neighbors vs. gringo missionaries

we just want to be your neighbors.

although it is almost impossible, that is our goal. we long for friendships, meaningful conversations (without agendas), and deeper relationships. this is our ministry style. but when we are the "gringos who build houses" or the "americanos who bring mission teams to give out stuff" it makes it harder to connect in the deeper way that we desire.

it's not anyone's fault, and there's no easy solution. we are here to meet physical needs as well as spiritual, so we're not going to stop blessing people with homes and other necessities just to remove that variable. we just pray that people will somehow, by the power of God, see past it and be willing to open up to real friendship without secretly wanting something material from us. we do have great examples of this, and we celebrate them.

i certainly can't blame the locals. i'd probably do the same thing. for many, we are their once in a lifetime shot at a home, electricity, or running water.

i have no solutions to offer today...just journaling my thoughts.