Shannon's Corner

Gathered around the table to remanence over family stories. A comedy of errors staring our family vacation trips that usually had something go wrong such as malfunctions of cars, locked keys in car, rain inside the tent, getting in the way of an oar, you name it and it probably happened. At the time, the incident was not so funny but now in the retelling we laugh about it. These and many more shared experiences with my family growing up is what bonded us together.  Having shared experiences does not mean everyone in the family or group are impacted in the same way. But it does validate and affirm the reality of what is being witnessed. Shared experiences allow us to find common ground that binds us and connects us to those experiencing the same or a similar experience.  People who have lived overseas have shared experiences with others who have lived overseas in understanding some of the lived languaculture experiences. Re-entry can be hard and challenging because there are no...

   SHANNON’S CORNER Let’s be People of Remembrance. The Season of Lent is a time to prepare our hearts, minds, and spirits and remember all that Yahweh did for His people as we journey to Holy Week, Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday. I am enjoying participating in the  She Reads Truth   People of Remembrance  Bible reading plan for Lent. Who Yahweh is and what he had done for his people. Yahweh’s with-ness with his people is what has really spoken to me so far in this first week of Lent. How delightful and such an enjoyment to be invited by One Mission Society Church Partners to facilitate a training on partner care team at Dubois Lakeside Church. The training was on the importance and need for churches to care for their global workers in partnership with the mission agency and to care for the US-based missionaries.  Bringing an awareness through building a foundation for care, defining the word missionary and global worker, and h...

  We were created for belonging and connection. It is part of our DNA. In Genesis chapter two it says, “The LORD God said, ‘It is not good for the man to be alone…’” It’s why we are born into a family. Belonging is being part of a group, community, club, or tribe of people that contributes to a sense of identity and purpose. It is a place where we get to be ourselves, we are known, and we can contribute, in other words being an integral part of our community.  Belonging encompasses openness, safety, power, and wholeness.  A community makes us feel invited, welcomed, and included. In Duane Elmer’s book, Cross-Cultural Servanthood, he writes, “Openness is rooted deeply in our view of the God who welcomes sinners and accepts them as bearers of his image; thus each person possess a sacred dignity – the kind of dignity that compels us to also welcome others into our lives,” (pg. 151).   A safe community is vital for our need to be who we are without the need to hide parts...

We are all searching and asking the question, “Who am I?”     Where do I find significance?     How often do we define who we are by listing the things we have accomplished or achieved?  Demonstrating our significance and identity as being dependent on these lists of accomplishments and achievements. Then using these lists as though they were our credentials or resume for people to recognize who we are by what we have done.    Throughout our whole life we put on various roles both informal and formal to help define who we are. Global Workers also have various roles to help define who they are both when entering a new culture and when in the process of re-entry often are struggling and wrestling with, “Who am I?”   Many Global Workers live abroad to be on mission with Jesus, being part of a cause for justice, love, and mercy that is bigger than themselves. The years abroad continue to shape and mold their identity, worldview, values, and belie...

  What are common cultural adjustments global workers may experience that having a community can be beneficial? Re-entry often comes with a set of cultural adjustments. These adjustments can vary depending on the duration of the stay abroad, the cultural differences between the host and passport countries, and individual experiences. After becoming accustomed to a different culture, global workers may find it challenging to readjust to the norms, behaviors, and expectations of their passport country. Everyday activities may seem unfamiliar, and individuals may experience a sense of disorientation. Communication styles can differ significantly between cultures which can impact both personal and professional interactions. An example is pointing with your lips not your fingers. Shaking your head side-to-side means ‘yes’ not ‘no’ and shaking your head up and down means ‘no’ not ‘yes’. Social norms and customs vary across cultures, and global workers may need to reacquaint themselves wi...