When people prepare for a service or mission trip, especially for a short period of time, they often focus on the “me” part of that trip. What do I pack? What will the schedule look like? What do I want to accomplish while I’m there?
If it is a new experience, they may worry about culture and customs. Even when committing to a longer stay, the focus remains on the “me” part — “What will I do?” “How can I use my skills and talents to make a difference?”
But how often do we pause and consider the power of just being there? Of learning from others, letting them show us who they are, and allowing them to teach us and guide us?
In my experience learning to live in Costa Rica — my birth country — as an adult, local women proudly told me, “¡Tenemos que enseñarte a ser Tica!” (We need to teach you to be Tica!*) In that moment, my attitude shifted from figuring things out on my own to opening myself to their guidance and friendship.
This kind of mutual learning lies at the heart of Mennonite Mission Network’s approach to mission and service. We call it mutuality — a togetherness in which each one of us is giving and receiving. Each of us brings something unique to mission or service.
Our service programs — international mission, Just Peace Pilgrimages, Mennonite Voluntary Service, Service Adventure, SOOP and Youth Venture — create space to learn from and serve one another.
Marisa Smucker
Executive Director
*Tico and Tica (male and female) are colloquial terms that Costa Ricans use for themselves.