Flying and mission

We got back from a big weekend just a couple of hours ago. It's been a good weekend but I really don't have it in me to write much now. I can point you to someone else's blog post and add a little of my own, though.

10 Things Flying Taught Me About Mission
1. Pre flight inspections are a good idea
          Preparation is vital. Included in that is stuff you don't realise you'll need, like waiting and trusting God to provide while you still have your supports around you.

2. Communication matters 
          Oh yeah. We've tried to consistently communicate well with supporters. But communication on the field is probably even more important. Being a lone wolf and just doing your own thing isn't helpful, though very tempting.

3. One-uppers happen: 
          People who want to "one up" your story.

4. Landing is one of the most dangerous parts of flying.
          Landing, both in your country of service and back in your home country.

5. Landing is very different from flying over a place.
          Yes, whenever people who've had a tourist trip to Japan enthuse about the country and its people I struggle to control myself.

6. Most, but not all, the obstacles are on the map.
           There are many unexpected challenges, things you didn't realise you'd face. For example, having to learn how to say your name differently or having to talk in Japanese to a nurse over an intercom at 3am when your child's pulled out their IV in hospital.

7. Don't judge another passenger's anxiety.
           Yep, especially learned that during March 2011 when we had a nuclear incident because the tsunami flooded a nuclear power plant. Many people because very anxious, especially foreigners. It was hard not to judge.

8. Toilets are different.
            Enough said. Thankfully most Japanese toilets are different in a better way (though millions of buttons can be confusing).

9. You don't always get to choose your travel buddies.
            Certainly true of mission. And you get thrown together in way more stressful situations than in your home country. But as a result you make friendships that are so precious that you'll be forever scarred when you return home.

10. Sometimes you lose stuff
            Yes, but sometimes it's good stuff, like: ignorance, pride, self-reliance.