Missionaries aren't super heroes

Missionaries aren't super heroes

Posted by Ashley Hoover

"Nothing about getting on a plane and going to another country is magical." 

It was so encouraging and freeing to hear those words during one of our classes here at SPLICE. When I was little I always thought missionaries were right next to super heroes...now that I'm on the other side of that I know it's not the case at all. Not to burst anyone's bubble but missionaries are just ordinary people like everyone else. I think sometimes I struggle with the perceived pressure to be "all together" just because I'm a missionary to another country. It seems like I shouldn't be battling with my emotions about leaving. I shouldn't have so many struggles because I'm doing what God has called me to, right? If I am having a hard time then I should just suck it up and not bother others with it because what if it messes up their idea of what a missionary is?

My time at SPLICE has so far been so encouraging and helpful as I prepare to begin my first term soon. It's helped me see that it's okay to feel the way I do. It's normal and there's nothing wrong with it. Having the label of "missionary" can carry a lot of pressure at times but I don't need to live up to what I assume others expectations are.

A "pair of ducks" (Paradox) illustrating it's
 okay to feel mixed emotions about the same thing.

One thing we talked about is paradox. Missionaries seem to experience a lot of that. Situations in life can have both a "yay" and a "yuck" side to them. Things we love about a given situation we can also not like. I'm pretty much a living paradox and I've learned that that's okay.