should we go?

As we prepare for another journey to Ethiopia, we always seem to get "the question."

Should we go?

It is a question that begs an answer. Each individual is spending or raising $2500 to make this journey. And many want to know, "Wouldn't it be better to send the money to help those in need instead of spending it on traveling over there?" 

This question is BIG - one I don't take it lightly. My answer is... sometimes. 

I won't argue that sometimes, it may be better to send money. When we travel with our own agenda, our own rules of how things should be done, and with money to fix things, build things, and buy things according to our agenda - then I say, "Don't go. Please... don't go." 

Being in missions calls for listening and learning first... building trust with the communities you are visiting by hearing them and the desires of their hearts. Helping them carry out their agenda is far more important and effective than pushing our own agenda. It creates ownership by the local people and it utilizes the gifts and talents of the community. 

Traveling to Ethiopia each year is an investment... an investment in people. It is also a privilege. And to me... it is worth it to walk along side and serve in the community of Sendafa. It is worth it to tell people they are worth my time... they are worth traveling across the world for because when they believe they are worth it, everything changes. And sometimes, people need help seeing value in who they were created to be and that they add value to their homes, their community, their country, and the world.

So if this is the agenda - going to listen and learn, going to assist others in carrying out his or her agenda, going to help people see his or her value - I say, "Go. Please... go."

Here is a great Ted Talk called, Want to Help Someone? Shut Up and Listen which speaks to some of what is stated above. I would love to hear your thoughts below.