Paradox: a statement of proposition that seems self-contradictory or absurd but in reality expresses a possible truth. (dictionary.com)

That is not a word of the day, or something to increase your vocabulary. That is the best way to describe my life. Most of this was predicted in my missionary training at MTI. They said this would be the second biggest struggle in the life of most missionaries. (The first is dealing with other missionaries, support raising, and sending agencies) I tried to explain it to a friend yesterday while we were driving. He asked me to name one thing I liked best about Monterrey (other than the food and the women). My answer went something like this: ‘it’s hard to describe, but I like the culture as a whole. I like their whole idea of hospitality and friendliness. However, this thing that I like so much is also part of what frustrates me the most (apart from sending agencies and other missionaries).’ Needless to say the poor guy was confused. So let me elaborate. Mexican culture is very relational. They will drop their work, or whatever they are doing, and chat for an hour. Americans are always too busy, or super focused on their work and don’t have the time to drop everything for an unexpected call or visit. I love bumping into someone at the store, while they are in the middle of their grocery shopping and talking for 20-30 minuets. However, this also means they are always late. In this culture it is more offensive to say no, or end a conversation abruptly; than to show up an hour or two late. So as much as I love the friendships and how much we chat and get to know each other better; the tardiness is difficult to handle with patience! On the other hand, I love that we Americans are punctual and true to our word, but sometimes I wish we Americans could be more relational. I guess my point is that every culture (and every person) has their good and not-so-good points. That doesn’t make any culture (or anyone) better or worse. It just makes us all imperfect – it makes us all need Jesus. I knew all this going in to the trip; but god has really reinforced this idea. It also helps me deal with myself, because now I am a paradox. When I’m in Mexico, I’m not a typical Mexican. When I’m in the United States, I’m not a typical American. Where do I fit in – where do I belong? I belong to Jesus, and with him uniting us, we all belong. (Recall last month how I mentioned that serving God isn’t dependant on where you are. I can serve God whole heartedly anywhere, anytime)
Continuing with the paradox theme, sometimes I feel like I just got here, sometimes I feel like I’ve been gone for soo long. Right now, I feel like I am starting all over here. In the past month, I went to 4 going away parties (plus a couple more college students who’ve gone home for the summer, without parties) for friends I’ve made here. Add to that the exciting news of my new job description, and I feel like I’m almost starting a new slate. Again, that’s good and that’s bad. As far as the job description goes, I’m super exicited! I am now the youth group leader, and co-leader of the short term mission trips that come. We just had a group of (mostly) college students from a church in Colorado come for a visit a couple weeks ago. It was a blast. I loved it all. We had fun planning it, carrying it out throughout the week, and they all enjoyed it too! I can’t lie though, it was a little stressful. Being responsible for 12 people in a different culture/country/language is kind of a big deal. Add to that, the balance of where to serve, eat, sleep, sight-see, build relationships, evangelize, etc, etc. But I think we’ve found a pretty good mix. We were able to witness to lots of students at the TEC, paint a church, help with an outreach to kids in poverty, help with disabled kids, spend time with members of the church here, hit some touristy sights in Monterrey, climb a mountain, and eat lots of great Mexican food! All in one week!! These trips are really one of the funniest things I do here. It is always very encouraging to have other Americans around. it’s hard to explain, but they don’t have to work all that hard to encourage me. [its what I call the ministry of presence – see this post for further details:
The youth group is also going very well. It is a lot of work, as they kids have some bad habits that may prove difficult to break. But even after only 3 meetings I have seen a noticeable difference in behaviors and attitudes. They are small steps, and there is much work to be done, but I see God’s hand already, pray that he would continue His work with these kids. Also pray that God would raise up a disciple to work alongside me, and eventually lead the group when I return to Chicago.