The Six Things Every Missionary Needs

So I have just composed a list of things that, well, pretty much all missionaries need during their transition stage. It consists of things I had, things I wish I had had, and things my friends have had during the transition part of their move to Africa! To the missionaries reading this, if I've left anything out, please let me know! (Do keep in mind that this was put together by a teenager.)

1. Jesus is your best friend

        When a missionary moves, there are very few people who understand the adjustments they are facing. If missionaries go as a family, like mine, you do  have each other, but that can get claustrophobic and annoying - even they might not understand exactly what you are facing. Take time, every day to talk to Jesus about the pains and joys of that day (and of the move in general). He's the only one who knows the home you came from, the place you live in now, and the questions you have in your heart about moving.

2. Learn to love your new world


      Relax at first. Culture shock can get really bad if you rush things, but when you start to really take in all that's been happening, begin counting the beautiful, interesting things about your new-found world. Write about it to your friends, record it in a journal, or add it to your list of things to share with God in the evenings.

3. Candy will keep you grounded     


 This is true. American candy in particular is very powerful when you need to escape. I recommend, in particular, that you bring Reeses, marshmallows, Hershey's chocolate and your favorite bubble gum with you when you move from the States - I don't believe Hershey's or Reeses exist in any other country - bubble gum and marshmallows are not the same overseas. Trust me. All of that junk food will be a life saver when you need to break down, spend a whole day in your pajamas and watch movies on your computer.

4. PHOTOGRAPHY!!!


     I did not have a camera when we moved from the States (I was only twelve years old), but I've seen some friends having a blast with their cameras since moving here! There's something simple and moving about searching for the right perspective, some good lighting and a beautiful image to capture that will make the country you stay in seem a little more comfortable.

5. Alone time


     Everyone needs some alone time, but it's SO SO SO important for missionaries to remind themselves of that. We can get so busy and caught up in trying to save the world (isn't that why we moved in the first place?) that we burn out. Believe it or not, this can apply to missionary kids too. A person in a new environment, regardless of their age or exactly what kind of ministry they're engaged in, needs a few hours each week to digest it all alone.

6. Good friends


    On the other hand, in between the rests and quiet times, it's time to PARTY! Surround yourself with good people and that fish-out-of-water-feeling (that always comes when you are in a crowd of an entirely different culture) will melt away. This could mean get together's with some other missionaries, meeting up with friends you've made on the mission field, or doing video calls with friends back home (via 'Oovoo' or 'Skype'). Yeah, the last is probably most important. Most of all, surround yourself with people who genuinely care about your experiences - the kind of people who will ask questions and really listen for the answers.
   The kind of people who will send you care packages full of chocolate kisses and Reeses.