Three Interesting Conversations and what became of them

Well I have about twenty minutes here before supper so hopefully I will be able to get all my thoughts down at once, otherwise there will be a part two again. This is a carry on of a previous post about interesting conversations. Also so sorry again for my kindle typing, I know its hard to read. Will fix it the next time I have access to an actual computer. So saturday night  an interesting chat with a lady from what is termed "Special Areas" and for safety I wont say her name or where she is serving.  There were two basic points she made that really made me stop and think. It came up in conversation where I was in my planning to go overseas for missions and she very bluntly asked me ''so whats holding you back?' This was something that made me pause and think, if my elders have agreed to commend me and the missionaries in the area are open to me coming, then why am I still hanging back? Also we discussed about leaving family behind and about supporting them a what if they get sick? And again she pointed out 'but they arent sick now' again I had to pause and think: its true tehey aren't sick now and right now there are many sick and desperate ppl in the world that could use my skills and that desperately need the gospel. so that was a good conversation, a highlight to the week!

The next conversation was a little unsettling. One of the facilitators of the program came to me to ask how I was enjoying 'hanging out with us chapel folk' and to ask what my elders thought of my coming down to MOP and spending time here with ppl they wouldn't normally fellowship with. And to be honest that really hurt. I know he is a very sweet man, but it doesn't remove the fact that this judgement of who I am and what I believe still hurts. I guess its just a reminder to me to be careful of what I say and to avoid saying things that may be remotely hurtful or judgemental- thankfully I have a very good friend that is super conscious of these things and I know she will keep me in line. Am debating at this time if I should go back to this gentleman to clarify what he ment and if the other facilitators also would hold the same view or if they care.... comments? He did however have some interesting insights having been raised on a mission station but in Angola. He thinks that while mission stations definitely need to be revamped and have the idea reconsidered and modified for the culture, the age, and to stay in line with Biblical principals their role is not completely obsolete. I asked him what he meant by that but he said later in the week these questions may be answered so I guess I will have to wait and See and mabe ask him again at the end or via email At home.

And for the third conversation and I only have five minutes. I wasn't really part of this one but was at the table where it was being discussed. One missionary from South Africa was adamantly opposed to mission stations saying they created institutions that cost more and more money to support. And that missionaries shouldnt be sent to Zambia anymore because there are already over 1000 assemblies there and the locals should be able to do the work now. I see his point I have struggled with that myself. It was hard to hear as I had just been speaking to some of the girls at the tableabout medical missions in Zambia and then his rather negative comments about mission stations. My goal isn't to stay on the station either, I guess it was just more his view on missionaries being sent to Zambia. What to do with this one tho? Of course when asked about single women feeling the Lords leading there he said yes that is a safe place for a single woman to go and no he wouldnt discourage it. And you can be sure, those of you who know me, the feminist in me did protest!

But what to do about these three conversations? And what is the Lord trying to tell me? Well I'm not sure just yet. But I do wish I had my roomies here! I'm sure they'd have lots to say not just about these convos but also about the sessions which  i will have to try to fill in soon!