Moving Reflections

A little over two weeks ago Carolyn and I moved in with our new host family.  As with any move it was filled with work, challenges, and a whole lot of change.  Much of this we anticipated, but some of the challenges we could not.  While we've been gradually giving away our belongings, the most difficult thing we've had to give away was our cats.  For those of you who have pets, you can probably empathize with us regarding our mixed emotions of joy that our cats will have homes and sorrow that we must give them up.

Even though we had prayed for them to be able to leave, we still felt deep sadness with their departure.  We had already emptied the house, but the night we came home after dropping off our beloved pets, we were able to finally realize, in full, all we had given up.  We distinctly remember standing inside our front door, the first time we weren't greeted with friendly meows.  Our house felt so empty; it no longer felt like home. We are thankful that were able to leave them knowing that they would be loved and cherished. 

I was told that as a missionary, my life would depend on God through prayer a great deal. I understood that to a limited degree when I first heard it.  But after the transitions that we've come through, it's clear that the Lord has been using countless situations in our lives to prepare us while we are still in the "pre-field" missionary stage. 

I am thankful that the Lord is patient and that he allows us to learn slowly to trust Him, not requiring perfect trust immediately, because if that was the requirement I would have already blown it. We still have many more prayers which we are waiting for answers on; but we are trusting the Lord, and asking Him to help our doubt and unbelief. 

One of the biggest struggles that we currently face is the question of where our funding will come from. The Lord has made it clear, time and time again, that this is His next step for us, but there is always the question of how He is going to provide for us to do this work. When I think about our launch goal being 100% funded by February I don't get too worried; but when I think about our goal of reaching 50% by July 1st, so we can attend our final training course, I do start to feel more concerned. 

I can honestly say that I don't know how He will provide.  I guess I'll just have to be content with not knowing. I'll need to be satisfied working towards our goal, and trusting in His provision.  I think that we are called, as Believers, to live expectationally regarding the Lord’s provision for us; so we will do our best to live and plan without any uncertainty of his sovereignty.