CONFESSIONS of an imperfect missionary

This week was a bit stressful for me. There was a lot going on and I was preparing to head from Zimbabwe to the States. That is not an excuse for what I am about to write... it is just a the truth.

Sometimes when I am stressed out and things don't go the way I want them to, I get a little edgy. Ok, for those of you who know me you know that is a total understatement. I get grouchy, and if you are in my way, I might even get mean.

Nyasha and I went to the airline to pay for my ticket and the unfortunate customer service woman on duty had a little bit of an attitude, (probably because she was working on a Saturday) and she was less than polite and helpful (which is what I think customer service agents should be) and I gave it right back to her-- times 10.

I hate when I do that.  I want to be a light. I want to be so kind to rude people that they look at me and wonder what is wrong with me.  But oh how hard this is for me.

Nyasha hates when I do this. He cringes, because he is nice to the RUDEST people. Sometimes I think he doesn't realize when they are being rude. Ha! He does, he's just so good at overlooking it and being his kind and gracious self.  His name means "grace/mercy". Mine means "queen". Go figure.

Anyway, Everything worked out fine and I got my ticket and I flew to Johannesburg and while I was waiting for my flight to London, I heard 3 different groups of people (some American, some British) being rude to people who were working at the airport (one employee had been very rude, the other two were just slightly slower than necessary while undergoing their tasks).

UGH.

I heard myself in their words and their tone and I cringed.

It is my prayer that I learn to be a little more like Jesus every day.  I don't want to be this person who values relationships less than accomplished tasks. I want people to have had an enjoyable experience with me even if they take too much of my time booking my flight or do so with an attitude. 

Mixed Emotions: Urgent Prayer Request

Hi special friends,

 I am so excited to embark on this two year journey as I study Missional Leadership with a cohort of other students who are ministering around the country. I know that my eyes will be opened to so many ways to better serve the children in our Zimbabwean community. It will be great to be able to study with a group online so that I can continue to work in Zimbabwe as I learn!

However, the excitement is wrapped in grief as I get on a plane to say god-bye to my Uncle Dave. I have such fond childhood memories of this fun loving uncle of mine. There is no way to say good-bye to him without thinking of the loss of my mother, his older sister. He passed away on Monday night and he leaves behind a wife and two young sons. I would be so grateful if you could keep my family in your prayers.

This life that we live is sometimes messy and one emotion is often entwined with another. That’s how I am feeling today, a little bit messy.

I have found a great deal on a flight that will allow me to make it home for my Uncle Dave’s funeral, and then I will just stay on for school that starts on August 16. Although this is a great deal, it is one that I hadn’t budgeted for, as I was planning on flying stand-by with a buddy pass as usual. This will allow me to fly with a ticket, ensuring that I will be home in time for the funeral.

I have made a reservation, and I have 24 hours to pay for the ticket. If you would pray that the finances would be available to pay for the ticket I would appreciate it. If you would like to make a tax deductible contribution towards my travel for school and the funeral, I would appreciate that as well. You can do that at www.RockofAfrica.org/regina/ My travel will cost $1500 and any amount you can give will make a major difference!

Thank you for your prayers and support,

With love from Zimbabwe,

Regina