Almost missed out on our annual letter... Here it is hot off the press:
There once was a family of four
who tried to do something more.
They sold off their stuff
and lived with no fluff
yet they grew like never before.
who tried to do something more.
They sold off their stuff
and lived with no fluff
yet they grew like never before.
In an era of caution, extra insurance and even fear, we took a chance and answered God’s call to serve. Since June 2014, we have enjoyed some of the best and worst times of our lives in Chad, Africa. Even though we envisioned staying longer, a State Department recommendation to evacuate Chad ultimately capped our time. So now, we find ourselves living back in the United States and reflecting on lessons learned.
Top 5 Things the McDowells learned in 2015:
#1. It is possible to live with less of everything.
We survived in a smaller home with much less money, clothing and personal belongings (and no air conditioning). It really gave us a fresh perspective and helped reshape our expectations for life back in the United States. Unfortunately, we also lived with less and less body weight. Occasional disruptive illnesses were part of the package deal while serving in Chad. I even pooped in the bed once. Yes, really. I could live with less of that. Merry Christmas.
We survived in a smaller home with much less money, clothing and personal belongings (and no air conditioning). It really gave us a fresh perspective and helped reshape our expectations for life back in the United States. Unfortunately, we also lived with less and less body weight. Occasional disruptive illnesses were part of the package deal while serving in Chad. I even pooped in the bed once. Yes, really. I could live with less of that. Merry Christmas.
#2. Friendships matter.
You know that new guy/girl that talks funny and doesn’t quite fit in? That was us (and maybe it’s still us?). Despite that, the very people we were serving were often times reaching out to serve us too. Before moving to Chad we were taught to “seek to understand before seeking to be understood.” We made friendships, first and foremost. Several of those friendships are able to persist even as we live back home thanks to (of all things) Facebook! Personally, I’m notorious for not feeding and watering my relationships and they can get spindly. We are now rekindling friendships here in America. If you are reading this, you are cordially invited to visit us. I will wash the sheets. (See #1)
You know that new guy/girl that talks funny and doesn’t quite fit in? That was us (and maybe it’s still us?). Despite that, the very people we were serving were often times reaching out to serve us too. Before moving to Chad we were taught to “seek to understand before seeking to be understood.” We made friendships, first and foremost. Several of those friendships are able to persist even as we live back home thanks to (of all things) Facebook! Personally, I’m notorious for not feeding and watering my relationships and they can get spindly. We are now rekindling friendships here in America. If you are reading this, you are cordially invited to visit us. I will wash the sheets. (See #1)
#3. The internet is everywhere.
I’ve heard it said that there are more cell phones than toothbrushes in all of Africa. I believe it. I’m not saying people have bad breath in Chad, but I am saying that more and more people are getting access to “devices” and the internet. I truly believe access to modernized technology in much of Africa will be a game changer and accelerate advancement…Right up to the point where they learn about Minecraft and Pinterest. Seriously people, put down that device…And brush your teeth.
I’ve heard it said that there are more cell phones than toothbrushes in all of Africa. I believe it. I’m not saying people have bad breath in Chad, but I am saying that more and more people are getting access to “devices” and the internet. I truly believe access to modernized technology in much of Africa will be a game changer and accelerate advancement…Right up to the point where they learn about Minecraft and Pinterest. Seriously people, put down that device…And brush your teeth.
#4. Beware of comfort… but a little is good!
We could have not moved to Chad. Life was typically pretty easy for us here in the U.S. I think an abundance of comfort can be like a rut that offers security and ushers you to familiarity. That is inherently satisfying, but it can also be limiting. I think moving to Chad showed our family that its good to have faith and try something new. And yes, you can be better because of it even if it doesn’t work out exactly as you envisioned. For now, we are regaining some comfort surrounded by farmland just outside of Asheville… oh, and we all got Pinterest accounts. I still don’t use Snapchat. Don’t judge us ☺.
We could have not moved to Chad. Life was typically pretty easy for us here in the U.S. I think an abundance of comfort can be like a rut that offers security and ushers you to familiarity. That is inherently satisfying, but it can also be limiting. I think moving to Chad showed our family that its good to have faith and try something new. And yes, you can be better because of it even if it doesn’t work out exactly as you envisioned. For now, we are regaining some comfort surrounded by farmland just outside of Asheville… oh, and we all got Pinterest accounts. I still don’t use Snapchat. Don’t judge us ☺.
#5. Its good to ask for help.
In addition to making incredible friendships in Chad, we found that friends (and a few strangers) back home were supporting us through prayer and donations to assist us with the many projects that occupied our time and effort. We asked for your help and you made a huge difference! After abruptly returning home, we were given free housing and loved on until we could get back on our feet emotionally and financially. So while 2015 wasn’t exactly as we envisioned, isn’t that the way life goes sometimes? “Life is what happens to you while you are busy making other plans.”
In addition to making incredible friendships in Chad, we found that friends (and a few strangers) back home were supporting us through prayer and donations to assist us with the many projects that occupied our time and effort. We asked for your help and you made a huge difference! After abruptly returning home, we were given free housing and loved on until we could get back on our feet emotionally and financially. So while 2015 wasn’t exactly as we envisioned, isn’t that the way life goes sometimes? “Life is what happens to you while you are busy making other plans.”
Make your resolutions for 2016 and then embrace those unexpected forks in the road. And if you need our help, send us a snap chat.
Merry Christmas friends!
Mason, Kim, Maddie, & Emmie
480 Buckeye Cove Rd Swannanoa, NC 28778
828.712.5785 (Mason) 828.676.8207 (Kim)
Mason, Kim, Maddie, & Emmie
480 Buckeye Cove Rd Swannanoa, NC 28778
828.712.5785 (Mason) 828.676.8207 (Kim)
No comments:
Post a Comment