Our daughter Jeannie taught at an International School in Milan, Italy. We were intrigued by her report that many of her colleagues would teach in one country for several years and then move to another country to teach. They were not temporarily out of their home country. In a sense they were nomads, internationals, or world citizens, enjoying and exploring life in various countries. For those rooted in their home country, it may be surprising to realize how large is this voluntary diaspora (or sometimes not so voluntary if their company insists they move).
I was reminded of this after lunch with a young friend yesterday. She is just finishing 3+1/2 years in Vietnam working in a US government posting. She will soon take up a new position in Central Asia which offers her a significant promotion but also a significant challenge: new country, new climate, new language, new culture. We know with her gifts and personality that she will do well, and that she will enjoy her new locale.
I mentioned that we might be able to give her a Christian contact name or two in her new city. But she had already done her homework and assured us that there is an international church there. This means that when she arrives in her new Central Asia country she will attend an English speaking church on her very first Sunday there.
Yes, it will be a brand new Christian fellowship, but it will be an instant, welcoming Christian fellowship in a city where she knows no one, a long way from home.There are huge adjustments required in a new country. The role played by an International Church can be huge for many people. I am grateful that we can be a part of such a faith community, providing a warm welcome and support for international people here in Hanoi.
I was reminded of this after lunch with a young friend yesterday. She is just finishing 3+1/2 years in Vietnam working in a US government posting. She will soon take up a new position in Central Asia which offers her a significant promotion but also a significant challenge: new country, new climate, new language, new culture. We know with her gifts and personality that she will do well, and that she will enjoy her new locale.
I mentioned that we might be able to give her a Christian contact name or two in her new city. But she had already done her homework and assured us that there is an international church there. This means that when she arrives in her new Central Asia country she will attend an English speaking church on her very first Sunday there.
Yes, it will be a brand new Christian fellowship, but it will be an instant, welcoming Christian fellowship in a city where she knows no one, a long way from home.There are huge adjustments required in a new country. The role played by an International Church can be huge for many people. I am grateful that we can be a part of such a faith community, providing a warm welcome and support for international people here in Hanoi.
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