My ILU Journey
Learning in a cross-cultural environment has been both
challenging and rewarding. Having served throughout East Africa for ten years, my
desire was to learn more about the African leaders’ mindset and cultural
background. I wanted to learn this in an academic setting outside of the United
States. I am glad that God provided that opportunity at NIST now ILU, to learn
in an intercultural setting amongst current and potential leaders. But it was
more than I bargained for or planned to encounter. In order for me to grow in my
faith and in the purposes God has for me, He put me in situations of learning
that stretched, affirmed and caused me to die to self. This educational journey
has been just that.
The meeting and hearing from others of different cultures
about their leadership values has been an excellent experience for me, though
it has been extremely challenging to encounter leadership weaknesses. John
Maxwell talks about self-leadership being the most important leadership
skill. That has been affirmed throughout
my learning adventure in life and at NIST/ILU.
There are also three other values that have shaped my leadership that
have been affirmed throughout my studies.
I LOVE BEING AN AMERICAN: We are shaped by the values of our
heritage and upbringing. During my studies I cherished learning about the many
cultural backgrounds that made up the student body. I pray it has enhanced my
worldview and understanding as an American. Each nationality has good and bad
traits and practices. We have to own them, repent and change. My goal in studying
in a cross-cultural environment wasn’t to deny or forsake my heritage, but
bring it to the learning table and add to the discussions.
I LOVE BEING A WOMAN: Okay this was the hardest struggle in
studying at NIST/ILU. Thank God for a praying mother. In a male-dominated
society, the respect that should be given to fellow female students at times was
lacking. Women leaders desiring to learn and grow in their craft are not trying
to displace men, but grow to be more available to God and His kingdom. We offer
a unique God given perspective that God intended the body of Christ to benefit
from. Without it the Church cannot complete God’s work on earth. Bravo to the
women who are learning and growing. MEN MAKE WAY! The Bible states that God
made man, male and female, in His image. That means both equally carry the DNA
of God. Only when we are united in Christ can we show the full picture and
character of God. God is not one-sided.
I LOVE BEING A CHRISTIAN: Where else can you receive grace,
healing and forgiveness that can cancel out the effects of injustice, abuse,
sin and neglect. Christ died so that we can fully live the life He has intended
for us. Through our cultures, genders and backgrounds God will show us who He
is and who we can be in Him. We have in our possession the Word of God which
can set people free spiritually, physically and emotionally. The desire to help
others to know Christ is the saving grace that unites us to learn how to be
better leaders and servants of Christ. The experience of learning in a
cross-cultural environment has enhance the ability to adjust to those who are
different. The gospel is for all people and cultures as they are.
The journey at ILU has enhanced who I am as a person and as
a servant of Christ in the world. It has
affirmed the guiding values that has and will continue to influence my
leadership. I will continue to learn in many different cultures as a world
citizen and global leader.
ADOPTION!!!!!
It is real! this past Tuesday Sept. 11th I visited little Evelyn in Machokos, Kenya at Springs of Hope Children's home. She is two years old, healthy, talkative (Swahili), leader of the group and stubborn. Does that describe someone you know?? I am really excited that God has given me peace and I am pursuing the adoption of Evelyn (name change later). I have a ministry team coming next week but after that time I will start my visits. Those two weeks will help me to bond with her, understand her and the staff to feel that we are connecting and comfortable with releasing her to me. I can not take any pictures yet. She is beautiful and remains me of my niece Amani back home.
Lord have mercy!! Tomorrow I taken my final exam and turn in a term paper which I haven't written yet. I will be up very early. Next week will be very busy with the team and the final week of Sept will start my life as a mom. First at a distance but soon in my home. WOW! This is really real.