There is always a sense of excitement as well as nerves that accompany going some place you have never been before. The expectations and anticipation of the unknown keeps one on edge and hopefully a bit more alert. This is especially true when you travel to a foreign country where your knowledge of the language is limited. It is essential to listen.

Communication seems so much more important in this day and time where people’s anxiety can often lead to misunderstandings if not anger and violence. An ability to stay calm is imperative. But what’s more is an ability to listen carefully and be alert to both verbal and non verbal communication. My hope for this trip is that the team works well together but also that we open ourselves to listen and learn to our partners in mission as we grow together in faith, mutual understanding and love.

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