MKs and PKs

A MK is a missionary's kid, a PK is a preacher's kid, and neither are easy roles to fill. Abby (Amy and Annie too for that matter) has the tremendous privilege of being both! Being a PK or MK, I believe, is apt to bring on the BIG-shoes-to-fill syndrome. It is the pressure and trauma of having an aura to fulfill. The same thing happens to movie star's kids (would that be a MSK?). There is the mistaken idea that because the parents are "huge" personalities, the kids are different, and have to be huge too.

I grew up in a "normal" family (though some would definitely debate that!). I had a normal job at GM for 22 years. Dawn and I spent many years in "normal" ministry at FBC in Lake Orion, MI.

It so happened that God worked in my life to the degree that my family and I became missionaries to Brazil. It wasn't until after our second term that I became aware of the fact that we had an "aura". I never saw it in the mirror for sure! I was in Michigan talking to a relative and this person said something like, "O the JEWELL's can do NO wrong! If you are a JEWELL you are SO special!" This person said it in a snide way and I thought that he was kidding. But, then I heard a similar comment from someone else in a totally different setting.

Neither the AURA nor the SYNDROME are courted in my family. I know that I'm "preaching to the choir" on this one but if you came to live with us for a month or so (it probably wouldn't take you that long) you would leave knowing that we are just as "normal" as you are (now that is scary)! So, why the MK or PK thing? I believe that there are several factors which contribute to the problem. Some of which are unavoidable. Here are my ideas:

1. We live in a glass house - Everybody wants a look inside. Let's be frank, and let me say that I'm not being presumptuous, but how often have YOU had a mailing list of hundreds that actually seem to want to know what is going on in your life? On a weekly basis! Don't get me wrong here. I'm NOT saying that I am more important than you are. What I am saying is that many people want to know what is going on with me because I'm a MISSIONARY! The "Support" aspect might be a large part of that curiosity and I also realize that probably 70% of those on my list hit the SPAM button when they see the words Excerpts From Our Journal in the subject line. On this point I believe that we should ALL be writing "prayer letters" to each other! Shouldn't we? Or are missionaries really a "special" breed (are you feeling a touch of the MK/PK syndrome?)?
2. We breath rare air - By this I mean that there are few missionaries. Sad to say, but even Jesus noted this fact when He said, "The laborers are few..." So, when a missionary comes around there is always that blank stare curiosity. When teens receive "blank stare" curiosity from other teens it is an uncomfortable feeling. Abby has never mentioned it but some of her comments have lead me to this conclusion.
3. We live in BRASIL! Ooooo! - "That is SO neat!! It is such a great thing that you are doing down there!!" My family has heard that line hundreds of times, if not more. People are naturally curious but when you go from place to place and mention that you live in Brasil (by the way it IS spelled with an "s" and not a "z") people get big smiles and ask about the Amazon rain forest/river/Rio all in the same breath. To many Americans, living in Brasil is comparable to living on the International Space Station! It is something so different that they can't even comprehend it but they want to know a bit about what it would be like. While on deputation I was even asked, "What are you going to do with your kids while you are away from them on your mission in Brasil?" Another person said, "They'll rape your daughters there!" (Now that was encouraging!).
4. We are culturally different - This one is a bit hard to swallow but here is how it goes. The other night we were watching a soccer game on TV. Brasil was playing the United States. The game was actually pretty even and after the first half it was zero to zero. Then Brasil scores a really weak goal and Abby jumps up and down with joy screaming "Golasso!" (which in English might be translated as "The goal of the Century!!"). I couldn't believe it! She was cheering because Brazil had scored against the States! I didn't say anything but I was MAD! Then I began to analyze the situation a bit. Abby has been in Brasil for about ten years. She is sixteen. She is more Brazilian than American (thought her passport would testify against that perspective). When we return to the States we are different than Americans (though we don't feel any different). We have a Brazilian perspective to a certain degree.

So what should be done about this "syndrome"? Communicate with interest and love (heavier on the love side). Don't rush to help the teen "fit" into the group. It may take a bit of time but it will happen. Pray for them regularly. This should probably be first on the list. Realize that God is at work the MK/PK and He never does anything by chance. Your input their life is valuable and necessary.

Changing the subject drastically. Ministry here has been encouraging. I had asked for special prayer recently (remember the dreaded "unspoken" request?). That situation has been blessed by God and we are seeing the needed changes taking place. Praise the Lord and thank you for your prayers.

We have seen some new couples lately and are encouraged that God is at work building Hope. Last night three unsaved husbands/or fathers of our regular members were at church. They along with one of our "regular" unsaved men heard the Gospel. Pray for Pedro, Claudio, Cilho and José's salvation.

Ben and Dani are returning in just a few days. Their return is exciting because it will breathe new perspective into our team efforts.

Last but not least (sorry that this has turned into such an enormous note), Ann and Jackson are still on hold with regard to Gabriel's birth. Her doctor said just last Friday that she has one more appointment with him but that she "shouldn't make it to that one!"