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Since I've started the site, I've had two mothers e-mail me with questions about what their missionaries should be prepared for. I have a few thoughts on the issue but I am sure this could be a major discussion topic for the alumni.
The People
I would guess that to an outsider people of Eastern Europe are fairly simple people. They struggle to make ends meet just like I do. Overall, I would have to say they are decient, trustworthy, and loyal individuals.
Due to the control of Communism they tend to have a difficult time making decisions. This makes it hard, as a missionary, to obtain the necessary commitments church membership requires. However, once a decision is made they tend to be very loyal to it. (When I speak this way, I mean no disrespect to any individual, and my intention is to help people to understand that missionary work though fun has its hardships.)
The Climate
The climate can vary slightly dependant upon the area of the mission in which you are in. Summers are fairly mild with an abundance of rain. Winters are cold, very cold. Due to the countries placement on the Baltic Sea the humidity level stays relatively high and so the actual temperature may be different then the way the cold actually feels. I remember on some winter days going outside and having my nostrils immediately freeze.
The Culture
I promised myself before my mission that I would come to know the culture of these people. I didn't accomplish that goal very well during my mission. There is too much to learn.
I was deeply impressed by the age of the Culture. There are buildings in some of the major cities that date back hundreds of years. As an American this was impossible to comprehend. I gained a deep respect for the traditions of the people.
I hope some day that I will be able to understand these people better and to also keep their traditions alive in me because of their influence on my life during the time I spent living amongst them.
Languages
Each Baltic country has its own native people with their own native language. Due to the Russian influence on the countries there is a great many russian people who call this place home as well.
Two years is enough time to become proficient in one of these languages and I would hope that a prospective missionary pays close attention to the call which they recieve and attempts to speak this language with all the proficiency they have time and patience to learn. There have been some well gifted missionaries who had the opportunity to learn another of the baltic languages while on the mission. Those fortunate to have this gift and use it are blessed for their achievements!
Hopefully some of the Alumni and others would add some of there thoughts or comments on my little editorial. If you would like to add a comment or suggestion please do so by clicking on Comments in the Navigation Bar on the Left of the Window.
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"You are a great army of returned missionaries. Go forward with new zeal and determination, and through your example shine the light of the gospel in this troubled world. This is the Lords work in which we are engaged. God lives. Jesus is the Christ. We belong to His Church. This is my witness to you in the name of Jesus Christ, amen."
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