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Purposeful Preparationfor Short-Term Missions TeamsLisa LaGeorge, Ph.D.LisaLaGeorge@STM Team Training SessionsThe following resources provide a sample of materials to be covered to prepare a Short-Term Missions team from the context of the local church. Each church, team, and host location have different needs, inherent risks, and ministry opportunities and, therefore, have different training requirements. The material below is intended only to serve as a framework on which additional information can be built. This material can be adequately covered in four three-hour sessions prior to the trip and a debrief session following the trip. The sessions should include short lectures, discussions, and team interaction. Additional reading recommended for all participants is noted below. Meeting 1:Missiology. Recommended reading: Let the Nations be Glad by Piper.STM Purpose and Objectives. Appendix AFinancial and Team Expectations.Inoculations. See for individual country recommendations.Meeting 2:Team InteractionsPeacemaking. Recommended reading: Resolving Everyday Conflict by SandeTeam Covenant Formation. Appendix BCultural InteractionsCultural Values. Recommended reading chapters in Expand Your Borders by LivermoreCulture and Culture Shock.Appendix CTeam Country Briefing. Appendix DMeeting 3:Communicating the Gospel. Recommended reading: God is the Gospel by Piper and What is the Gospel? by Gilbert Testimony workshop.Helping without Hurting. See hwh-stm-leaderMeeting 4:Team Communication. Appendix EPacking List. Appendix FTerrorism and Travel Safety. Appendix GTravel Health Considerations. Appendix HWorking with Missionaries. Appendix IPost-Field Debrief:Personal Reflections. Appendix JTips for Landing Well. Appendix K All materials attached are intended to serve as a resource for your church and may be copied and adapted for your individual setting. Please do not publish the materials for resale. For questions, please contact the author: LisaLaGeorge@.Appendix ASTM Philosophy God-Glorifying MissionGod’s heart for the reconciliation of man to Himself is revealed in the Scriptures from the Garden to the Throne Room. His call is for His people to stand as priests before the world both near and far (1 Peter 2:9).Field-Driven PartnershipTeams are servants in ministry to the hosts who are already serving in the countries. Teams will be formed to meet the requests of the field in a way that promotes the progress of the host church without developing dependency on the sending church.Gospel-Centered VocationTeams understand that communicating the Gospel in daily life and through the ministry of the local church is the calling of all believers. Teams will travel with the understanding that utilizing their professional vocation provides Kingdom service as each believer uses their skills and talents for the proclamation of the Gospel and the building up of the Body of Christ. Purposeful PreparationLeaders and teams will receive training to promote a greater understanding of the Gospel, missions, and the specific setting of the host church. Teams will explore the cultural, historical, ecclesiastical, and geopolitical background of their country to respond Biblically to their new setting. Simple StewardshipTeams understand that they will be living simply. The team will strive together with the hosts to be good stewards of God’s resources by balancing costs with essential needs. Appendix BTeam CovenantWork together with your team to identify the key reasons and Scriptural commendations for pursuing peace both on your team and with the people with whom you will work. Commit together to memorize together at least 2 or 3 of the key passages that you identify. Below you will find a sample church membership covenant that demonstrates a commitment to resolving conflict and living at peace with one MITMENT TO PEACEMAKING AND RECONCILIATIONOur church is committed to building a “culture of peace” that reflects God’s peace and the power of the gospel of Christ in our lives. As we stand in the light of the cross, we realize that bitterness, unforgiveness, and broken relationships are not appropriate for the people whom God has reconciled to himself through the sacrifice of His only Son (John 13:34-35; Eph. 4:29-32; Col. 3:12-14).Therefore, we look to the Scriptures and the Holy Spirit for guidance on how we can respond to conflict in a way that will honor God, promote justice, reconcile relationships, and preserve our witness for Christ. As God gives us His wisdom and grace, we are committed to actively teaching and encouraging one another to trust God and seek His help in living out the following principles of peacemaking and reconciliation:Whenever we are faced with conflict, our primary goal will be to glorify God with our thoughts, words and actions (1 Cor. 10:31).We