Out of sight...

Out of sight, but hopefully not out of mind.  =) 

There are so many truly wonderful things about the missionary life, but it comes with its challenges.  In particular, I long for more stability and continuity in my friendships.  En masse communication through blogs is great, but the reality is that it is not a substitute for personal connections.

This desire is by no means unique to missionaries.  We were created for relationship.  But as I prepare for yet another transition, the obstacles to deep relationship start to feel insurmountable.  Time differences and bad internet connections are just the tip of the iceberg.  

And just to give credit where it is due, my family has done a wonderful job at pursuing me and persevering through the obstacles as I move from place to place!  In fact, I have often been the one who has failed to put in the work to overcome the obstacles to maintaining friendships across oceans.  

Sitting down over a cup of coffee may not possible, but there are several things that are possible that help me feel less isolated from my friends around the world.  Really I just wanted to say that while these suggestions may seem small to you, they make a BIG difference to me when I'm in South Sudan.  

1. Send me actual mail! When the MAF plane lands with our team's mail, there is nothing quite like the joy of finding an unexpected letter or package.  Packages can take months to arrive, but letters arrive much faster! Just keep in mind not to include anything that can melt in packages, and if you aren't sure (i.e. dark chocolate), best to put it in a zip-lock bag.  =)

World Harvest Mission

c/o Christine Olmeda

PO Box 355

Arua,Uganda

Mail can be expensive, but the rest of these options are free!

2. Send me an email or reply to my prayer letters.  Let me know what is going on in your life.  You don't need to have big news to write. Send me a link to a news article that made you think of me. Ask me questions, including any questions your kids may have about South Sudan.  Send me a quote from a book or sermon that encouraged you.  Or just say hi.  =)

3. Comment on my blog or facebook posts.  Let me know that you are praying or thinking of me.  Let me know your own thoughts!  Be a part of the conversation.  I love learning from my friends.

These things can be a huge encouragement to me! I know that I am supported by the prayers of so many people around the world, but sometimes I start to believe the lies that run through my mind and I can begin to think that I've been forgotten.