Change Your Location, Change Your Perception

Posted by C. Holland on Nov 17, 2008

It’s amazing how a couple of years living in another nation can change your definition of just about everything.

We received a care package recently, and it was like Christmas early. But instead of the contents looking like what most Americans would consider a gift, our care package contained items that would have been on our weekly grocery list when we lived in the States.

Now, we can get most typical foods and supplies right here in our small village, sometimes even the same brands (though I have to admit that Oreos and Ritz seem to taste better here, not sure why). Calling this a care package (in a missionary context) almost seems inappropriate since it didn’t contain vital supplies for living in a destitute place. But the familiarity of specific foods, candies and magazines brought such a smile to our faces, and it was then that I realised if I had received this box of supplies three years ago for Christmas or a birthday, I would have been barely amused.

So much of my perception has changed, right along with my priorities. I no longer feel the need to shop aggressively, partly because living in such a smaller space means trying to find a place to stuff extra things. When we’ve been asked by those visiting from the States what we’d like them to bring, specialty food usually comes to mind. They always seem surprised, like we should be asking for something more exotic or interesting.

In fact, one person made such a big deal that they just had to ship me something for my birthday and asked me to give them a list of possible things I might want. I really didn’t need anything, so a sent a list of things similar to what’s referenced above. They’re usually edible items or small things like magazines, nothing that’s permanently taking space. Evidently, the sender didn’t feel that these fit the “birthday gift” list, so I received clothing. That was three sizes too big. And was not anything you’d wear in our cold climate.

Thank God I didn’t have to pay customs on it, but it was really frustrating because I then had to repurpose it to someone who might be able to fit some of the pieces. The person meant well, but in the end the whole episode was more disappointing than if the person never bothered to send me anything in the first place. Honestly, a few years back I would have probably had the same difficulty understanding why someone would request a $3 bag of chocolate chips over a much more expensive piece of clothing. But your location determines your perception and priorities, especially in the mission field.