Shortly after our arrival in Central Asia, one of the expats we met defined this country as, "The Land of Almost." She meant that just about everything here was "almost." It was almost finished, almost right, almost possible or almost whatever. You can tell that it wasn't meant in a particularly positve way.
Well, we've discovered our share of "almosts." We've been here eleven weeks at 11:30 tonight. (Wow! I'm a bit surprised.) I know that we're still newbies and don't know much about our new country. We have experienced a good number of disappointments about how things work here. Yes, of course it is significantly different than the States. Some of those differences are for the better and the States could learn a thing or two. There are other times when we've found answers that just don't make sense, or no answers at all. It seems that the old "Soviet system" created a society where initiative and responsibility is replaced by safety and self-justification.
One thing that we've been consciously working on is our understanding of culture. I've just read a chapter on "The Gospel and Culture" in a book I'm studying. One point it makes, that I've heard time and again, and tried to make myself, is that every culture has areas of strength and multiple areas that conflict with Biblical principles. That is the case here. It's also the case at home in the States.
We've had our frustrations, but we've also had some wonderful experiences. We've discovered God in a fresh way that has stimulated our wonder of Him and our devotion to Him. Yes, just as probably every region, this area has some wonderful scenery. God is Creator and he did a wonderful job. But this is also a land where people are striving to make a life, in some cases, amidst great difficulty. We've discovered some devout individuals who are examples of God's great grace. They strive to live a life of devotion and commitment where examples of that are few and far between.
"The land of almost" is a phrase that could be used for every nation. I'm reminded of the old song, "Almost Persuaded." Father, may that not be one of the "almosts" of America. May it not be used of Central Asia. May I be fully persuaded that You are God Most High with the wonderful words of life for all nations.
Well, we've discovered our share of "almosts." We've been here eleven weeks at 11:30 tonight. (Wow! I'm a bit surprised.) I know that we're still newbies and don't know much about our new country. We have experienced a good number of disappointments about how things work here. Yes, of course it is significantly different than the States. Some of those differences are for the better and the States could learn a thing or two. There are other times when we've found answers that just don't make sense, or no answers at all. It seems that the old "Soviet system" created a society where initiative and responsibility is replaced by safety and self-justification.
One thing that we've been consciously working on is our understanding of culture. I've just read a chapter on "The Gospel and Culture" in a book I'm studying. One point it makes, that I've heard time and again, and tried to make myself, is that every culture has areas of strength and multiple areas that conflict with Biblical principles. That is the case here. It's also the case at home in the States.
We've had our frustrations, but we've also had some wonderful experiences. We've discovered God in a fresh way that has stimulated our wonder of Him and our devotion to Him. Yes, just as probably every region, this area has some wonderful scenery. God is Creator and he did a wonderful job. But this is also a land where people are striving to make a life, in some cases, amidst great difficulty. We've discovered some devout individuals who are examples of God's great grace. They strive to live a life of devotion and commitment where examples of that are few and far between.
"The land of almost" is a phrase that could be used for every nation. I'm reminded of the old song, "Almost Persuaded." Father, may that not be one of the "almosts" of America. May it not be used of Central Asia. May I be fully persuaded that You are God Most High with the wonderful words of life for all nations.
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