“When we walk around in a strange environment, a strange land, speaking the language haltingly, and feeling out of control and like fools, we can come in touch with a part of ourselves that usually remains hidden behind the thick walls of our defenses. We can come to experience our basic vulnerability, our need for others, our deep - seated feeling of ignorance of inadequacy, and our fundamental dependency. Instead of running away from these scary feelings, we can live through them together and learn that our true value as human beings has its seat far beyond our competence and accomplishments.

One of the most rewarding aspects of living in a strange land is the experience of being loved not for what we can do, but for who we are.

When we become aware that our stuttering, failing, vulnerable selves are loved even when we hardly progress, we can let go of our compulsion to prove ourselves and be free to live with others in the fellowship of the weak, That is true healing.

This psychological perspective on culture shock can open up for us a new understanding of God’s grace and our vocation to live graceful lives.

In the presence of God, we are totally naked, broken, sinful and dependent, and we realize we can do nothing, absolutely nothing, without Him. When we are willing to confess our true condition, God will embrace us with His love, a love so deep, intimate, and strong that it enables us to make all things new… glass shines brighter when broken, I never notice that before.

Ministry is entering with our human brokenness into communion with others and speaking a word of hope. This hope is not based on any power to solve the problems of those with whom we live, but on the love of God, which becomes visible when we let go of our fears of being out of control and enter into The Fathers presence in a shared confession of weakness.

This is a hard vocation. It goes against the grain of our need for self affirmation, self fulfillment and self realization. It is a call to true humility. I, therefore, think that for where we feel again like children, the Lord offers a unique chance not only for personal inadequacy conversion but also for an authentic ministry.”

-Henri Nouwen, “Gracias - A Latin American Journal”