What Does It Take?
A college friend recently wrote me, asking about what tools I have found helpful in working with [cross-cultural] students here. As I brainstormed an answer, I discovered how much I had grown over the last four semesters since my beginning to work in Maug boys' dorm. Ironically, it is not about what I brought into the job; rather, what has made the difference in my "effectiveness" has been what God has grown and is growing in me over these years in Germany:
Teachability / Humility / Not trying too hard / Listening / Vulnerability / Servanthood / Being a learner / Availability / Assuming nothing / Not grouping people / Understanding gradual growth and human nature / Adaptability / Confrontation as a mirror to oneself and an avenue of growth / Asking forgiveness and admitting when I am wrong / Not lying and acting like I have it all together / Having people who call me out when necessary / Asking questions but also sharing one oneself / Giving grace but not oozy / Serving and working alongside / Seeking to build up and get to know co-workers / Learn to be still and just read
Yes, I would have rather been in my "element," but I would not trade Maug for anything.
Yes, I have had to grieve and reorient to why I am here, but God knew that without "exercising weak muscles," as Anna, the girl I mentor, told me, "you wouldn't become a well-rounded person." Anna is learning that she "would rather be sorry than safe." This made me think. I afraid to admit it, but I agree. Without risk and getting out of comfortable areas, we will miss out on some good, hard growth and relationships that will not come with a shield of protection and anxious preparation.
"God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble."
