One of the most valuable things I heard before coming overseas was to be flexible.  Learning to be flexible with your schedule is important when living in a different culture.  However, I still haven't learned it completely.

I've been surprised at many things since I've been in Vietnam, but like a missionary once said about himself, I've been most surprised at me.  There's just something about this foreign culture that brings out my best and worst.  At times I've been surprised at how angry I could become over the smallest things.

One of the hardest lessons I'm learning, ironically, is to be a learner.  I'd rather be an expert than a learner.  But the foreign field totally exposes my neediness and keeps me from being an expert.  Yes, now I know the Vietnam language far better than I did two years ago, but put me among local Vietnam people and I lose my fluency.  I can't even compete with the children. 

My pride and inflexibility never show more than when I walk into some shop, ask for something, and have them stare at me in bewilderment because they don't understand me.  Often my first thought is, "What's their problem, don't they understand Vietnamese?"

I thought I'd be much better at this cross-cultural stuff than I am.  But, I'm learning and growing.  I have good days and bad.

I have also been amazed at how caring I've been on some occasions when approached by a poor stranger wanting some food, or a friend wanting to talk.  God can strike a straight lick even with a crooked stick!

Living in such a different culture, is a constant reminder that I can't fall back on my own ability.  I must rely on Christ.  Easier said than done, but I think I'm starting to get it.

March 2002