Straightening Path...: Raising kids in crazy places...

One week in one foreign country to encourage two families - this was a primary focus of our trip to Niger. Each family has four kids who range in age from tween/teen to infant/toddler, each serves in Niamey, Niger, each is sent by the Reformed Church in America. They are bound by these commonalities even if there are differences in background, story and interests.

Eating out at the restaurant of the girl's choice

The tangible part of our encouragement took the form of abundant care packages which were well received and a joy to give. But something else happened, time and again we were able to have life giving conversations; talking freely, sharing stories, and comparing "notes." One other encouragement that we brought along without really thinking about it was our very own 13 year old American boy. Having someone new to play with, share being a kid with, stay connected with American culture with, this seemed like maybe the best thing we brought. It also lead to talking about parenting as my kids are just a few years older than their’s.

In one conversation with Jeremy and Susan, they brought up the questioning (sometime direct, sometimes a bit more subtle) about the safety and well being of their children. Are they limiting their kid’s futures? Are they sacrificing their kids for the ministry of God? Wouldn't it be better to raise their kids in America? These are legitimate questions, and sometimes in mission work the answer is and has been yes, but in this case the Beebouts feel the answer is a resounding no. Because those questions must be answered in the context of “what do you want for your children?”

What do they want for their kids? What do I want for my kids? What do you want for your kids?

Hanging out after worship

Is the primary value maximizing their economic potential? Or at least ensuring they can keep up with the Jone’s… Is the primary value minimizing risk? Should parents to everything possible to keep their kids as safe as possible? Or is it fitting in? Being normal seems to drive many suburban and mainstream parents.

Well, maybe normal isn't best. Maybe the spiritual is more important than the physical. Maybe what appears to be risky, is actually safer for their souls. I took my all American boy to Niger, a country filled with disease, defined by poverty, almost completely non-Christian, and far off the beaten path for vacation weeks - because I want him to be American plus. I want my kids to have a bigger perspective, a spiritual framework, and an understanding that in risk there is reward.

The Beebout and the Johnson girls are growing up with parents who are giving them the world, and even more importantly, giving them eternity. And this is at the heart of the matter. Normal in the USA often looks like teens who are distant from adults, distant from their faith, discontent with what they have, and disconnected from the realities of the vast majority of people on this planet. These kids are being raised in Niger, and they are anything but distant, discontent or disconnected. But it isn't the place that is the most important, it is the parents. It was a joy and inspiration to be with these families - who turned the tables and encouraged me.