Yet We Still Laugh

Stories of Humor and Hope from Women Serving Around the World

Edited by Sarah Hilkemann, Laura Bowling, and Denise Beck

Where to buy

Cross-cultural life is full of contradictions. The days can be heavy with loss, loneliness, and disappointment–yet woven among the hard are moments of breaktaking beauty, unexpected joy, and laughter that catches us by surprise.

Yet We Still Laugh is a collection of stories from women serving around the world who know both the struggle and the sweetness of this global life. From language mishaps to cultural misunderstandings, from shared jokes with teammates to the humor of daily adventures, these pages invite you to remember that joy has a place even in the hardest seasons.

Endorsements

For global workers, a good sense of humor is not just a vocational byproduct, it’s a survival skill. As I chuckled my way through this treasure trove of personal stories, I fondly recalled some of my own funny—and embarrassing—moments while living overseas (and I confess some of those stories have gotten more exaggerated with time). This delightful book is a gift to anyone who needs reminding that laughter is medicine for the soul, in all seasons.

Cindy M. Wu

co-founder and Director of Diaspora Ministries of Mosaic Formation

Yet We Still Laugh is a beautiful collection of honest, humorous, and hope-filled stories that celebrate the courage of women navigating cross-cultural life and ministry. Through laughter, these women invite us into their bold attempts to embrace new cultures—not by avoiding discomfort, but by leaning into it with joy, humility, and an open heart. Their light-hearted reflections remind us that bravery doesn’t always look like grand gestures—it often looks like trying a strange dish, getting lost in translation, or laughing when things go wrong. In these stories, we witness the transformative power of love, kindness, and mutual connection across cultures.

Mekdes Haddis

Author of A Just Mission and Founder of The Mutuality Lab

Living cross-culturally can be tragically difficult and also wonderfully beautiful. Often the two go hand in hand, and a little humor can go a long way in not only surviving, but thriving “overseas.” In this lovely book, Yet We Still Laugh, we are invited to grab a cup of coffee and hear stories from friends–courageous women of God who are giving us the gift of sharing some of their stories. You will laugh and you might cry (I did!) as you enter into this book, and you will certainly be encouraged in your walk with the Lord.

Anita Rahma

author of Beyond Our Walls and Downward Discipleship

There is something holy about laughter, cracking open that human side in each of us. Cross-cultural life with language challenges and cultural blunders makes it ripe for a good laugh. What a gift this book is, a reminder not to take ourselves too seriously and to find joy in hard places. I laughed out loud reading these pages. Thank you Velvet Ashes for once again bringing such rich stories.

Ruth Potinu

author of Permission to Mourn: Engaging with Culture, Story and Scripture in a Quest for Healing with Hope

Yet We Still Laugh dives into the beautiful humanity of what it means to live cross-culturally. It encourages the reader with real-life stories, humbling lessons, and an undeniable hope. This book takes differing experiences from around the world and unifies us with one common Hope. God’s writing a story from East to West, from heart to heaven.

Sarah Nunnally

Missionary, Author, and Illustrator of Every Nation: Seeing God Around the World

Velvet Ashes has done it again! The authenticity, humor, and humility woven into these stories is a must read for not just women, but also for the men who walk alongside them. Cross-cultural living can be a lot of things...and learning to laugh at ourselves in the process is essential. Yet We Still Laugh is not only a humorous and lighthearted read, it’s also a collection of worshipful anecdotes from courageous women who learned to thrive in unlikely places.

Josh Beck

Executive Director and CEO of Barnabas International

Yet We Still Laugh reminds us that a cheerful heart really is good medicine, and helps us see that we can tackle the hard things of serving overseas when the joy of the Lord is our strength. A delightful read, it will help you feel less alone in your own hilariously embarrassing blunders and mishaps abroad, while pointing your heart to Jesus and His grace that is sufficient for all things.

Heather Fallis

author and creator of @liturgiesforalifeabroad