Expectations // Wise Short-term Missions
CONCERNS FOR EXPECTATIONS IN SHORT-TERM MISSIONS RESCUE
Volunteers sometimes see vulnerable children as in need of rescue and place themselves in the role of the hero. In reality, the heroes in the child’s life are the families and communities that care for them long-term.
REWA RD
Some volunteers expect reward, admiration, or accolades for the work they do. That can place them in the position of seeing vulnerable children as projects, rather than people.
LOGISTICS
Volunteers may also expect trip logistics and processes to unfold in a way they see as logical or reasonable. However, other cultures often have systems that we’re not used to, and we have to surrender our desire for things to feel comfortable or efficient.
S OLUTIO NS
Volunteers may also expect trip logistics and processes to unfold in a way they see as logical or reasonable. However, other cultures often have systems that we’re not used to, and we have to surrender our desire for things to feel comfortable or efficient.
A F F ECTIO NS
Everything you do has to focus on what’s best for the child’s health and in their best interest. This means that we often don’t get to interact with children in the way we thought we would or want to. Sometimes not holding babies or building super close relationships with kids is what’s best for them. Instead of building a 2-week short and shallow relationship with a child, it’s healthier to support a child’s long-term relationship with their caregivers rather than with you. Letting go of our desire to rock babies, hold children, or build fake close bonds in a short period of time is a Christ-like sacrificial love for the children we want to help.