After 17 years overseas in a former communist country, we landed five weeks ago with 19 suitcases in tow between the five of us. It’s been one of of the hardest transitions of my life — but one I know God has called us to. I wish I could have done so many things different to make this move a bit easier for all of us, but wishing won’t get me anywhere.
Our suitcases have been all unpacked and physically we are somewhat settled in our new temporary home. We know we will be moving again to our new permanent home, Lord willing in the near future. But for now, we are in a transition that feels a lot like a valley where God is pruning us. It doesn’t feel good and it’s not something I would choose but there is peace in surrender and acceptance.
One of the few things worth bringing back for me was my hand-written journals. I simply could not bring them all of back and so I combed through them one by one and tore out the pages that were not worth keeping. That lightened the load significantly. What I hope to do here is share some of those lessons I’ve learned and continue to learn on what it means to trust God even when things don’ make sense — when things happen far beyond your control and you wonder why God allowed it to happen.
As I pour over these journal pages, I’m also hoping and praying that Father will help me to see a bit more of what my 17 years overseas means. I want to hear and learn and thereby find my healing in this journey.