The care and feeding of new workers on the field
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Have you ever helped someone move?… to another country?
We had a young family land at 8am this morning.
Super excited for their arrival.
Despite having a full workload/schedule, we always make time to welcome new or returning people to the field. It truly is one of our great joys.
Two teammates planned to pick them up at the airport - I had hoped to be there to greet them, too. But I just got over being terribly sick. (this is Ryan by the way)
When we went to bed last night, Mandie seemed to have some of the symptoms I started with.
So I officially called off my plan to meet them at the airport.
Instead I created a new group chat on a secure messaging app that combines our last names. (Just one of those things we do over here to keep all the chat messages straight.)
The chat group name is “Lōpsgens”.
But here are the things that go through our minds when someone new first lands in our crew:
• Do they have any allergies
• How long have they been awake
• When was the last real meal they had
• Who is taking them to get groceries and things
• Do they have little kids (diapers, car seats, places to nap)
• Who is hosting or taking them out for dinner their first few days
• How do we show love to them(and kids) in tangible ways immediately
• What could they possibly need in the way of transportation right away
• What are some creature comforts we can get for them and their kids ASAP
• What are they going to need in the next 48 hours that they don’t realize yet
• Did we have the cleaner visit their place (or do we need to find them a place)
• Are the utility bills up to date so they don’t walk into dark rooms without water
• How close is their home to a mosque and what time will the calls to prayer go off
• and the list goes on…
This family is new to our team; returning after a year in the states, following a two year stint in the north to learn language and culture.
Here’s what I love about them - and so many others like them…
They are so eager, easygoing and genuine people. She’s super nice. He’s super funny.
….aaaaand they love coffee, maybe even more than me.
We met them in person last year at a coffee event in Marrakech. There was a hunch they’d be coming down south to join our crew.
So, here’s what happened in the group chat…
He asked if the espresso machine at our office was still available. (we’ve been trying to sell it)
I told him I would bring it over this morning. While I was messaging about that, another group chat lit up, called “Bueskimmings” (another couple that work with us). They wanted to know where they could pick up the crib for the little one that just landed.
It was stored in our homeschool teacher’s apartment.
Mandie messaged our teacher about getting the keys.
My colleague and the new guy who just landed met at our house. We had keys, vehicles and a plan.
The crib, baby toys, changing table, espresso machine, a batch of specially roasted coffee and loads of other things are now in their new apartment.
Lights & water are on and the water heater is working…
…and we’re hosting them for dinner tomorrow night.
We were lovingly nudged in the “Bueskimmings” chat into making our famous orange chicken for the Lōpsgens. (Really had to twist my arm..wink wink)
Only thing that would make it better would be you around the table with us.
But seriously…
Two more people that are passionate about reaching those that have never heard is a HUGE thing. And they’re here to work hip to hip with us.
With all the work we have on our plate, why add to it? Why inconvenience ourselves? We push hard to help them feel welcome and settled. Arriving well can set the trajectory of their term and potentially affect their longevity.
Their health = greater effectiveness in our work here and our joy.
Please pray for them as they get rolling.
For that matter…
Health is something on my mind right now. Mental health, emotional health, spiritual health, physical health, financial health, relational health.
None of these are a given on the field. All take a lot of specific focus and energy to attain.
Your prayers make all the difference.
Your financial contributions also make a huge difference for our health in many of these categories.
Yes, today is giving Tuesday.
So, if you’ve been with me so far, please consider helping us with:
• one more activity with the kids
• one more special meal at home
• one more coffee with a local brother or sister
• one more trip to help in the villages
• one more date night
• one more counseling session
• one more month of strong ministry on the ground
There are two choices after you click the link below…
(you’ll see “Advanced giving options” click on that)
1. You can leave the drop down selected as “00” (this will send your gift to our main account guided by our sending org)
2. You can change the drop down to “09” (this will allow us to use your gift with more flexibility)
We are so grateful for your gifts…whether “00” or “09”…whether one-time or monthly.
So that all may hear,
Ryan & Mandie Buesgens
P.S. If you have any questions about how to give, please reply to this email and we’ll do all we can to help. But for now you can click here to begin.
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