"She flies through the air with the greatest of ease, that daring young gal on the flying trapeze..." I know, that's not how the song really goes, but since I am like one on the trapeze, I decided to change it up a bit. At this present moment in time, Kelly, Nathan, Lani (our Labrador) and I are preparing for a big move. A huge move.. On May 31, we will say good-bye to our home, our friends, our life in Slovakia. We don't know when, or even if, we will return to live here. At this point, it looks like our move to the US will be for longer than 2 years.
It is not an easy thing to do, to leave all that we've known and done for almost 13 years. We've studied to learn the language, the culture, have been blessed beyond belief in ministry and with friendships, and now... God is telling us to leave. It's not a feeling unlike what Abraham must have felt, when God told him to pack everything up and leave, but he was going to a land he didn't know. We are returning to a land that we knew. But much has changed, for better or worse, in the US over the years.
I am really excited about going back. I plan to take a refresher course and go back to work as an RN. It's rather comforting to hear that there is a shortage of nurses, so I should be able to find a good job. It will be good to be near the "kids" again, and to be a bigger part of their lives, as well as to see the rest of our family and "old" friends. I am really looking forward to reconnecting.
I am really sad, too, about going back. I was looking at some video and pictures from camps and events in years gone by, and started to cry. I am going to miss my Slovaks. Nela, the first real Slovak friend that I made here. In a very un-Slovak way, she opened her life to me in less than 5 years! I know some things that some of her other friends never will. Petra, another Slovak woman who just wanted to spend time with me and ask any sort of question. Ingela, another missionary with sons, who has become such a dear friend and encourager. (She's not Slovak, but this is where we met, so...) Other women at the church, who consider me to be one of them, although that took a bit more time. All the BIg House gang..
But God...
When God makes it clear that I am to do something, the smart thing is to do it. It's not always the easy thing; it's not always a fun thing, but it IS always the right and best thing.
Laura Beth, a friend of mine in AZ with whom I'm really looking forward to spending more time, mentioned something about how we "must be feeling" and I like her illustration. She said we are like trapeze artist, being asked to let go of the rung without the other one yet in hand, nor seemingly near.
I do feel that way. But, I guess I"m more of a monkey bars sort of person, having my hand on the next sure thing before letting go. But I/we have such amazing peace in this.
It makes no sense! There is still such a need in Slovakia. "Things" are taking off. I finally feel like I understand and can use the language at more than an elementary school level.
But God...
It's still scary to let go of this rung, but I have to believe, trust, have faith. I KNOW that God has the next one right where we need it, when we need it. So for now, I'm flying through the air, fully extended, no net, expecting the rung....
Feel free to remind me of this ; )
