Welcome Home!

Oh my, my, my. It has been WAY too long since my computer has felt the tap tap tap of my fingertips.

Life, at times, has a way of getting overwhelming, and well, all you can do is just survive! That’s where I’ve been for a little while.

Back around September/October (it’s all a bit of a blur) our team began looking for a hosting home for us in a community near our host family. There was one house that we thought was a go…and then, well, it wasn’t. The Lord has a funny way of working. But I am confident that it is ALWAYS best.

Then in late October/early November, the Lord led us back to a house that we originally said a quick NO to. When we first looked at this house, the yard, which was covered in trash, seemed way too small for 3 kids to run around, the house it self seemed a little small and not to mention the smell inside was more than I could take. But time was running out and it just didn’t seem that there were any other options in the area we needed to live, so we thought we’d give it another look.

We were reminded by a teammate that the purpose of this move was to position us in such a place where were could live, life on life, with people and continue in our language and culture study. When we began to look at it from that angle, we began to see the house with new eyes. Was it something we would choose in the States?  Probably not. Was it place where we could learn and grow? Yes.

In early November we signed a contract and began preparing for the big move. The goal was to move in the last week of November. There were many things that need to be done to the house, but we were told 3 weeks would be enough.

We ended up moving in on December 1st and what a wild and crazy move it was!!! Getting everything packed and putting in a truck wasn’t too bad, but getting it into our new house was another story! We arrived and found half a dozen men still hard at work, the water was out and everything was covered in dust from all the painting and sanding!!!

Little by little we got beds put up, floors somewhat mopped, mosquito nets hung and boxes placed in the right rooms. I must say though, it is harder to settle in when there are NO closets in any rooms and NO shelves, cupboards or counters in a tiny little kitchen (which only had a sink).

Little by little we began meet our neighbors and begin the journey of sharing life with those around us. There are a few little shops and a hair salon right outside our gate and many homes and rented rooms, so we are never lacking in people to talk with. There are so many kids to play with and for that we are SO grateful.

By God’s grace, here we are 6 weeks later, beginning to feel like we are finally “home.”

 

 

 

 

So this blog just tells mainly about our physical move, however there is still SO much to say about all that was/has been happening in our hearts during this very challenging, yet amazing transition. I will have to save that for another day. Plus, I don’t want you to fall asleep since this blog is already too long!

Thanks for taking this journey with us!

-Jamie (for the Sharpes)