I would be embarrassed to admit how many times I’ve moved. Not that I’m complaining, it’s just my reality.
Church planting has a way of taking you places. I’ve told Jamie, my husband, more than once that I can’t ever say he hasn’t taken me anywhere.
We began in Kalemie, Zaire (now the DRC), and over the years have planted churches in Burundi, Zambia, Malawi, the DRC, Mozambique, and Uganda, where a member of our team has gone to launch the work.
Now, our journey has brought us to Pretoria, South Africa.
Guts and no glory
Moving takes guts. And there’s no glory in it.
No one is cheering because you packed your silverware well or managed to wash all the laundry before the last box goes onto the truck.
I learned early on to let go of anything that wasn’t truly important. The number of boxes, suitcases, and trunks has varied over the years, but more often than not, I’ve been able to bring it down to thirteen pieces.
When there were five of us, before our fourth “bonus baby” came along, we managed those thirteen pieces without too much trouble.
Now that the original three have flown the coop, our smaller team of three is responsible for carrying them.
Creativity and Samsonite
Moving also takes creativity.
I remember when we moved to Lusaka, Zambia. The house we rented had no furniture, so for days we used empty boxes and suitcases as tables.
We ate many candlelight dinners, with Samsonite luggage playing host.
They weren’t the romantic kind. The power was out, and we had no backup lanterns.
Still, the candles worked just fine.
Flexibility meets Gumby
Finally, moving takes flexibility.
Over the years, my father-in-law and mother-in-law visited us several times, the grandchildren were a strong motivating factor for their visits ❤️. After watching what it takes to live in different cultures, my father-in-law, on several occasions, said to Jamie, “The key, son, is flexibility.”
Moving from house to house requires a certain level of flexibility. Moving from country to country takes it further. And moving across continents is something else entirely.
At this point, I sometimes feel as though I could bend over backwards twice, like Gumby, for those who remember.
They say moving is one of the most stressful life events.
Looking back, it’s taken more than a little of God’s grace to bring us to this point.
And while I’m not complaining, I do seriously hope that our move to Pretoria will be our last big one.
The last time and no whining
"...Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the Lord of Hosts. Who are you, O great mountain?...You shall become a plain...'Grace, grace, to it!" Zechariah 4:6,7 ESV
They say moving is one of the most stressful life events.
Looking back, it’s taken more than a little of God’s grace to bring us to this point.
And while I’m not complaining, I do quietly hope that our move to Pretoria will be our last big one.
So, when was the last time that you moved? I hope that you’re not whining.
Related reading: For more like this post, take a look at these:
About Fundraising and Faith, How to Find the Balance
Missions Ramblings 2: A Journey of Hope and Healing – Clinic in Malawi
The last time we moved was hilarious. We moved across the street of a major road called Jog Road. We literally moved from one development to another which was located across the street. What was so funny is that you would think that short move made it easier but we still had to do all the packing and preparation and to hire the truck which cost about the same as if we had moved across town. We bought a house and it was our first home we owned. Many years later, 22 years to be exact, we are still here and we thank God for our lovely home. We love it! We have plenty of space for ourselves and and more than enough. We especially love the lake and back yard which creates such a lovely view from the moment our guests come in the house. What a great blessing we have been given! We are so grateful to our wonderful Lord! Yolie