As I sit in our living room, looking around at the suitcases and belongings that litter the floor, I am at a loss for words to describe what life has looked like for us over the past few weeks. This is partly due to the online German lessons I have been taking. The part of my brain that deals with foreign languages has been awakening from an eight-year slumber…and it hurts. Like, physical discomfort is happening in my head as I try to figure out conjugations and memorize articles based on gender; my melting brain seems unable to force my mouth to form the necessary shape to pronounce the words Buch and Brot. (These are simple words, people. Heaven help me when I need to learn a word with more than two syllables.)
Two Years’ Worth of Belongings…
But in between packing, writing emails, grappling with German, and meeting with ministry partners, Keane and I have been unbelievably touched by lunches and dinners with dear people who, somewhere along the line, have become more like family than friends. My heart could burst. We are so fortunate to be surrounded by our church, our friends, our coworkers, all of whom shower us with love and encouragement. I am so excited for Germany. I am so sad to say goodbye. This has been a regular occurrence in my MK life, but the first time I have experienced it as a full-fledged adult. I praise God that, as full as my heart feels right now for all the people in my life, he’ll give me more room for the students and coworkers and friends we will meet in Germany.
These past few weeks have been good and not-easy. We seek to trust the Lord more for his provision in the two weeks we have left before we need to leave for Germany. As soon as we trust him, we are attacked in ways that try and rob us of joy and peace. At times, it has been difficult to continue preparing for Germany (selling our furniture, ending our lease, etc.) when we don’t yet have the financial support to actually go. But we know what God wants us to do, and so we are getting ready. And when he wants us to go, we will go. When I described our situation to a good friend recently, he replied, “But that seems like a picture of the readiness we should all have in our hearts.” And he is right. I might be packing suitcases for a trip yet unseen, but how many times has my heart been unready for what God has called me to do? I am grateful that God gives grace upon grace, even as he is getting our hearts ready to trust him more.
You don’t have to know the details before getting ready to go. What is God asking you to get ready for?
Love your openness and honesty! Praying for you guys so much and praying you are fully funded soon! But also praying for the Lord to continue to work in your hearts as he continues to prepare you for what’s coming. Blessings!