Change is Hard
Wednesday we arrived in our new home. What an exhausting day! We arrive early in the morning to unload boxes and furniture. It didn’t take long for the challenges of our transition began to hit hard.
- We had no water! We have discovered, since then, that we have one faucet that trickles all day into a bucket if we leave it on, but other than that we only get water from 12 am – 5 am. We aren’t sure if this is permanent or temporary (one would think that is an easy question to get an answer to, but not here). If it is permanent we will be looking into getting a water tank to fill each night. I am learning to value even cold running water.
- Our house was not screened in and the result is that we now look like a family with the measles. Our first priority quickly became Joel building screens for our house.
- Moving and unpacking is messy and dirty, especially in the desert. It is times like this that having water would be really nice, but I am learning how to be content even in a dirty house.
- In many ways we are back to square one. We had made great strides in figuring out the maze of Dakar, but now we have to figure out what we have available here and where it is. This is not an easy task to say the least.
- The feeling of isolation threatened to overwhelmed us. I couldn’t help but think about the meals, childcare and help that we would be provided for us if we were closer to home, family and friends. It was hard to not feel alone, even though we know we aren’t.
Perspective Change
By the end of the first day the exhaustion hit followed by a flood of tears. As I woke up the next morning, I was reminded of the end goal that we were working towards. I began to see the rays of sunlight through the clouds. I know that once we get through this transition and get adjusted to our life, many great things awaiting us here. I am already starting to enjoy so many things about our house and neighborhood. It is a slow process, but when I focus on the end goal the struggle lightens. I would love to tell you that from that point on I hung on to that perspective, but it was a constant battle for all of us. We all had our moments where the struggle of change overwhelmed us and we lost perspective again. There are moments when we want to give up, but we are learning each day to rely on God’s strength to keep our perspective straight.
Pictures (as promised) – I will post more once we have set up our house
We will continue to pray. I will share this with our prayer group tonight. May God’s peace rest upon you as you struggle through this difficult transition.
I am praying for all of you Andi and Joel. I know how you feel about transition and a lack of control over your environment. We went to a cold land as apposed to your hot one, but I know our God will sustain you as he always did us. But it’s not easy, I know that. God is good, and he wants you to succeed in all you do. He has plans to prosper you, and to bless you in your work for him. My prayers are with you.
This really brought tears to my eyes. I am so thankful we have a God who sees us through the hard times and good times.
Thanks for being so upfront with us because it honestly makes it so easy to know how to pray for you.
June
Our prayers go out to you. My heart aches for you yet I know that this too will pass and you will all be stronger for it. Isaiah 41:10 Fear thou not: for I am with thee: be not dismayed: for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee: yea, I will help thee: yea I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. Isaiah 42:2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with thee: and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when though walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned: neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. For I am the Lord thy God
Wow, that living room floor looks terrific! All it needs is some furniture on it.
I pray through your posts as I read them. The work you are doing for the LORD is eternal and He is with you every step of the way.
Thanks for the update Andi. I do not know how you do it. We are praying for you and Joel. And especially for Ethan and Tyler. What is your mailing address and is it possible to mail something to you. Let us know. GM & GP
I’m praying 4 u!
I’m proud of you and cheering. Tears & exhaustion & overwhelming feels are all a part of transition. Not a sign of it being wrong or you being wrong…just transition. You’re feeling & talking & writing about it – so you’re moving through it with flying colors. Will pray and keep cheering for you!
You are all incredible. I’ll keep you in my prayers. Carolyn Gaupo
Thanks SO MUCH for sharing & being transparent. We can pray much more intelligently for you & your transition to your new location, home, etc.
Praying with love & concern.
Jane & Bud