WorldView People

We have spent the last month studying at the WorldView Center. Instead of boring you with all the nitty gritty details of what we may or may not have learned, let me instead introduce you to some of the people who have crossed our path.

Where else can we start but with Dr. and Mrs. Don Smith? They are a wealth of insights and stories from their 30 years as missionaries in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Kenya. While completely at home in the world of anthropology and academia, they are also gracious, humble, joyful and have a deep spiritual current running through their lives. Their heart in training missionaries is to increase effectiveness in Gospel ministry by facilitating intercultural understanding. They have “learned” us a lot. :)

Sixteen missionaries huddled up around the table almost every day. All of their lives are filled with stories worth telling. One couple who will remain nameless is heading off to Africa next month (keeping a low profile is part of mission in this Google age of information). We sat by them in class most days laughing together, sharing life and encouraging one another. Who knows maybe someday our children will visit with them and/or with others who also must remain nameless.

As a missionary doctor in Pakistan for 18 years, Dr. Mary had plenty of stories to tell that intrigued and interested us all. On Friday we watched a Day of Discovery presentation of her life – the Shikarpur Diary. The video tells how she and three other women gave up Western life to care for Muslim women and children in Pakistan. After the video she prayed for our children and reminded them that, “following Jesus is the best thing.”

We crossed paths with others including: Danielle & Debbie who served up some of the best cafeteria food ever*Steve & Joann who keep the WorldView Center going*Liz & Lydia who were particularly kind to our children*Dr. Wan who opened our eyes to some of the shortcomings of our western way of thinking and the reality of spiritual warfare*Ksenya our Russian friend who has are really good heart for serving God.

On The Oregon Trail - A Photo Journal

Wild & Wonderful - Oops, that's West Virgina

It's green year round...

What do you think about Oregon, Christina?

Appreciating God's Creation

Adding a little beauty to the falls

Quiet Reflection

Cold, Wet, Muddy & Fun

Multnomah Falls

The Summit Experience

...and cloudy year round too!

Windblown & Cool

Portland - A Photo Journal

A bird’s-eye view


Pioneer Courthouse Square a.k.a. Portland’s Living Room

You can get anywhere from here including Guadalajara, Mexico

Three beautiful "Mardich" flowers (Mar-ia, Di-ana, Ch-ristina)

Majestic Mt. Hood reflecting the Creator’s Majesty

“I’ve had enough!”

They love their gardens and flowers

The Teahouse in the Chinese Gardens

Creating a special family memory

What’s for lunch? Noodles and Tea

Portland

So what is Portland like and what exactly are we doing at this WorldView Center? Well, for starters our day begins around 6:00 with breakfast served at 7:00 and classes beginning at 8:00. The day can end with dinner at 5:30, but more often than not there is an evening activity that can run as late as 8:00. And of course there are the inevitable work assignments that come with this kind of training. One diversion is the on-going ping-pong battles we are having with Keith and Tyler – a father and son that are joining us in Mexico in August. Daniel, Maria and Christina are having class as well.

At the WorldView Center we are learning how to make observations and draw conclusions about the people, customs, structures and values of a culture. It’s intended to keep us from making the kinds of mistakes that will build barriers and cause the message of the gospel to be of no effect.

This last week we have been practicing on Portland. Here is watered down version of some conclusions I have drawn about our host city.

1. Portlanders value environment and conservation.
I believe the environment itself is the leading reason Portlanders are so environment conscious, with Mount Hood, Mount St. Helens, Mount Adams and Mount Reiner all within sight of the city.
2. Portlanders value independence.
Pioneers settled Oregon. They were men and women who blazed a trail (as reflected in their NBA team name) to find independence. Today that spirit is still reflected in the attitudes of the people.
3. Portlanders value diversity and individuality in lifestyle.
A common saying in Portland is “keep it weird”. They take it serious and do what they can to make it a reality. This can be seen in the way they dress and the lifestyles they embrace.
4. Portlanders also value diversity in spirituality.
Everywhere you turn you are confronted with alternative spirituality. You see it in the health food stores, in the coffee shops, in the public square, restaurants, in the stores and in the shops specially designed to sell and promote spirituality.
5. Portlanders value coffee.
Cafés are everywhere in all shapes and sizes and in deference to the culture you’ll have to excuse me now to enjoy my own cup.

What We Have to Share About Being Good Parents in Order for Your Children to Have a Smooth Transition into a Foreign Country: Our Upcoming Book