Walking Worthy : Transitioning

Exactly one month ago today you would have seen me in the Newark airport sharing kale chips with another traveler. Technically, they were sharing their kale ships with me. I must have looked like I needed some nourishment. At that time, I was nervous and excited for the adventures ahead of me.

You can see BFA (behind the orange crane) from my balcony

Today I am sitting in my apartment listening to piano music and watching the rain bounce off the red clay roof tiles of the neighboring apartment building. I’m not as nervous but just as excited to see what God will do.

There is a part of me that feels like I have lived here in Kandern longer than a month and another part of me feels like I just arrived. When I arrived in Basel, Switzerland on Aug. 3^rd I had no idea it would be so hot. I stepped off the airplane into a humid 90 degrees (32 C). The airport wasn't air conditioned.

Around a hundred people were crowded into a narrow passage way that lead us through customs. Thankfully, I wasn’t alone. Another young lady on her way to work at BFA was on the flight with me. God, in his own way, had us on the same connecting flight from London. It was a blessing to be able to travel with her and go through customs together.

Once outside of the airport, BFA staff loaded up our luggage and took us to our new homes. Though my apartment came unfurnished, I arrived to find a bed, “Schrank” (a German wardrobe) and desk. I am very thankful that some other missionaries volunteered to move in furniture I had pre-purchased so I would have a place to sleep when I arrived.

My first hike in the Black Forest (Marzell, Germany)

Over the next few days my host Becky showed me around, took me shopping, and helped me set up a bank account and insurance. She also gave me the opportunity to take a hike in the Black Forest. I started new staff orientation on the 7^th and for the next week and a half learned about the local culture, the language, and Black Forest Academy. By the 17^th we moved into all staff conference and spent the next week and a half preparing for school which started on Aug. 30^th.

To sum up this last month, all I need to share is one word. Transition. I have found that transition is not easy and yet realize that the less comfortable I am, the more I recognize God’s presence in my life. There is no way I would have been able to make this transition without His help and the prayers and assistance of many people.

In transition, the key is to not lose focus of WHO you are in Christ and WHOSE you are. Transition looks different for everyone and is a time of instability. Don’t waiver! There is nothing more the enemy wants than to pull us down in our instability. Stand firm! Put on the full armor of God (Eph. 6:10-18).

Enjoy the photos! Sorry that I don’t have any of my host or the people I work with in ELL. All of us forgot to take pictures 😊 I will include them next time.