Voluntourism

This mission is set up very well for what they call "guest relations". In a number of ways this feels like a resort, or perhaps summer camp, where there are activities scheduled for us. We have some choice, of course, about what we would like to participate in.

As I was picking macadamia nuts and shovelling a trench I had the thought, again, that we are not primarily here to help. We are not here to save them from poverty or sin. For the most part we are not here because of our special skills.

I think we are here to encourage, to experience, to be changed, to share out lives, and to tell others back home about it and about God.

What do you think?