It's been a while since we've posted, nearly 7 months. We have been quite busy getting reestablished over the period and only now have time to begin reflecting on everything. God was so great to provide us with three job offers to choose from. We ended up accepting the offer to return to my former (now current) position in Missoula, Montana. It was so great to reconnect with the friends that we had left just 8 months before. Finding a new home was quite a challenge. The real estate market was red hot. We lost out on 6 home offers before getting one just 1.5 miles from our church in Lolo. A furious fire season began just a few weeks after my return. Thankfully, it only lasted a little more than a month. We are settled.
We miss the friends that we made down in Ecuador, but are excited to have found a way to continue serving from here in Montana. We've partnered up with Casa Dunamis to help Ecuadorian girls rescued from human trafficking by selling their jewelry here in the States. Thanks to everyone who has purchased jewelry in the last two months, these girls have been able to earn an honest living. The amount of money they have earned in just two month's time is incredible. God has richly blessed them. We are thankful that we were able to serve in Quito, even if it was for a shorter time than anticipated.
In closing, I would like to share some thoughts for those who may be planning on going overseas to serve. The purpose of this is to help you be the best prepared that you can be before going.
1. Do not leave home for the field with less than 100% unless God directly tells you to.
2. When given support estimates from people in field, verify the amount of support needed with at least 3 independent parties. Do not use the lowest number obtained as your 100% support level under ANY circumstance.
3. Be flexible and available in service. That said, have firmly established boundaries that allow for "you" time and time with your family. Be involved in a local church.
4. Do not serve under individuals who are not actively involved in a local church. This is not a good sign. Leaders must have accountability.
5. Critical: Plan for your eventual return in advance. This includes having funds set aside and a working plan for starting back up when you return home. Do not wait until you have exhausted all of your financial support before returning.
6. If you have any health issues, or if any of your family members have health issues, talk in-depth with your doctor before leaving. For example, black mold is a significant, incurable problem in many countries. Many people are allergic to it. High altitudes can trigger high blood pressure. Research shows this to be true when moving to elevations above 7000 feet.
7. Be streetwise...or learn to be streetwise. Know the safe and dangerous areas in advance. Be aware of your immediate surroundings at all times. Do not carry purses on the streets. If you are a larger person (like myself), you probably don't have anything to worry about. If you are a smaller person or a female, partner up when going out...if possible.
8. At the 5 or 6 month point you will have significant cross-cultural frustrations that arise as the newness of living abroad wears off. Expect for that to happen. It will pass after a couple of months. It did for us, despite people trying to hit me with their cars every 8-10 days.
9. Expect numerous bouts of salmonella. Most cases will be very mild and not much of a problem. After awhile, symptoms tend to be very muted...but you still know that you got something from that street vendor. Sanitize everything.
10. Take your parasite meds every 6 months to avoid a 4th of July-type experience. Not fun.
11. Get an international driver's license and a vehicle. Experience the country that you are serving in. If you are in a city, get out into the country...assuming that it is safe.
12. Maintain your relationships in your home country and develop new, close friendships in-field.
Finally, look at one of my posts below that give an estimate of how much support that you should raise before leaving for the field.
Thanks and may God bless you.
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