will try to get the “logs” out of our own eyes before focusing on what others may have done wrong (Matt. 7:3-5).We will seek to overlook minor offenses (Prov. 19:11).We will refrain from all gossip, backbiting and slander (Eph. 4:29-32). If we have a problem with others, we will talk to them, not about them.We will make “charitable judgments” toward one another by believing the best about each other until we have facts that prove otherwise (1 Cor. 13:7).If an offense is too serious to overlook, or if we think someone may have something against us, we will seek reconciliation without delay (Matt. 5:23-24; 18:15).When we offer a word of correction to others, we will do so graciously and gently, with the goal of serving and restoring them, rather than beating them down (Prov. 12:18; Eph.4:29; Gal. 6:1).When someone tries to correct us, we will ask God to help us resist prideful defensiveness and to welcome correction with humility (Ps. 141:5; Prov. 15:32).When others repent, we will ask God to give us grace to forgive them as he has forgiven us (Eph. 4:32).When we discuss or negotiate substantive issues, we will look out for others’ interests as well as our own (Phil. 2:3-4).Example from Bethlehem Baptist Church, 2009Appendix CCulture and Culture ShockCulture is the way of life of a people: how they think, how they act, what they make, how they communicate, and how they view themselves and the rest of the world around them. Culture is like gravity—you cannot see it, but it impacts everything around you. Some elements of culture are obvious, for example, how people greet one another. Other elements take years to begin to observe and understand. Most missionaries will remind teams that it takes decades and fluency in the language to understand a culture. Teams need the humility to remember they are learners, not experts, in the culture they are visiting. Culture shock is the difficulty visitors experience when their past experience (home culture) does not accurately interpret the present experience (host culture) with regard to how one should behave, talk, and interact.Phases of Cultural AdjustmentDelight: “This place is great. I love it here. Everything is fun and new.”Depression: “They do everything wrong here. I don’t like it here. Why would they do it like that?”Recognition: “I am starting to see how and why they do it like that. It is still hard, but I understand.”Resolution: “This feels like home.”Symptoms of Culture ShockUnwarranted criticism of the culture and people Irritability and restlessnessComplaints about the climate Utopian ideas concerning one's home culture or a previously visited culture Concern about the purity of water and food or peopleRefusal to learn the language Preoccupation about being robbed or cheated Preoccupation with returning home and homesicknessIsolation and/or lonelinessMinor issues become major problemsCulture Shock and YouLearn as much as you can before arrival.Write it down. Journaling your thoughts can help you identify where you are struggling.Find a cultural interpreter in the host culture. Ask for help in understanding.Admit your struggles when they occur. Everyone around you will already know you are struggling.Be willing to look silly and laugh at yourself when you make mistakes. This is humility.Tend your own relationship with the Lord. He can help you understand.Determine to enjoy the role of a learner.Care for each other with gentle encouragement. Culture transition is difficult to one degree or another on everyone at one time or another.Pray. Ask the Lord for wisdom to know how to understand and respond.Search the Scriptures. Look at the lives of Joseph, Daniel, and Jesus who transitioned from one culture to another and honored their God in the midst of the difficulties. Appendix DCountry BriefingThe team should work together to research essential factors that influence your country and the church there. Summaries of each element can be compiled into a two-page report to provide each team member with an adequate beginning understanding of their host country.The team report should include the following elements: GeographyCultural Customs Money and EconomicsWorldviewLanguage and GesturesReligious PracticesPolitical HistoryEthnic Makeup Church/Missions HistoryModesty and AppearanceProverbsThe questions here are to begin your thoughts about each. Geography What is the expanse and location of this country? How do the geographic realities impact the worldview or beliefs of this people? How does the geography affect the economy and politics of the country? How is travel impacted by the geography? Describe the geographical situation with regard to your location and how that context will impact your team.Economics What are the economic conditions of various classes within society? How does this affect the people’s worldview? What events have significantly