Sunday, June 1, 2008

"They" became "We"

Today, while on our drive back from church, a driver in the lane next to us did something really silly. He put on his brakes rather quickly to stop at a road side produce stand and buy cherries. While doing so, he caused a pretty major traffic problem behind him. Well, my husband said, "OK, just stop right in the middle of the road to buy cherries...cause that's they way we do things in Portugal!"

Did any of you catch that?....He said, "...cause that's the way WE do them in Portugal".

He said WE instead of THEY.

Do you know the significance of this word, "WE"?

It goes back a few years. Back to when we first started letting God burden our hearts for the people of Portugal. When we first made the decision to come here and share the good news of the Gospel. We spent 16 months on the road to raise support so we could come and once we arrived, everything was wonderful. Then reality hits and the same people you had a burden for become "THEY". The people that aggravate you because of all the weird things they do and because they look at you funny, they smell weird and they are extremely noisy. You quickly find yourself saying..."they this and they that..." Not really meaning to sound so harsh.....

That's where the good news comes in!! Today Michael said "WE". That means the Portuguese are no longer "THEY" and we've come to accept them as as "WE"!!

This feels really good....maybe you other missionaries out there will understand this more than most folks, but this is a really big deal to me....the day we all became "WE".

5 comments:

Pam--in America said...

That's wonderful!
I may not be a missionary, but I have lived overseas long enough to understand the "they" mentality. However, we haven't stayed long enough to ever reach the "we" status.
How wonderful to see the Lord confirming your desires to be there and reach these people!

Tori Leslie said...

Aww, I'm so happy for you. I don't exactly remember our "They became We" day but it's us now. Our Croatia, we do it like this, and so on. On day you'll totally forget your not from there.
I'm so happy!

Unknown said...

Nina, that was a great moment! How special that you caught it, and you were able to rejoice in it. Thank you for sharing it with us! :o)

Tabatha said...

"We" in America need to come to that realization. "We" Christians tend to tip our noses up at the sinners while we attempt to reach "them." And though WE may be saved, "we" are still sinners and human, just as "they" are. Thanks for the sermon, Nina! Love ya and miss y'all!

HOPE said...

Nina...thank you so much for your encouraging comment and kindness it meant so much to me...

as did this post. If you read my latest post you can see how this touched my heart. Since my twins were also born in the country we ministered in...it has become so much a part of our lives in so many ways even back in the USA. It'll never leaver your heart even if the LORD moves you on.

So I am very happy for your family and the "WE" day...

God bless you and give you the desires of your heart in serving the LORD.

it's a joy to meet you...