1. A new culture is both exciting and confusing!
I’ve had the privilege to serve on 3 mission fields…Argentina, The Seminole Tribe of Florida, and Bolivia. Three completely different cultures, yet similar many ways. I wish I had known just how different a culture could be. There have been days that I absolutely love my new culture, and other days where I am completely frustrated by it. Tasks that are simple in the states can take days to complete. Sometimes there are no instructions, so I must figure it out. I have learned that it’s best to step back when the frustration or confusion arises, and ask questions to learn how to navigate the particular situation. Before long, I learn what needs to be done and have some idea how long it will take, until they change the process!

2. Language learning takes a lifetime!
Along with a new culture comes a new language. I studied Spanish in elementary, high school, and college; and I did very well in those classes! But when the time came to use what I had learned, I realized I hardly knew anything. I began studying Spanish with a tutor. Wow! I had no idea that many verb forms even existed! Language learning requires much study, repetition, and practice. Lots of practice! Sixteen years later, I’m still learning new words daily. And when I don’t know a word, I’ve become an expert at charades and making noises! I wish I had known that learning a new language is not as easy as it seemed in high school.

3. Cooking from scratch is hard!
Oh how I wish I would’ve spent more time in the kitchen with my mom! When I was a little girl, almost everything we had was made from scratch. Now it seems like there is a mix for everything! However, there are hardly any convenience foods in Bolivia! I have enjoyed learning to cook and bake from scratch. The results are not always what I was looking for, but sometimes I am very pleased with the outcome! It’s quite an adventure!

4. Life goes on in the states without me…
Of course, I knew that life would go without me, but I didn’t know how much I’d feel left out. Birthdays, holidays, cookouts, etc. Family and friends are making all these memories together, without me. When I am on furlough and they are reminiscing about all these good times, I am sad that I missed out on all of it. I’m so thankful for technology, social media, FaceTime, etc. This has allowed me to stay much more in touch with my family and friends, and even have some part in these celebrations!

5. How much I’d fall in love!
I remember the anticipation and excitement preparing to arrive on the mission field for the first time, but I had no idea just how much I’d fall in love with the people, and especially the children. I call them “my kids” even though I have no children of my own. These kids are such a blessing to me. Many of “my kids” are grown, now. Some have strayed, some have passed away, but many are serving the Lord and raising their families in Christian homes!

I wish I had known these things, but not knowing has allowed me to learn and adapt, and enjoy the missionary adventure. It has been a joy and privilege to share the Gospel and the love of Jesus with the Argentines, Seminoles, and Bolivians.

Missy Sanders | Missionary to Tarija, Bolivia, South America