impacted the economic conditions of this people? What type of currency is used? What is the current exchange rate? How much money does the average citizen make annually? What are the costs of standard products such as bread, a house, education, et cetera? How will the economy of the place impact your team? What considerations do you need to make about taking and giving gifts, monetary or other? If you are going to a developing nation, how will your team need to pack, spend money, sight-see, etc. in a way so as not to flaunt your relative wealth or cause a stumbling block for your brothers and sisters in that country? Politics What is the structure of this country’s government? What are the names and positions of key politicians? Who holds the key to power? What rights do citizens possess? Is the government stable or faltering? How has the political situation affected the people’s worldview? What political conversations should your team be aware of to avoid? What is the local perception of Americans and how will that influence your team?Church and Missions History When and how did the gospel first come to this land? Who are the key figures in the evangelization of this country? What mistakes have missionaries made which have affected the ministry? Is the work in this country currently indigenous or still dependent on missionary endeavors? What organizations currently have a significant ministry presence in this country? Culture How does this country’s culture differ from American culture? What mindsets and worldviews dominate this culture? Does the predominate worldview make this people more or less receptive to the gospel message? Why? What holidays are important to this people? Why? What national or religious holidays will be taking place while you are in the country? What is the Christian perspective on these holidays and how will you participate or avoid them?Religious SystemsIs there another religion which wages significant influence in this country? What are the major tenets of this religion? How does this affect the spread of Christianity? How do families of converts to Christianity treat their believing relatives? What elements of this religion are important to know as you witness to people? Is there an established false belief in this country? How do the subtleties of this belief impact the spread of Christianity? Who are the major spiritual influences on this society? LanguageEach team must include a list of useful words and phrases in the language of the target country. Include greetings, numbers, and at least two Gospel verses. Team members should be expected to memorize these phrases. Hello, Goodbye, etc.Please, Thank You, I’m Sorry?Excuse Me?Numbers 1-20? How much is this??My name is…/I’m from…?Where is the restroom??East, West, North, South, Left, Right, StraightWater/Bottled WaterI would like…?Do you speak English??I do not understandI don’t speak____________, but I would like to learn.Appendix ETeam CommunicationThis trip is not just about you, but can be used by the Lord to impact your families, your small groups, and your churches even after your trip. Presenting the ministry can be a great way to encourage people to support and pray for your hosts and their ministry.The following questions will help you put together a presentation. Key questions to answer in your presentation:Who are you?Where did you go? Why did you go?Who did you go with?How were you able to serve others on the mission trip?What did you to learn from the experience?How long was the trip?What are some ways your listeners can be involved in the ministry now? Pray? Give? Go?Key pointers for your presentation:Be thoroughly prepared, but do not read your presentation.Use only the time you have been given. Don’t try to tell everything you know or did.Don’t preach or give a Bible study if that is not the goal.Don’t use the opportunity to critique the ministry philosophies or people you observed.Don’t be apologetic about what you are going to do.Never say, “I guess you had to be there.”If you use photos, be concise. Use a script if necessary.Leave the people ways they can pray.Invite listeners to ask any further questions.Share how the trip compliments your future goals.Using Photos to Tell the StoryBe cautious about taking pictures: This trip is not all about you. Make sure that your pictures reflect this!Don’t start taking pictures right away. Wait a day or two until the people know who you are and you understand what is appropriate in the situation.Designate one or two people to take the majority of the pictures.Ask people for permission to take their photos.Avoid the following “photo-scalps” in any presentation: You with extreme poverty, unfortunate bathrooms, and you in the midst of a sea of facesA picture is worth a thousand words: sometimes. Develop goals for your photography. Know how to use your camera. Focus