie Verner will prepare you to come alongside your friends who are dealing with this pain.

MKs/TCKs

This is another one of those articles that will enhance your understanding and be of great practical value to the parents of TCKs that you know. Lauren Wells explains how to help TCKs manage their need for change.

EQUIP YOURSELF

Though Anna McShane wrote this for missionaries hosting other missionaries (you can forward it to them), it also has some good ideas for when you have the honor of hosting a global worker.

Ask a Missionary is a great site on so many levels. This link will give you a handy list of books on a variety of missionary topics. Want to “go pro” in your missionary care? Read the same books they are required to read—then talk about them together.

The affectionate gaze. That’s what Scott Shaum could have titled this post about God gazing on us. Sure to warm your heart and those of anyone you share it with.

Want to improve your ability to give missionaries your full attention? You might want to pick up a copy of The End of Absence: Reclaiming What We’ve Lost in a World of Constant Connection. Michael Harris paints a pretty compelling picture.

EVENTS

As many are preparing to return for a season of home assignment, now is the time to plan for debriefing.

The goal of missionary debriefing is to ensure these faithful servants are REFRESHED and REALIGNED–for the next season of life and ministry that God has in store for them. (Shepherd’s Staff)

Recalibrate! is one opportunity for singles, couples, and families with children age 13 and up. It will be held in Michigan in October, and early registration is advised.

Traction is a 6-day renewal experience September 20-26, 2017 for men working cross-culturally. This week of restoration is all about helping guys navigate their roles as leaders in order to gain spiritual footing and momentum to move forward.

It focuses on issues like:

• Managing stress, isolation and opposition
• Reconnecting with God
• Cultivating the character of authentic leadership
• Honoring God with our sexuality
• Persevering with courage and trust in the face of challenges

The week includes worship, teaching, counseling, medical consultation, outdoor activities, and personal reflection in one of the most spectacular natural settings on earth! Individuals and teams are welcome.

July 9-14 is TRAIN International’s next ABIDE re-entry debriefing for global workers. ABIDE provides 5 days during which participants are able to process their cross-cultural experiences in both group and individual debriefing. Whole families are welcome

You can never be overly equipped when it comes to caring for global workers. Thanks for caring enough to invest in your effectiveness.

What I’m reading this week:

• Winston S. Churchill: Youth, 1874-1900, by Randolph S. Churchill
• Breaking the Rules, by Fil Anderson

Just finished reading:

• The Dip, by Seth Godin
• Songs from the Heart: Meeting with God in the Psalms, by Tim Riordan
• Honeybee Democracy, by Thomas Seeley
• Blind Spots, by Scott Morton
• Running on Empty, by Fil Anderson

Up next:

• Th!nk, by Michael LeGault