Problem solving and preventative measures are the popular working style of Hong Kong people. We are trained to fix problems quickly, but prefer to prevent them before they happen. Ultimately we want to control everything in a way that brings a sense of security and confidence. However, the longer I serve here, the more I know it may not be the only way to handle problems.

Recently, I had some opportunities to have meetings with the local leaders and members. From them I learned that there is another attitude towards handling problems. Not long ago, some thieves trespassed onto the mission's small piece of land and fishpond in the village, since we don't have close supervision. Actually, we don't have enough manpower to take care of the property, and it still needs more time before harvesting from the fruit trees and fishpond. The pastor of the village also needed to take care of the problems for us. In my opinion, I would rather sell them in order to solve the problem quickly and not add a burden to the pastor's shoulders. During the meeting, I suggested that we should fix the problem that way. However, the pastor did not agree and insisted on keeping them for the harvest to come. The troubles of trespassers and security problems do not bother him. He told us that it is not a serious problem to him, and he has the patience to face the undesirable conditions. This makes me feel that he has a higher tolerance in handling problems.

Another incident concerned the watchman's house at our property. Last time I have mentioned that there was an old couple living there. Since I didn't want them to have to use buckets to collect the rainwater from outside and then carry them back inside the house, I asked them to connect the rain channel into the tank that is inside the house. It was done and seemed perfect. However, a heavy rain filled the tank to overflowing and spilled on the floor. So I suggested they add a flexible connecting duct which can divert the excess water directly to outside if necessary. However, they didn't do it, and would rather go to the effort of sweeping the water to the outside. It is not a problem to them to take care the mess if it arises. They have the patience and endurance to face the same problem until it gets to the point that they recognize the need to make a change.

These two incidences remind me that sometimes we are shorted-sighted in dealing with problems and can't bear inconvenience or low efficiency in our lives. Thus, we could not cultivate a 'big' heart to face problems. Sometimes, it may be not a bad thing to live with the problems. It may even remind us that we are not perfect in tackling our needs. On the other hand, I think we can also share our skills of problem solving with our dear Cambodian brothers and sisters, showing them that putting in a little effort instantly can make life easier in the long run. Actually, how we handle problems is also not a moral issue but a matter of our attitude. May God grant us a sensitive heart to appreciate the differences between respective cultures.

Prayer points:

A healthy body, mind and spirit to serve God - sometimes I am sick, easily get tired or want to procrastinate