the camera and the subject of the photo. Be aware of your lighting.Use the Law of Thirds.Illustration of the Law of Third: Photo Checklist:A picture of your entire team together. Anything that includes the name of the location you are going. Your missionary hosts and fellow workers. Pictures of your team serving. Still-lifes of items related to your ministry. General documentary of the culture of your host country. Specific documentary of issues or unique needs in your host country. “Fun” pictures. Appendix FPacking ListBooks & Resources____Bible____Biography____Devotions/sermons____Journal____Pen/pencils____Supporters address listToiletries & Amenities____Comb/brush____Hairclips/headband____Shampoo____Soap____Lotion____Cotton balls/Q-tips____Feminine products____Chap stick ____Sun block____Wet towelettes____Nail clippers/file____Toothpaste, toothbrush____Deodorant____Razor and shaving creamSports Equipment & Games____Frisbee____Nerf football____Volleyball____Cards ____Travel gamesEquipment____Electric outlet adaptor____Pocket knife____Flashlight with batteries____Camera____Insect repellant____Water bottle____Sewing kit/safety pins, scissors____Ear plugs____Duct tape____Sleeping bag____Watch/ alarm clockClothes____Hat____Sunglasses____Eyeglasses____T-shirts____Dress clothes____Tie & belt____Underwear____Jeans____Shorts____Work clothes____Sleepwear____Raincoat/umbrella____Work boots, socks____Flip flops ____Bathing suit____TowelGifts____Postcards____Items hard to get in destination country____Spices, taco spices, etc____Bible literature____Ziploc bags____Gum & candy____Post-it notes____Trial size toiletry kits____Specialty soaps & lotions____Kids’ books, toys, DVDs ____Stuffed animalsSnacks____Gum, Candy____Trail mix____Jerky____Granola bars____Tea bags____Hot sauce/dry taco seasoningDocuments____Passport____Cash____Debit/Credit cardPacking MaximsIf you forget it and you can’t buy it there, you can live without it.You will always pack more than you need.Pack no more than you want to carry for a mile.Pack your carry-on as if you had to live out of it for a week.Items not to PackClothing with American flags, camouflage, or military symbolsClothing considered to be immodest by the host cultureElectronics and cell phonesComputers, unless requested by the missionaryRecommended Personal First Aid Packing ListAspirin, ibuprofen, or TylenolCold and cough remedies Allergy medicationMotion sickness medication Sunscreen Insect RepellentAntifungal and anti-itch creamsBand-Aids, cotton swabs, tissues, adhesive tapeVitaminsPacking PrescriptionsEach team member should be responsible for his or her own PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS. Make sure that you have twice the amount you usually need and store that medicine in separate places. ALWAYS carry prescription medications with you at all times (on the plane, during the day etc). If you are carrying a large quantity of prescription medication, make sure that you have your prescription with you, including:What the medication is (name, dosage)Who the prescription is for (your name)What the medicine is for (the illness or condition)The doctor’s nameAppendix GTerrorism and Travel SafetyTraveling Safely In the increasingly precarious world, travelers need to be aware of risks and how to behave to minimize those risks as much as is possible. Additional information about travel concerns and recommendations can be found on travel. Please take some time to familiarize yourself with the materials issued by the US State Department. Terrorism and the threat of being hijacked while traveling are real threats. You need to be aware of the danger and know what to do in case you find yourself caught in an emergency situation. In the event of an emergency, please follow your coordinator’s directions. They are prepared to set up meeting places should an emergency occur, and will operate in an autocratic manner should something happen. Understanding Terrorist ActivityTerrorism is generally motivated by two factors: politics and religion. Terrorists know that their activities will gain attention, and they use fear and chaos as weapons.Preparing for your TripBelow are some guidelines for you to follow to help prepare you in advance for possible terrorist activity. These thoughts are not meant to scare you, but rather are meant to help you think ahead so you protect yourself as much as possible.Get information from your country of destination. Know what is happening. Be informed before you leave regarding holidays, national events, and historical dates.Don’t take identifying items like class rings, college rings, military rings, jewelry that has Jewish or Hebrew markings, cross necklaces, etc.Don’t take elaborate jewelry, including rings, watches, and necklaces.Carry a card with your blood type and any important medical information.If you are on medication, be