Three weeks from tomorrow, I will be moving to the Czech Republic.
This picture sums up about how that feels.
Anticipation. Change. And also loss. The future is unknown (I can't say I've ever lived in Czech as an adult, nor as a missionary!), yet familiar at the same time.
In some ways, my heart mirrors some of the stories of Narnia (this photo actually reminds me of the wardrobe in C.S. Lewis' books). It's as though I am stepping into another world, yet that involves leaving this one for a time. Just as when the Pevensie children left England to enter Narnia though, I am not truly "leaving" the U.S. The relationships and "home" that have been built here will continue, though I may not be physically present in them soon. Just like Narnia. And when I return to the U.S. to visit, it may feel as though so much time passed, and no time passed at all.
I am excited for all that the Lord has ahead, and also fully aware of the sadness and loss that comes along with moving too.
Three weeks does not feel like enough time to soak in the joys of fellowship with my church, friendships, the home that the Lord has built here, and to leave and say goodbyes well and care for those I love in the process. Yet, in his perfect timing, this is exactly when he has planned for me to go. Even in the tension, I rest in that, knowing that what awaits me on the other side of this move is still God's presence. More than that, there is a job and role ahead, and I can hardly believe I'll be with the JV Kids soon!
I met with my pastor and his wife back in August, right before I headed to JV Kids' Camp, to gain their wisdom on a few questions I had. I'll always remember a quote my pastor said along the way, as we talked about transition and change.
His words resonated deep within as he said, "It's always hard to leave a place where you have seen God work."
Yes, the Lord has been faithful thus far. And he will be the same Lord both now and forevermore, both here in Warrenville and in Eastern Europe.
Great is Thy faithfulness,” O God my Father,
There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not
As Thou hast been Thou forever wilt be.
“Great is Thy faithfulness!” “Great is Thy faithfulness!”
Morning by morning new mercies I see;
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided—
“Great is Thy faithfulness,” Lord, unto me!
(Great is Thy Faithfulness, 1925)
