YES
that was an intentional pun linked to the fact that its almost
Christmas. What a year its been.
This
time a year ago, I was moving house. It was an incredibly stressful
time, and an incredibly busy time. And I honestly had no idea just
how nomadic the upcoming 2014 would prove to be.
Now
a year later, I am yet again preparing to move house. In fact if I
work it out correctly it will be the 8th move in a year by
the time I move into my new house. Yes, you read that correctly 8
MOVES IN ONE YEAR!
Its
a wonder I have remained sane. All those moves and times have been
either taking care of other people's property or staying with family
and friends, I must admit I am excited at the prospect of my own
little place, where I can finally put down some roots and stop being
such a nomad.
Just
after settling into our new house in Albania,
and finally having it start to feel like home, I realised that God
was saying it was time to move back to South
Africa. A decade of serving that nation, including 6 years of
living permanently in that nation, was now being wrapped up. It was
incredible to see how faithful God was in the process of wrapping it
all up. Everything I had in my heart to start or be involved in, was
up and running. God had brought the right people along to take over
all those projects and nothing new was opening. Plus the visa laws in
the land were changing. It all came to a natural concluding point,
which made it easier to leave.
Before
I even moved to Albania, God gave me a
scripture concerning it, from Joshua 1:14b –
15
“ You
are to help them 15 until the Lord gives them
rest, as he has done for you, and until they too have taken
possession of the land the Lord your God is giving them.
After that, you may go back and occupy your own land,”
so
I knew in advance I wouldn’t be living in Albania
forever, and I also knew I would go back to South
Africa.
I
will be honest when I first came back to South
Africa, I was feeling totally uprooted and insecure about the
future, and was exploring 4 different options, 4 different countries
to choose to settle down in. but in my heart of hearts I knew I was
meant to re-root back in my home, and in my home church.
Before
leaving Albania, I had the privilege yet
again [thanks to some special sponsors] to visit my missionary
friends in Kosovo. I truly love that
nation and have a huge heart for it as well. It was just another
example of God's provision for me to end my time on the field well
and to say all the goodbyes I needed to say.
April
came along, my one suitcase was packed and it was time to head back
to South Africa. I cant fully explain
all the emotions but it was a cocktail of intense sadness and
excitement. I was leaving what had been my life, my home, my friends,
my nation with only one suitcase weighing 20kgs to start all over
again.
Not
sure of the road ahead or what it looked like. Just sure that it was
time to move on.
Arriving
home I was so grateful for my local church. I am truly blessed to be
part of this particular spiritual family. On the field they were an
amazing support, and proved to be even more so on me returning home.
They came around me and embraced me and put things in place to allow
me to take a breather, to debrief, to get some prayer and TLC and
just rest upon coming home. And I am so grateful for the way God
connected our hearts. It was almost as if I had never left, except
that some of the kids were now 7 years older and a lot taller. I just
slotted straight back into the family. This really helped
transitioning a lot.
I
saw God time and time again provide for me financially and even in
places to stay over this period of rest. It was incredible. Coming
back with nothing I was overwhelmed at how God took care of the
details. And little by little as I went through the process I could
see the picture of the future start to take place. I could make peace
with settling back into South Africa,
for a while. [after this year, I am fully convinced that God is very
adventurous and full of good surprises, so you never know what the
future holds, but I can be confident that it is worth it and it is
good.]
Near
the end of my assigned Rest time, God opened up the way for me to go
on a mission trip to Uganda. Which was
an amazing experience, that you can read about in my blog posts. What
a joy! I can truly say, as an African, that I have now experienced
Africa. This experience, as well as being given a chance to lecture
in the bible college, were all part of his healing for me. It always
amazes me how committed to our lives and our hearts, Our Father truly
is.
I
came off this mission field even more secure, with 3 desires in my
heart, as I settled back into South Africa.
1]
get a job
2]
get a car
3]
find my own space/place to live – near to my job and church.
There
were other desires, and details listed alongside. . . things like be
in a job that still allows me to be in short term ministry and
missions. . . .when buying a car, look for an interest free loan.
Etc. etc.
again
God has proven faithful. Within a week of returning of Uganda
I found a job. Honestly it dint turn out to be a good job atmosphere.
But God used it for specific reasons and purposes.
Then
he joined the dots and helped make a way for me to get a car, with a
small interest free loan and some donations from friends.
And
then, God provided me a new job. One that is perfect for me and where
I am at in life right now, surrounded by loving Christian friends.
Just a stones throw away from my local church. And I am loving it.
And one that will allow me to be involved in short missions and
ministry etc.
And
now God has supernaturally found me a place to stay, with Christian
landlords and Christian friends next door and its super close to work
and church.
So
wrapping up 2014, its been a year of transition. . . almost 8
moves, 4 countries and 2 jobs …. its been one of the hardest
years emotionally for me but also one of the most satisfying.... but
now as the year of transition ends, I sense God is bringing me into a
year of rooting. Often a plant has to be uprooted from its container
and replanted in a bigger container so it can grow bigger and thrive.
I almost feel like that is exactly what God is doing in my life. The
scripture He gave me as I left Albania
was, Job 36:16
“He
is wooing you from the jaws of distress to
a spacious place free from restriction, to the comfort of your table
laden with choice food.”
this
is truth. This is what I have seen him do this year and know He is
continually doing in my life at the moment. I stand overwhelmed by
his goodness and all pursuing love. I am so grateful to be His
daughter and to live this life He has designed for me.
I
would also like to take a moment to thank my sponsors, those who have
given so generously to me and my mission over the year, and stood by
me even in the months I came back and found my feet. Those who have
given once off gifts that enabled me to go to Kosovo and Uganda and
places like that. Those who have given and helped me settle into
homes or get a car etc. and also those who have given encouragement
and friendship and emotional support. Those who have prayed for me
with all their hearts. You are all an integral part of God's plan for
my life and I am so grateful for each and every one of you. I pray
His abundant blessing over your lives. Thank you for all you have
done for me.
I
look forward to updating you on the next part of the adventure as God
unfolds it in my life.
