1 Corinthians 9:22-23

To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings. 

1 Corinthians 9:22-23 (ESV)

As I was preparing to come to Guatemala, I went through a bible study that we were encouraged to do prior to arriving to training. The study was broken up into topics, one of them being flexibility. Under this topic was 1 Corinthians 9:19-23. Out of the whole bible study this was one of the biggest things that hit me. I had never heard this verse before and It was so comforting to read. I felt like it was a mini guidebook written to teach us how to minister to people who we didn't have a lot in common with. As I was about to venture to Central America, I thought this was very fitting for me.
Showing up here, I didn't know a lot about the culture. It was intimidating the first few times we went into town or even when I conversed with the local people at church on Sunday. The last thing I wanted was to stick out like a tourist and not be taken seriously. I wanted to love on these people and share the gospel message with them. I didn't want who I was outwardly to affect how they saw me inwardly. This is a struggle I'm still learning to adjust to.
The biggest thing God has taught me through entering a new culture is that I just need to be made willing to be used by him. There are barriers that are inevitable, there are ways to approach different situations, and ultimately, there is a lot to learn about sharing the gospel in a different area of the world. But, God's grace follows me everywhere. As long as I allow him to use me, the Holy Spirit is there to guide me through it, give me the words, and to give me the strength.