sure to carry at least a week’s supply.Choose your travel clothes carefully. Do not wear clothes that will set you apart from the crowd – bright colored, American flags, matching T-Shirts, or camouflage. Learn a little bit of the local language in advance; this may help you in an emergency. Memorize local phone numbers.Make copies of your passport, credit cards, and other documents and leave the copies at home with someone who could manage issues in the event of a crisis.Airport SecurityAirports and train stations have proved to be high-risk for terrorist attacks.Say goodbye to friends and relatives before you get to the airport or station, particularly in the host country. Minimize the amount of time that you spend outside of security.Check your departure times before leaving for the airport to make sure your plane is on time to diminish the number of waiting long hours in the ply with security checks quietly.If a stranger asks you to carry anything, refuse. Quietly notify airport security.Areas outside of security are especially sensitive. Avoid sitting next to trash cans and vending machines. Be aware of your surroundings, watch the people around you, know where the exits are. Do not sit next to unattended baggage or boxes.Do not wear clothing that identifies you as an American when you travel.If there is an evacuation alert, do not panic, walk quickly to the nearest exit and get away from the airport. Keep a low profile at all times in the airport. DO NOT MAKE A LOT OF NOISE!After claiming your baggage, remove any security tag before flying again. Destroy them so they cannot be used again.Shred your boarding passes. They contain personal information.People from your destination are watching from the time you get to the airport in your home country until you arrive at your location. How to Behave if Hijacked In the remote possibility that you are hijacked, your behavior alone may be the very reason you survive and survive unharmed. If you survive the first 15 minutes, you usually survive the hijacking attempt. Follow the principles below:Remember that pilots and attendants have been trained for such events, follow their instructions.Keep as quiet as possible. Follow all instructions from the hijackers. Do not talk or look around.Avoid eye contact. Do not do anything that will cause you to be singled out.Do not ask questions or complain.Do not flaunt your citizenship. Being an American is not an asset in this situation.Do not be a hero or try to disarm the terroristDo not talk. If you must do so, talk in a normal voice. Whispers are suspicious.Eat all food they give, even if you do not like it; you need to keep your strength up.Only use the bathroom when you absolutely have to. The fewer times you must get up the better.Do not display authority in any way. Do not volunteer. Do not try to negotiate. Do not enter into discussions in any way.Terrorists will often spread propaganda. Listen, do not debate. Terrorist are prepared, willing to die, and not rational. Do not attempt to hide anything. Once the initial shock is over, begin to observe everything. This will be valuable to you. Know how many terrorists there are, what they look like, and what type of weapons they have. Keep your mind alert and thinking.Remember if you find yourself in this situation that most hostages survive. Do not panic or allow fear to control you. What to do in a Rescue AttemptIf a rescue attempt occurs, consider the following:Do not make any sudden moves. This alarms both sides.Do not get involved. Do not try to disarm your captors, let the rescuers do their job. They may mistake you for a terrorist or you may get caught in the crossfire.Follow directions given by rescuers or crewmembers immediately and quietly. You may be treated roughly at first by the rescuers because it is common for terrorists to try to disguise themselves as one of the hostages. Be patient with this process. Put your head down or get under your seat if you can Leave your luggage and evacuate as quickly as possible when you are instructed to. Keep your empty hands above your head and get away from the aircraft as quickly as possible.In Short:Don’t draw attention to yourself.Don’t resist.Follow orders.Appendix HTraveler Heath ConsiderationsJet LagCauses:Crossing time zonesPre-flight conditionsDry atmosphereCabin pressureLosing sleep DehydrationSymptoms:FatigueInsomnia Mental FuzzinessIrritationSwelling in the limbsOvercoming jet lag…Be well rested before you leave. Try to sleep on the plane as much as possible and drink plenty of fluids without caffeine. Two cups per hour of flight time has been shown to significantly reduce jet lag. Get up and stretch often on the plane. Upon arrival, go to bed according to local time. Over the Counter medications like Advil PM or melatonin can help. Try them out before you go. Exercise is an excellent way