In 2011 I went on a mission trip to Argentina. I had never gone on a mission trip. In fact, I had only been out of the Continental United States once … to Canada, and Argentina was a lot further from home than Canada. I told my family I was going; their response, “What? Do you know how far away that is? You can’t make it in a car trip for more than three hours. (Grandkids: Where’s ‘Or-Jin-Tuna’?).” Talk about stretching your comfort level! But I wasn’t thinking about that, I was thinking of the Tango and Gauchos, so I signed up immediately.
At least half of the choir and orchestra from church (about 200 of us) boarded planes bound for the southern-most tip of the Western Hemisphere. We left 98 degree Texas heat and arrived to chilly 50 degree winter. The Christopher Columbus in us all were exhilarated with the prospect of experiencing a new culture, and anxious to venture into unknown territory.
But reality set in quickly that comforts of home were 5700 miles away (like when I plugged my curling iron in taking out the electricity in the hotel, and, to make matters worse, no hot water for two days). Then there was the difference in language, culture, and food. So being flexible and keeping a sense of humor became a survival skill.
We had a hectic schedule, with concerts at night and mission projects during the day. I fell in love with a country rich in history, culture, and a passion for life, but sadly a country plagued with great turmoil: a socialist government with high inflation, a weak economy, hunger, crime, poverty, corruption, and homelessness. It was a country of stark contrasts.
The 11-hour trip home gave me time to reflect. What had I learned from these 12 days? Here’s the bottom line: It doesn’t matter where you’re from, what you do, how much money you have (or don’t have), or what language you speak, all humans have an inherent God-shaped vacuum, and we’re not satisfied until we find our rest in Him. I saw a hunger for God in Argentina that I hadn’t witnessed in America.
I made some other decisions when I got home. Next time, short hair and no curling iron! (And I’m anxiously awaiting my next mission opportunity!)
Tagged: Christians in culture, missionaries
