Student Missions: A Shift

Gabi Francisco
student missionary
Interviewed by Adriana Santana

Where are you located now and how long have you been there?
I’m located in Pagudpud, Philippines and have been here for two months and three weeks.

I mainly work in the clinic from 8-5. We move every week to a different shift (ER, Lab, X-ray, OPD, Dental, and Pharmacy). After work, we either have the rest of the day off or we go on visits to people’s homes to sing and have worship with them. On Thursdays we go to the beach to sing and play games with whichever kids are there.

When you originally signed up to be a missionary, is this what you’d imagine you’d be doing?
On the surface, I’m doing exactly what I thought. Getting medical experience and learning different holistic practices that I can take and apply back home. Going deep- er though, in my mind being a missionary before I became one meant going out and preaching and seeing people coming to Je- sus. It’s not like that at all. We don’t preach, or at least we haven’t yet. The ministry we do is less in speaking to people rather than speaking with people. What I mean by that is, we’re in an area that has a system already set up. They have pastors that are already doing their thing and we are just a little part of the picture. Everyone here is already a Christian too. So the mission isn’t to introduce Jesus to people, it’s to tell them who he is to us, and right now we are try- ing to come up with different ways to do exactly that.

What’s been the hardest transition?
The hardest transition is dealing with the stark difference in culture when it comes to communicating. I’m used to people tell- ing me what they like and dislike straight up when it comes to my character or my work ethic, and not being as forward when it comes to my body. Over here, it’s the complete opposite. They’ve asked one of the SMs if her hair is naturally curly or if she does it every day as she’s half white and looks it and I think they’re confused. They have also called us fat or alluded to it. Some of the women we work with will squeeze and tap our butts and will say “Oh... so much!”. That’s funny to me, but what isn’t as funny is hearing bad things that are be- ing said about you from everyone but the person who started it all. However, this is their culture, and it’s something I’m getting used to.

Is there anything specific you miss from home?
I miss the cold, I miss being able to crave a food and buy or make it whenever I want, and of course I really miss my family and friends. But something that I know I took for granted and never will again is Univer- sity Vespers, Impact and New Life. Don’t get me wrong, I can appreciate the worship here, but it’s nothing like home.

If you could describe your experience in one word, what would you say and why? Shift. I say this because the whole expe- rience started with a shift in control, and then progressed to a shift in plans, a shift in thinking, a shift in living. Everything about myself has had to change. It’s not to be- come a better person, but to become some- one willing and someone who will do what God says. Once you’re on that path, every- thing starts shifting not because of anything you’re doing but because God is making things happen. A big shift while being here has been shifting my heart to lean on God when I’m hurt by His own people, to trust in His timing, and to wait for the shift in others. The shift hurts at times, not going

Do you have anything to say to the stu- dents here at Andrews?
If you find yourself complaining, take the time to pause, and appreciate everything you have. Make a list and write down everything that is good in your life, even things you think aren’t that big of a deal. It might take a minute, but it’ll help you remember all the good in your life that is constant through the present trials you’re going through.