Grace for Awkward Questions
You’ve probably had awkward moments in your host country. You use the wrong verb or vocabulary word in a conversation that brings the room to silence. You get asked very personal questions that cause you to do a double take and stumble to answer. Most times you can laugh about it and go on. Language […]
Awkwardness That Will Pass Away
Many years ago I saw an expat friend post on Instagram (or was it on Twitter?) about an after dinner conversation where she and her husband discussed if awkwardness would be considered a former world problem in the new heavens and new earth. Former world problem. I hope it is. I have felt awkwardness as […]
Charades, Frogs, and Privacy + PBJ Pancakes
We’ve been living in our country of service for nearly thirteen years. There are plenty of stories to share of awkward, confusing, culture-clashing moments. Here are a few of our best (that I can remember). During our second year in-country, our middle child was just a baby. I stayed at home with the two boys, […]
Navigating Awkward Transitions with Our Children
“So, you’re taking a sabbatical? That will be a nice long break!” Oh if only, I think. I sure could use that right about now. I am sure this sentiment is familiar to all of us who have prepared for a home assignment from our ministry areas. We have received this kind of comment on […]
This Month’s Theme: Awkward
That moment when you stumble over a new word and what comes out is completely embarrassing. Or when you return to your passport country and can’t figure out how to pump your own fuel or use the currency. There is so much beauty in crossing cultures and borders, and filling our minds with new languages. […]