Since we are some of the only foreigners on the island we are always being compared to one another or to foreigners who were here before. “She knows the local language so much better than you.” “He is friends with everybody.” (implied: “unlike you.”) “She’s a better cook than you.” The list goes on and on. Islanders love to compare: “Your children are better at language.” “He’s a better teacher.”
The custom seems to be to make a negative comparison, one that puts someone down, rather than builds someone up. The funny thing is that these comparisons are rarely based on fact. For instance, when our teammate meets my friends they tell me that he speaks better than I do, but if I visit my teammate’s friends they will say the opposite. These comparisons should always be taken with a grain of salt, but if you’re in the right mood, one of these comments can really hurt.
Comparison can poison the soul, either by feeding your pride at the expense of others or by depressing you and making you insecure about your worth or your abilities. One of our teammates was very open and candid about his struggles with comparison—how he could use it to puff himself up and how it could lead him to hope and wish that others would fail. He challenged us all to examine ourselves and rejoice not only in who God had made us but also to rejoice in the success and gifts of others (even when we pale in comparison).
With most of our teammates gone an
d their responsibilities falling on us, the comparisons come often. Pray for us to rejoice and persevere and not to dwell on comparisons.
d their responsibilities falling on us, the comparisons come often. Pray for us to rejoice and persevere and not to dwell on comparisons.
PRAYERS ANSWERED
Our daughter is 3 years old and our son has taken his first steps!! We are thankful for our growing kids. Our teammates have made it safely back to the US with their kids (for about 4 months). They were able to pack up their house and say their goodbyes. The brothers have a lead on a possible place to meet. There are been various opportunities to share with islanders this week.
PRAYERS REQUESTED
Our son is having diarrhea again, please pray with us for a full healing and calming of his stomach. We’ve seen a big increase in our opportunities to study and share with people, pray for us to have the wisdom and words to make the most of these opportunities. Megan is starting an English class for the women in our neighborhood, pray that the first meeting will go well this Saturday.
