Compassion Fatigue, School and the like

My Mission Pastor recently sent me an article on "Why Missionaries Don't Have to be Superheroes," It hit home on many levels, bringing me to an article on compassion fatigue. It again hit home on numerous levels. I started to realize that for the past month and a half, I had been "suffering" from this. However, I couldn't quite put my finger on it until now.

In writing this, I am in a better place. I feel like I have been on the up & up for about a week now. Many thanks go to my prayer partners, the intercessory team at my home church in California, and my close friends. But, I have realized that this is something not to be taken lightly. Some people tell you to brush it off and "get back up again," but you can't… it's more than that. It's a state that you're in. Much like depression or grief, it's a process that you have to go through, and it requires a lot of self-care.

Some missionaries or people in ministry who suffer from this even go "home" or call it quits for a time of spiritual healing because they have pushed themselves too far and have burnt out. Staying on the mission field or in ministry while "battling" compassion fatigue can be dangerous and unhealthy. (And people wonder why so many pastors every year step down from their positions and why handfuls of missionaries come home every year without "fulfilling their term.") It's because of this. I am very grateful that I am surrounded by the people I am because I know that some noticed it before I even did and took action.

In reading this, maybe some of you are surprised at what I have written. Many missionaries and people in ministry "sugar coat" their work and what they "battle." I have vowed that I wouldn't because this is my life--this is what I plan to pursue from here on out.

In other news, the girls are now officially enrolled in Prepara! This is a huge milestone for us as we have had many things "fall through" over the past couple of months regarding girls' schooling. Of course, they complain about the workload, but what teenager doesn't, right? The Prepara teacher is a blessing, and she also has a great rapport with the girls.

For the most part, things have been flowing pretty smoothly at the Home. We have had a few more girls come into our care and have watched a few more go or be reintegrated back with their families. It is always very bittersweet for me to see them leave our care, but they need to start a new chapter in their life. I had a beautiful moment with one of the girls who reintegrated back with her family. The day before she left, I was able to pray with her and hugged and cried together. It was a simple moment, but it was much needed for the two of us as I was often her "go-to" person throughout her stay with us.

For those of you who know me, music speaks to me. I have always believed that songs speak to you most in the season or state that you find yourself in. This song, Ever Be, was my repeat song this past month. I want to encourage you all to take the time to read the links to the articles/blogs I highlighted in my blog. Please read them and then maybe reach out to other missionaries or people you know in ministry. Send them a note of encouragement, send them a prayer or some verses, ask what you can do to help them or if they need anything. I guarantee you they won't say "no" to your offer :)

"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring the Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free."

~Luke 4:18~