I've always described the missionary life as a circus. Not in a derogatory way, of course, but in the manner in which life is lived. The circus life is one of constant variety, weeks filled with big changes, and always something going on in Center Ring. Constantly changing geography, languages, cultures, ways of communicating messages typify this life.
I grew up this way. I'm 32 years old now and I still feel an alarm clock going off in my head every year or two telling me it's time to pack up and go someplace completely different, much to the chagrin of my wife. I got very used to saying goodbye to friends, making new ones quickly, and only putting down enough roots to survive, but not so much that you can't dig them back up again. I was very much the carnie in school as a kid as I was the only one in my high school that had traveled to over 20 different countries, experienced a variety of exciting adventures, and I quickly understood that other kids couldn't relate, so why try.
Please don't misunderstand me though, I don't regret a bit of it. I've sometimes heard from others that we should somehow be pitied for all the change and travel, but I don't view it that way at all. Firstly, I didn't know anything else, so that was normal to me. Secondly, I have had the opportunity to see things that people inside and outside the church dream of. I've been to twenty something countries on three different continents, I've seen revival break out, and experienced miracles and wonders. Sure I didn't go to school with the same kids K-12, but honestly....most days...I kinda pitied them. I think for kids, they'll think what you tell them. I'm sure if my parents had told us that we were somehow missing out, we probably would have thought it so, but as my parents never did, I have never come to that conclusion on my own.
I think in a way maybe this is why many missionary kids come back to missions. It's as though God has hard wired us for this life. Six months ago I was a funded missionary living and ministering with my family in Europe. Today, I'm an under-funded missionary living in a former parsonage in Noblesville, IN, working in an area that while within my skill set, and what appears to be God's will, is not directly related to my ministry in Hungary. If I were 'normal' this sudden change probably would have been far more devastating than it was, but to me, this is life. The show must go on.
My activities today include networking and fundraising in an attempt to shore up our support base. I'm working at OMS headquarters to create a development plan for missionaries, specifically emerging leaders. I'm getting ready to welcome my Daughter into the world in the next couple weeks or so. I feel like there is so much going on, and you know what, I'm fine with it. This is the circus life. This is my life.
God makes us all for a reason, and the life experiences as I mentioned in my previous blog are not wasted. There's a role to be played and He needs carnie's like us to play an important part in it.
From the Center Ring,
Jonathan
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