13 years ago I started my American adventure. I was 17 years
old, or young, and had never been to the U.S. I remember standing in the
immigration line at Chicago O’Hare and seeing a water fountain by the
restrooms. I thought it was the coolest thing! (there are no water fountains in Germany) I was so so nervous meeting my host family and I
think there were thousands of times where I thought up the perfect thing to say
in my mind but then was too nervous to say it out loud (introvert problems).
They probably thought I was the strangest person ever, and they still laugh
about my quirks. But they took me in and fed me stakes and potatoes and
butternut squash which was so delicious, I still remember it to this day.
I had an amazing time that year and made some lifelong
friends, but I could have never imagined the way God used that year to set the
course for the rest of my life.
In Nebraska I met John, and the rest is history.
So this last weekend, when we visited my host family on
their farm in rural Nebraska, it felt like coming full circle. I said goodbye
to my life in the States. Goodbye to endless skies and fireflies, and I cried.
Sad tears, and happy tears, about this amazing God of ours who would in His
grace and infinite wisdom let me experience such a wonderful time in this
strange land; happy to have done it all and sad to see it come to a close. That
view from the kitchen window, seeing the cardinals, will always be home in my
heart.
These last 9 years I’ve spent in the US, plus the year I was
an exchange student have grown me so much and in so many ways. Had I stayed in
Germany, had I stayed in my comfort zone, I am sure I would be a completely different
person.
God grows us and prepares us sometimes in ways we don’t even
notice.
I’ve had so many opportunities to grow and learn, in so many
different areas of my life, and only looking back, and seeing God’s plan in it
all, will it make sense.
John and I were talking about how living and working in Salt
Lake City the last few years had, unbeknownst to us, prepared us
for our ministry in Germany.
At Southeast Christian Church, John had the opportunity to
serve in multiple areas of church life. Student and Children’s Ministry,
Worship Ministry and preaching. How awesome is it that he got to try his hand
at all these things and learn on the job. He now has a way better understanding
of all the different ministries as if he’d just been responsible for one area.
But God knows, and God prepares us for the work He has chosen for us.
I got to work with Students and Kids and preschool kids and
even with juvenile delinquents.
I got to be part of a worship and student ministry and plan
events and go on camps.
I had to overcome my fear of public speaking and find my own
voice. I most definitely still have a long ways to go, but God is never done
working on our hearts.
Not only are we excited to be learning from the Church in
Germany but we are also looking forward to share our skills, experience, and heart with
them. We’re hoping to learn from each other, to become all things to all people
so that by all possible means we might save one.
And when we will be working on putting together a team for a
church plant, all that experience will help John, lead others in their various
roles.
We had a lot going on these last few weeks. We took a short
trip to Kansas City and our car died on the side of the road. Yes it was
stressful and yes it was annoying and yes we we’re quite upset, but no one got
hurt and we still made a fun trip out of it.
John was invited to be the camp missionary for Camp of the
Good Shepherd last week. He got to hang out with some high schoolers and share
our new mission. It was a fun time and we hope God will do great things with
this next generation.
This last weekend we enjoyed the good life, farm life! Finley was absolutely thrilled. Things
with wheels everywhere!! One time we lost him and found him again trying to
climb up into a semi-truck. (He didn’t even make it up the first step) It was a wonderful time and it flew by too fast.
We are admittedly a bit stressed, as things are coming to a
close here (only 2 weeks till departure) but also excited and thankful to have
so many friends here in the US praying for us and supporting our ministry. Thank you all for being a part of this.
P.S. John started his own blog where he will share some thoughts about our ministry, life and such. Please hop over and read... www.Fadedself.blogspot.com
It was such a blessing to see you and your family. We will hold you in prayer as well as this new path God is walking with you. May His strength guide and comfort you as your transition.
ReplyDeleteLove
Dave &Sue Powell
Sweet Miri... I will cherish this past weekend. Thank you so much for spending time with us. How you can come to love a stranger as your own child is beyond understanding. You are such a good momma and wife. And yes as little Elea so accurately exclaimed... "Momma It's an Adventure!" Blessings and Peace. Love your Nebraska Momma and Poppa.
ReplyDeleteThis is beautiful! Thank you for sharing this and your family with us. It has been amazing to watch the Lord bring you full circle (we can't believe it has been 13 years)! I'm grateful He has provided the time and opportunities for you to reflect, rejoice, and even grieve as this chapter of your life comes to a close. We will be praying for you and John, Elea, and Finley as this next chapter begins. Thank you for allowing Him to use you and stretch you in His story, for His glory! Love and blessings, Monica
ReplyDelete