The following insights were shared with me by Tori Barrett in 2004 at the beginning of her missionary work with us in Zambia, a ministry that would span ten years. Tori would eventually get married to Russ Camp, and now serves at Trinity Baptist School in New Hampshire, USA. For missionaries from the west preparing to transition to live in Africa, her thoughts may be helpful:
As missionaries, we often face unique challenges when adapting to life in a new culture. Having recently transitioned from Togo, West Africa to Zambia, I’d like to share some insights about the learning curve I’ve experienced. While my previous stay in Africa prepared me for some aspects of life here, there have been many new experiences and adjustments.
Daily Living
Currency
- Learning the value and exchange rates
- Understanding reasonable prices
- Deciding what’s worth extra money
- Locating money access points
- Setting up bank accounts
- Itemizing expenditures
- Budgeting monthly expenses in a new environment
Shopping
- Finding store locations and the best deals
- Identifying honest merchants and quality items
- Adapting to local store hours (many close from 12:00 to 2:00)
- Navigating parking logistics
Transportation
- Obtaining a driving permit
- Learning new traffic rules
- Purchasing and maintaining a vehicle
- Finding reliable service stations and fuel sources
- Understanding registration requirements
- Adjusting to driving on the opposite side (shifting with the left hand!)
Food Preparation
- Sanitizing fresh produce and filtering water
- Adapting to poor refrigeration and short shelf life of foods
- Shopping more frequently
- Maintaining a balanced diet with locally available foods
- Cooking from scratch (which takes more time)
Health
- Adjusting to preventative medications (dealing with side effects)
- Identifying locally available medicines
- Finding trustworthy clinics
- Learning home remedies and necessary vitamin supplements
- Adapting to new water sources and increasing water intake
- Remembering to carry filtered water when out
Social Adjustments
- Learning appropriate greetings for different ages and positions
- Understanding local humor
- Adapting to longer visit durations (make room in your schedule for both planned and unannounced visitors)
Church Life
- Adjusting your sense of worship when music and language are unfamiliar
- Learning names (everyone knows you, but you know no one)
Ministry Challenges
- Observing how nationals minister before attempting changes
- Being flexible in your approach to people and ministry
- Avoiding the urge to “Americanize” everything
- Implementing changes gradually
When working closely with local people, it’s natural to feel frustrated when trying to understand their methods, especially if they seem ineffective. I’ve learned to:
- Keep quiet initially and try to understand the reasoning behind their approaches
- Seek discernment on when to speak up and when to remain silent
- Prioritize areas that need immediate improvement versus those that can wait
- Revamp my own thinking rather than always trying to change theirs
- Set realistic goals, understanding that reaching them takes time
- Approach staff development with patience and prayer
- Balance the desire to improve ministry with sensitivity to national Christians’ perspectives
Personal Reflections
As a foreigner, I’m often a spectacle wherever I go. Language limitations with villagers, being perceived as wealthy, and relying on others for transportation (until I get my license) are all part of the learning curve. It’s an adjustment from being independent at home to being dependent on others here.
I’ve had to remind myself not to feel overwhelmed. Adjustment takes time, and each task requires more effort compared to accomplishing similar tasks at home where everything was familiar.
While I’m confident in God’s calling for me here and find great joy in it, there are moments when I long for the familiarity of home, friends, and family. Although I haven’t felt homesick yet, I’ve experienced some “blue moments.”
Despite the challenges, I’m rejoicing in the Lord’s goodness in granting the desires of my heart. This journey of adaptation is part of the missionary experience, and with time and patience, the unfamiliar becomes familiar, and a new home emerges.
Zambia Hunt 
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