Beginning to Unpack
In the short time that our team has been home, I've been thinking a lot about everything that has occurred in the past week.
One of the biggest parts of any mission trip is a unpacking, a process which requires more than simply cleaning out a suitcase and putting things back in the dresser drawer; it require you to process through thoughts, emotions, and experiences.
As we step back into the pace of everyday life, we are hit immediately by the typical "How was the trip?"question. To those that have asked, I want to apologize for giving you the overused "It was good!" response. In my defense, I have not fully processed enough to give you a more proper response.
In our team preparation, we discussed in great detail about being rather than doing. What does that mean in regards to how we go about mission?
Well, as a short-term mission team we don't want to come into a community and be disruptive to their own processes. It's so typical of Gringos to have a God-complex where they enter a community in their cheesy, matching shirts with some quote printed on the front i.e. 'Spreading God's Love Beyond Borders' (Um, does God's love not already exist beyond borders???), and just hand them "stuff" and walk away expecting them to know what it is or it's purpose. (ugh, so much frustration)
The sentiment is "They are poor and have nothing; I need to help them". However, by doing mission in a way that only gives material things, we are actually hurting and perpetuating the problem.
Now you might be wondering "How do we help without hurting?"
First and foremost, the definition of poverty needs to be looked at differently. Fact of the matter is, every single one of us is poor. Poverty isn't just a lack of nutrition or material wealth. Poverty is a result of broken relationships with God, others and yourself. It is because of this that we are all similar. We are all broken; we are all poor.
The last week was less about how many fuel-efficient stoves we made, and more about creating relationships with the people of Santiago, Sacatepéquez. In those relationships, it's very important that we are encouraging. Guatemalans celebrate EVERYTHING fireworks, and while we didn't use them we were definitely celebrating the wonderful work that is being done in this community.
Until next time, dear friends ♡
-T
P.S. Some of this may not make sense without a context of what exactly we were a part of this last week. A more detailed post with pictures will be coming!!