to keep you awake until time for bed. If you arrive mid-morning or earlier, an abbreviated nap is in order, but no more than an hour. Be sure to get at least 10-12 hours of activity prior to bedtime again.SunburnIn the tropics, the desert, or at high altitudes, you can become sunburned surprisingly quickly, even through cloud cover. Use a sunscreen, a hat, and where appropriate, an umbrella. If culturally appropriate, protect your eyes with sunglasses, particularly if you will be near the sand, sun or snow. Prickly HeatAn itchy rash caused by excessive perspiration trapped under the skin; usually strikes people who have just arrived in a hot climate. Keeping cool but bathing often, using a mild talcum powder, or air-conditioning may help until you acclimatize. Heat ExhaustionDehydration and salt deficiency can cause heat exhaustion. Take replenishing salts, such as powdered Pedialyte or Gatorade. Salt deficiency is characterized by fatigue, lethargy, headaches, giddiness, and muscle cramps. Take time to acclimatize to high temperatures and make sure you get sufficient liquids. Heat StrokeSerious, sometimes fatal! Prolonged, continuous periods of exposure to high temperatures can leave you vulnerable to heat stroke. Symptoms include: feeling unwell, not sweating very much or at all, high body temperature (39 to 41 degrees Celsius or 102 to 106 degrees Fahrenheit), flushed skin, severe, throbbing headaches, lack of coordination, confusion, or aggression. Delirium and convulsions can follow.Hospitalization is essential. Get victims out of the sun, remove their clothing, cover them with a wet sheet or towel, and get them under a fan. Give fluids if they are conscious. Fungal InfectionsOccur in hot weather on the scalp, between the toes or fingers, groin, or on exposed skin. Ringworm (fungus, not a worm) is acquired in especially damp regions. Wear loose comfortable clothes, avoid artificial fibers, wash frequently, and keep dry. If you do get an infection, wash the infected area daily with a disinfectant or medicated soap and water, and rinse and dry well. Apply an antifungal powder. Try to expose the infected area to air or sunlight as much as possible. Wash all towels and underwear daily in hot water and let them dry in the sun. HypothermiaHypothermia occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it and the core temperature of the body falls. Symptoms of hypothermia are exhaustion, numb skin (particularly toes and fingers), shivering, slurred speech, irrational or violent behavior, lethargy, stumbling, dizzy spells, irrationality, and muscle cramps. To treat mild hypothermia, first get the person out of the cold, wind and/or rain, remove any wet clothing. Do not put victims in a hot shower, but warm them up gradually with body contact and/or heated blankets. Cuts and Scratches Wash well and treat any cut with an antiseptic such as iodine. Watch for signs of infection, including red streaks on the skin. If these appear, seek professional medical attention immediately.Bites and StingsBee and wasp stings are usually painful rather than dangerous. Analgesic lotions and ice packs can reduce swelling. Some spider bites require anti-venoms treatments. Scorpions often shelter in shoes or clothing, and stings are notoriously painful. Be alert to team members who might carry an Epi-Pen.SnakesTake precautions against snake bites with adequate shoes and caution. Snake bites do not cause instantaneous death and antivenins are usually available. Keep the victim calm and still and immobilize the affected limb. Seek medical help immediately, if possible with the dead snake for identification. JellyfishLocal advice is the best way of avoiding contact with jellyfish. The stings from most jellyfish are rather painful. Vinegar will de-activate any stingers which have not fired. Calamine lotion, antihistamines and analgesics may reduce the reaction and relieve the pain. Watch the affected party for difficulty breathing. Bedbugs and LiceBedbugs live particularly in furniture, mattresses, and bedding, evidenced by spots of blood on bedclothes or pillows. Bedbugs leave itchy bites in neat rows and generally take 2-3 days to show up. Treat as other insect bites. Bed clothes should be treated with hot water, sunlight, and heat. Furniture may be treated with chemicals.Lice can be found in clothing or hair, and cause itching and discomfort. Shampoo treatment will kill the lice and infected clothing should be washed in very hot water. Leeches and Ticks Leeches may be present in damp rainforest conditions or in stagnant water. They attach themselves to the skin and can be removed with salt. Do not pull them off, as the bite is more likely to become infected. Clean the bites well with antiseptics.Ticks also attach themselves to the skin and can cause skin infections, as well as serious diseases. If a tick is found, grab