I recently saw a blog about the myths of expat living. I found myself agreeing with every bit of the article since Mitch and I are technically expats (someone who lives in another country that is not their homeland). However, I thought it would be fun to create my own list, but about missionary living, since we're also missionaries. I figured that a lot of my readers have probably been on a mission trip before, know people who go on mission trips, or know/support missionaries. While this probably isn't general to all missionaries, it's our life and I hope this will help everyone understand our world a little better (and maybe even give you a good laugh).
1. We are semi-homeless.
I prefer to call myself a nomad rather than semi-homeless, but either way, we never seem to have a permanent place. We lived in Nashville for 2 years and our commitment in Guatemala is for 2 years, but we will most likely stay longer. When we are in the states, you can usually find us hopping from one state to another visiting friends and family. We're pros at living out of a suitcase. The life of a missionary isn't completely nomadic, but we sure do a lot of traveling (just look at the life of Paul!). Who knows where we'll be 5 years from now?!
2. Our driving skills have drastically improved.
Americans think other Americans are bad drivers. But you really haven't experienced bad driving until you have crossed borders. Don't worry if you fail your drivers test in Guatemala. You can always just pay for a license…
3. Our bargaining skills have improved…with the police.
One time Mitch completely got out of getting a parking ticket because he used the whole "I'm not from around here" trick. Except it wasn't a trick and he really didn't know that he wasn't supposed to park in that spot. He also just so happend to "forget Spanish." I don't know if you could really call that bargaining, but it worked. And that one time I got stopped (they do random stops here) and I didn't have my license…I somehow talked my way out of that one!
4. We are grateful for the little things.
Like toilet paper. I totally forgot that flushing toilet paper was a thing. I'm just happy to have some. And I know now to always carry some with me when we're out and about. Good luck finding toilet paper in a village.
5. Our bug and dirt tolerance is through the roof (literally).
Bugs are still not my friends, but they are more tolerated than ever before. Please don't judge me when you come over to my house and see spiders living on the ceiling and in the corners. Is it weird that I'm kind of thankful for them? I mean, they do eat bugs. There may be more dirt than you're used to seeing too, but my house is made of concrete so just go with it.
6. We speak Spanglish.
Spanglish is a real thing you guys. Sometimes our brain has a hard time switching back and forth between Spanish and English so they both come out in the same sentence. Lo siento in advance.
7. We have the best job.
Ministry can be hard; emotionally, spiritually, and physically hard. But on the hard days and especially on the good days, we remember that we are working for the Kingdom. That makes every second worth it and it makes us thankful that God chose us for this job…the best job!
