Some people have asked if moving to overseas is harder or
easier the second time. The answer is “Yes.” I know it’s not a yes or no
question, but I have found it to be both harder and easier. The easier part
comes in knowing how to get around, focusing in on where we wanted to live,
having friendships with people already here and some coming in at the same
time. The easier part comes in knowing how hard it will be.
The harder part is in knowing that there is fun stuff around
the corner, but not yet. Not until the household goods come, until we are no
longer a one-car family, have internet at home, making new friends and
establishing a routine. I have unpacked our quick shipment things and done some
laundry with our new washer and dryer. I have asked why I shipped some things
early and not other things. I have a semi-formal dress appropriate for the Air
Force Ball in three weeks, but no shoes to wear with it. I have a hot pot for
boiling water and a coffee press and tea bags, but not cups for hot beverages (Thrift
Shop, here I come).
I took some first steps today in establishing a
routine. I am attending my first
Crochet/Knitting Group today and meeting with someone at PWOC on Thursday to
see where I might fit in to their ministry. We have attended worship every
Sunday, visited with old friends, and looking forward to beginning our life
here again. It just doesn’t feel started yet.
The good news is that it this “in-between” time will be good
for me, even if it feels unsettled and a little uncomfortable. I have some
books to read, a TV and DVR with the last seasons of Gray’s Anatomy, Downton
Abbey and Call the Midwife, all unwatched. And my friend Sandra may come today
after work and we will have coffee and she will teach me a little more German.
And life will still be good, and getting better every day.
The news around us is pretty awful. As we remember the
100-year anniversary of the beginning of World War 1, there are conflicts going
on in 42 countries around the world. Unarmed children were killed in multiple
cities in the US, and those suffering with depression are ending the pain the
only way they know how, even though it brings more pain to those who love and
admire them.
The Old Testament reading from last Sunday came from I Kings
19. Elijah was running from the prophets of Baal in fear for his life, when the
Lord’s messenger sent him to God’s mountain in the wilderness, Horeb. When
asked to stand at the mountain before the Lord, Elijah experienced wind, an
earthquake, and fire. But the Lord’s presence was found in sheer silence – or
as in some translations, a still, small voice.
It is the same for us. We ask where God is in midst of
calamity and tragedy. But sometimes what we really need is an opportunity to
stay quiet and still enough to listen for the voice of God that surrounds us
every day. And that seems to be the biggest challenge of all.
I'm sure I will find my routine. There will be more than enough things available to keep me busy and involved with people. But I hope that I can remember this feeling of emptiness in a good way - one that helps me keep a place for God - for prayer, scripture, reading and Christian friendship. It is those things that ground me and keep me listening for the things that God wants me to hear.
Now I am off to find some WiFi and post this blog - then drive to pick up my spouse from work...
that's one routine I'll be happy to dismiss - prayers for a safe and uneventful journey for Violet, the big, blue beast.
Peace, Deb
PS - I found two coffee mugs at the Thrift Shop that match my everyday china pattern - yippee!
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| Moving in day with our landlords |
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