Hallo From the Other Side
"Herzlich Willkommen" notes were left on our pillows, welcoming us to the Gospel Tribe mission house in Karlsruhe, Germany.
The train ride from Strasbourg, France to Karlsrhu, Germany was very short- just under an hour- but in some ways we feel much further from home here.
The language is so very different. The culture is different.
As we arrived to this new place, we had some of the kindest people helping us adapt to our new surroundings. A small group of students from Germany, Argentina and Paraguay carried our bags to our rooms, took us out for a falafel dinner, and shared terere in their living room. The next day they made a large American breakfast for us our first morning in Germany, complete with Nutella pancakes.
We felt so very welcome.
The next night training for our outreach to the Middle East started. About 30 Germans came from all over the country to participate in an outreach to either Egypt, Jordan, Iraq or Lebanon.
Our team will be going to Egypt.
Over three days we were taught on subjects that ranged from the history of the Middle East conflict to the background of the Christian Orthodox Church.
All in German.
To be learning about a culture and part of the world that I am so very unfamiliar with, taught in a foreign language was extremely overwhelming.
We had a very kind, helpful translator whispering English to us throughout the sessions. But even this was difficult to grasp everything that was being said.
To be so dependent on someone to tell us what is going on, at all times, has been very humbling. It has surprised me how difficult it has been to be in the clear minority. The ones who don't speak the language. Everyone has gone above and beyond to speak with us in English when we are sitting with them and to explain as many details as they can. It's so impressive that they have the ability to switch toEnglish. Even if they don't feel totally confident in their words- we're so grateful.
There have also been a few cultural differences that we have noticed the past few days.
People are so extremely on time. All the time. If they say be ready at 8:30, the van is leaving at 8:30. For anyone who know me, you can attest that this is truly challenging for me.
People are so extremely efficient. The first morning that we walked in to the church for breakfast, every single person, without a moment of hesitation, began setting up the room. It was like they had all been training to do this breakfast and everyone knew their role. Literally, before Daniel and I managed to set a fork on a table, everything was done. It was incredible.
People are really environmentally conscious. There are a lot of trashcans everywhere, each for a different purpose. With labels explaining these purposes. In German.
It doesn't seem that people believe in air-conditioning, fans or general air movement in the buildings. It's real hot.
It has really thrown me off, feeling a little bit of culture shock, in a country that, in so many ways, is very similar to life in the States.
On top of the differences in culture and language, I think that we are experiencing a little bit of culture shock in being back in a missions environment, too. Even though both of us have been involved in missions and want to be involved in missions, it's been a while. And it's a big jump going from living in Virginia to traveling independently to being part of a unit.
Most of all we have been struck by the amazing people here. We're so excited and honored to partnering with the people of Gospel Tribe. And we can't wait to see what's in store.
We hop on a plane and fly to Egypt tomorrow! Please pray for our trip.