Sojourner's Workbook: A Guide to Thriving Cross-Culturally

by Connie Befus

Sojourners are people who venture far from home to live in a foreign place and culture. They have amazing adventures and experience significant fulfillment, but along with the adventure and fulfillment comes a unique set of stressors, losses, and struggles in understanding a different culture, a new language, a new identity and in figuring out how to balance many demands with legitimate personal needs. Fatigue is a frequent and understandable result. This workbook is designed to help the new sojourner, or an experienced one, to develop personal skills for managing the stress, mourning the losses, and crafting a lifestyle that leads to sojourner health on every level. Throughout each chapter, psychologically based coping skills are integrated with Scriptural truth and spiritual disciplines to provide a foundation for healthy cross-cultural living and effective relationships that last for the long term.

142 pages, Paperback

Published February 14, 2018

Reviews

[Rylie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m thankful for this book and that resources are available like this for this season of my life. I appreciate the realness in which the author wrote of - the struggles and difficulties - but also provided so many ways to root your life overseas, prioritize health and stress management, and begin to thrive in a new country! A really great and practical read for someone newly overseas.

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

As someone who lives overseas and has become a sojourner, I found this book very helpful. I have learned and continue to learn the lessons of coping with a new life. The book is simple, with simple explanations and ideas for dealing with each phase. The questions are also helpful for reflection and constructive personal development.

[Kaitlyn Barnett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed going through this book with my team. It helped me reconsider my different aspects of transitioning into ministry and challenged me to break thought processes that weren’t healthy for the longevity of my ministry as well as create new ones.

[Tammy Lashway · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been sojourning in East Africa for 23 years and I wish I had had this book my first year. It is gracious, gentle, challenging, and encouraging. A must read for sojourners who want to make it--both in terms of staying and engaging.

[Kristina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of helpful insights for adjusting to life abroad!

[Joshua Boyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was super helpful for me in processing things relating to our move overseas