As you know, Central is blessed to be a part of the ELCA’s Young Adults in Global Mission (YAGM) program, partially sponsoring two young people (ages 21-29) each year as they work in partnership with our global companions. This is Central’s seventh experience, following their activities through blogs and newsletters, and learning from their presentations upon return. Currently, we have the blessing of learning from Elise Egbert, who is posted in Hungary, and Nathan Buegler, whose assignment is Senegal.
Take time to read each of their first newsletters now on Central’s website. You’ll learn of Elise’s orientation, where she gathered with other YAGM participants at a retreat center outside Chicago for a week of worship and conversation about the challenge of being immersed in another culture for an extended period of time. Through the week, they learned how to work together, to play to each other’s strengths, and to get out of their comfort zones and back on track when they made mistakes. Note that clip art clues in a large city can lead to unintended consequences!
Nathan speaks of the primary call of YAGM participants: to listen and learn, and share God’s love through presence. He notes the extraordinary hospitality which seems to permeate every part of life in Senegal, a contrast from the tendency to speak a quick word when meeting someone instead of taking the time to ask questions, listen to answers, and really get to know the person. He speaks of the “miracle of place,” becoming conscious of where one is rather than passing by hurriedly and on to something else. You’ll learn of the challenges of learning a new language while using it to make one’s way in a new world and culture.
We look forward to learning from Elise and Nathan throughout the year and welcoming them to Central upon their return!
