A Brief Debrief

We had a short debrief session before we got on to the plane at the Dehli Airport. Everyone was so tired and exhausted after long restless days of ministry, tours and traveling, but I was probably at my most livliest state after three days of sleeping and sweating out my pharyngitis. Pastor James took us through a brief session of debriefing, and I was actually very challenged because I realized what I do once I go back is arguably even more important than what I have done during the trip. So here are some notes that I took:

- Being on a mission trip, our identity is somewhat changed. Going back home means confronting our old identities and we enter into our old cultures.
- As we go home, we are transitioning from being surrounded by a community to being by ourselves.
- We may be inspired by how people live, worship and serve in India because it is so different, but we shouldn't feel prideful about what we have seen or how we have changed. Instead, we must recognize that we come from a different context.

- There are three different types of PMS (Post-Missions Syndrome):

1. Assimilation : Adjusting back so well that one forgets about the missions

2. Alienation: Feeling isolated from surroundings and having a hard time adjusting back.
3. Integration: Having a balance between assimilation and alienation.

- Tips on becoming an Integrator:

1. Try not to bring closure to the trip, but make it an extension of missional life.
2. Confront something you need to change.
3. Set aside time after the trip to reflect and spend time with God.

- Things to ponder upon:
1. What expectations do we have upon coming back?
2. How do I need to readjust?
3. What do we want to share most about the trip when we go back?

- Continue to pray for the people that we met.
- You will get sick of people asking you how the trip was, but learn to tell your story. sharing what God is doing in India is important because people in India don't have a voice.