Stay The Course

In Kyiv, when missionaries share with each other that they are heading stateside, there is usually an "Oh, uh huh," reaction and a sympathetic groan or look shared. Heading stateside usually means a lot of mixed emotions and psychological processing to go through. Processing emotions and experiences of what has happened in the country where you are living can be draining. Dealing with your family and even friends that you have not seen in a while and who do not understand the details of your life and the culture you are living in abroad can also be exhausting. For people who have never lived overseas, they sometimes cannot relate to your life well. Sometimes you feel like you have to defend your choices in life and what God is leading you to do with it.

I am especially blessed because I have the support of a wonderful church family, friends and my own parents. Since I keep up with people on facebook, in emails, on my blog and other social media, most people seem to know what is going on in my life and I can have better relational conversations with people and have the time to ask them what is happening in THEIR lives. I get bored talking about myself all the time!

One of the positive things I've realized as I process my life overseas is realizing that for all the difficulties and confusion, it is worth it.

Staying the course that God has set for you is not always easy and there will be obstacles, but I am learning that working through them is better than getting frustrated and walking away. It's part of the maturing process and means that as I grow, I will be able to help others to grow as well.

I have been a little overwhelmed with all the positivity in my life during some really hard life transitions. I am thankful that during this season of my life, I don't have to question what or why I am doing what I am doing. I just have to have faith in the one who is leading me on this journey in life.