Top 10 Things We Learned Living Abroad

As we reacclimate to the USA, we've been doing a lot of reflecting. So many things feel normal and comfortable here in Washington, while other things that used to be "normal" now surprise use (like the extra-large size of mayonnaise and refrigerators). Fortunately, Sam has taken to daily quesadillas and grandparent time with enthusiasm!

We look forward to updating you more on life in Mukilteo as it comes (we move in next week!), meanwhile we wanted to share a little glimpse of what we take with us from our time in Europe. This list is far from exhaustive, but if you've followed us on this journey we want to share just how formative a time it was. We are so grateful! So, here's 10 things we learned:

1..The Importance of Context: History and Philosophy

Living in Germany and Europe as a whole has deepened our understanding of the historical and philosophical contexts that shape cultures. This perspective has been invaluable in engaging with students from diverse backgrounds. Chase now has a fun party trick. Name any country in Europe and any year and he will (mostly) give you the context of what was happening. 

Art Museums were one of our favorite venues to learn! This modern painting is titled "Bacchus" which references the Roman God of Wine and his love of excess, we saw a lot of classical statues of the same theme so this was a fun take.

2. Seeing marriage (even more) as a gift

Through our ministry, we’ve come to appreciate and lean on marriage as a sacred gift. Going through cross-cultural transition is hard and it puts one's marriage to the test but we have already seen the fruits of our marriage being refined.

3. Cross-Cultural Friendships

Building friendships across cultures has been one of the most rewarding aspects of our time in Germany. These relationships have enriched our lives and expanded our understanding of the world. There were virtually no other Americans in our community so therefore every relationship was a cross-cultural one. We never knew we’d learn so much about Malaysia by moving to Germany!

Representing Germany, Hong Kong, China, Sicily, and more--our small group was a treasure.

4. Navigating Systems Theory and Maintaining a Non-Anxious, Non-Dualistic Self

We’ve learned the importance of staying calm and centered in the face of challenges, maintaining a non-anxious, non-dualistic approach in ministry, which has been crucial in a post-COVID world. Jesus often invites us to the third-way of living, one that can be elusive but powerful!

5. The Value of Getting Out of our Culture Bubble

We believe that you don’t truly know about your culture until you go outside of it. Living outside the U.S. has broadened our horizons and allowed us to see God's work from a global perspective. This experience has reshaped our approach to ministry as we return to the U.S; giving us greater insight into the experience of being “the outsider.” 

6. God’s Speed

We’ve been reminded time and again to move at God’s speed, trusting His timing and not rushing ahead. Europeans place great value on balancing work and leisure–in Bavaria, all stores are closed on Sundays and there are even “quiet hours” all day…that means no mowing your lawn, grocery shopping, or so many of the things we “do” on the weekend. Instead, you’ll see locals taking walks, eating ice cream, and hanging out at the park. This was sometimes aggravating (always had to make sure we had enough diapers to get through the weekend!), but this lesson has been critical in both our personal growth and our ministry efforts. Take a look at Matt Canlis’ on this

We will miss afternoon coffee breaks on European squares!

7. Fundraising: A Lesson in Faith and Perseverance

We had to do a lot of fundraising just to buy a plane ticket! We learned more fully how fundraising can be a spiritual practice on it’s own. To be interdependent on people goes against some of American ideals of self-sufficiency and independence. It has also strengthened our faith as we’ve seen God provide in unexpected ways. It is a humbling way to live and fills us with gratitude. 

8. Solidifying What Truly Matters in Ministry

We like to think of ourselves as practical theologians. In our time in Europe, we were able to reflect upon all the lessons that have been learned and create tools to help teach and disciple others as best as we can! We look forward to integrating these lessons into our next ministry roles. 

9. Discovering Who We Are Without the Usual Identity Markers

Stepping away from our known roles and areas of expertise invited us to confront who we are and what we are worth simply as God’s beloved. Two specific examples: Meg had to embrace being “incompetent” in social interactions (a daily cross-cultural reality), an uncomfortable experience but one that brought great freedom and confidence. When Chase wasn’t able to do Contact Work as he would like to, he had to lean into his identity in Christ to accept that he was enough even if he wasn’t able to step onto campus and be the "Young Life guy."

10. The Paradox of Life

While we as humans long for certainty and clarity, so much of life…and God cannot be explained in black-and-white. Our time in Germany was hard and painful, but it was simultaneously so fun and joyful. Sometimes, in the same moment. There is a deep lesson here if we are willing to embrace both the uncomfortable and easy parts of life. One doesn’t negate the other, they can, in fact, enrich one’s whole experience. 

These lessons have shaped us profoundly, and we are eager to bring this wisdom into our next season of ministry back in the U.S. Thank you for your support and partnership as we continue this journey.