I can’t believe we are on the brink of leaving for Tanzania. It feels unreal, yet a little too real at times.
We are 54 days out, but who’s counting?
Some days I look at that dwindling number and I am filled with such excitement. Other days my heart pounds and feels anxious and full of sorrow and pain, knowing what we are leaving here in the States. Our family. Our friends. Our partners. Our church.
In the midst of all of the excitement, one thing that has been on my mind lately is the word BECOMING.
We recently had to read through our e2 handbook for Tanzania (e2 is what New Tribes calls the process of learning the national language and culture of a country). The word BECOMING was woven the most out of any other word throughout the handbook. Although we have been trained and equipped for moving overseas to serve cross-culturally, we have really only just begun in the process of BECOMING who God wants us to be so that we can be useful servants in a new context.
There are days when I look back at this journey that the Lord has graciously allowed us to walk and I feel we have been stretched and broken and grown and made new. But it’s really just been the start of the process.
Things are about to change for our family. Big time.
I have a feeling that deep change is about to happen in each of our lives, in each of our hearts. Would you pray for us that we would weather this change well? Would you pray that we would BECOME the individuals and the family that God wants us to be so that He can be most glorified in our lives in Tanzania (and wherever we are)?
The song Shepherd by Amanda Cook (Bethel Music) has really spoken to me over the past few days. What a great reminder that this life is journey. However, in the waiting and in the process God is with us through this pilgrimage called life. He is indeed a good Shepherd!
In the process. In the waiting. You’re making melodies over me.
And your presence is a promise, for I am a pilgrim on a journey.
And you will lift my head above the mighty waves.
You are able to keep me from stumbling.
And in my weakness you are the strength that comes from within.
Good Shepherd of my soul.
Take my hand and lead me on.
Thanks for walking through this season of our pilgrimage with us!
-Jamie (for the Sharpes)
You are becoming what Christ created you to be Jamie and Chandler ✝️??Praying continually
Thank you, sweet Libby! We love you!
Loved reading this! Our family will be praying specifically for you guys as you transition and as you are growing and continuing to BECOME servants who glorify the Lord! Love you guys so much and the beautiful story God is writing in your lives:)