the head with tweezers and gently pull upwards. MalariaMalaria is a parasitic mosquito-borne disease that is widespread in tropical regions. The mosquitoes are most active from dusk to dawn. Consult with your missionary for the best preventative measures, including prophylactic medication, bug spray, nets, etc. Symptoms of malaria generally arise 10 days to 4 weeks after the first bite and may include headache, fluctuating fever, hallucinations, and dizziness. Early detection and treatment are critical.Appendix IWorking with Your HostsThe following questions are useful to ask your hosts or other missionaries during the team training. Teams need to recognize the impact that the introduction of a group of foreigners has on a host, the missionary family, the church, church leaders, local community. . .Please describe how having a team impacts your family life, church and ministry.How can a team encourage your family? Discourage them?How does a team impact your children?What are some ways that a team might negatively impact the church and ministry?How should a team handle differences of opinion with a missionary?What characterized your most effective team?How can we best encourage you after we have returned home?What general advice would you give to a missionary?Appendix JPersonal Reflection QuestionsTake two to three hours to consider the following questions in preparation for returning home. Writing the answers to these questions will provide you with a record of what you have learned and what the Lord has done during your trip. Your reflections may transition over the next weeks and months as you gain additional insight on your time. Your coordinator may ask for you to share some of these answers with them. People back home will ask the generic question: “How was your trip?” How will you answer that question using just two or three sentences? What about the touches, sights, sounds, and smells of your trip will you take home with you and what impact do you think it will have on your life in the States?What do you wish you had known before you went? What were you glad that you did not know before you went?What sins in your own heart became apparent?What have you learned about love? For God? Of God for you?For your team?For the church? What person or event has impacted your life the most during this time? Please explain.What Scripture passages have become significant to you on the trip?What impact will this trip have on your day-to-day choices for life back in the States? How are you thinking differently about future plans? About your involvement in missions?10. Make a list of favorite memories, capturing each in a single sentence.Appendix KTips for LandingRest Jet Lag can feel like the flu—queasy stomach, woozy head, fogginess, and it can rule your life if you let it. Take something like Advil PM for your first 3-4 nights home, and don’t let yourself take more than an hour nap during the day. Get lots of sleep at the right times, power through your days, and drink a lot of water. It should go away in about a week. If you are sick, go to the doctor and make sure that they know where you have been and what you have been exposed municate Set a time in your calendar to write to your hosts regularly this year. Make it a 15 minute appointment every other month or so, and tell them what you are doing and how you are praying for them. Stop and write a letter to your missionary hosts. Thank them for their service and investment in your life. Drop it in the mail today!Are there things about your family/church/friends that you appreciate more now after the trip? Spend a few minutes and write a note of thanks to the appropriate parties.Write a thoughtful letter to your supporters, include some pictures of your trip, and mail/email that out sometime in the next two weeks.Make an appointment to talk to your pastor/discipler to talk about your trip—encourage them with the things that you have learned.Most people have a limited amount of time to listen to your stories about your trip. Be thoughtful about what you share when, and ask if you can find a time to talk to them about it further.ReflectTake time to reflect now—the time will get away from you. Write, pray, process while it is still fresh, and share what you are thinking with some key individuals in your life. Take time to reflect on the personal reflection questions. Your views on life and ministry have been impacted. Don’t be hard on your church or friends who “don’t get it.” You might not have a few weeks ago, either, right? Tell them winsome stories of God’s work and faithfulness—it will keep your own heart from getting hard and embittered about where others need to grow.Are there things you want to change about life here? Tell some people and ask them to hold you accountable. ................
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