Two years. Was it a commitment I should have made?
Absolutely!
Actually, the years flew by! Well, some days it felt like I had just arrived in Turkey, and other days it felt like 5 years or so must have passed! I can't assume it felt like it went by so quickly for everyone. For me, just as I became used to saying "I've been here this long," it was the next month already!
Living overseas is no easy task. So here are some things I've learned. I'm fairly certain I wouldn't have gleaned this knowledge in the same way if I hadn't gone overseas. In my opinion, there were far more times I HAD to depend on God because He was the only certain, stable one I could depend on!
Take a Step. Or plunge! Whatever your style is. But if you're interested in missions, you don't have to know the specifics right away. I had some vague ideas of missions before, but it was great to connect with a missions group like GoCorps to help me find placements with my skills and talents. Once I had a few narrowed-down options (through prayer and insights from others), God clearly led me to where I would go. It was really scary before having fewer options, but I had to step somewhere in order for God to lead me further!
Grace. And honestly, I needed grace mostly with myself. When you go from being a (fairly) normal-functioning adult in a place you know to a new place, it's hard. You actually become a baby. And it's a sudden change. I arrived in Turkey and I couldn't communicate with most people around me. Just going to language school or the grocery store meant being tired or exhausted the rest of the day. When you mail your first package home, you feel like you've conquered the world! I had to realize that the locals were friendly and excited to hear me speak. Every small accomplishment was something to be proud about. Eventually you are able to do more and more, but it takes time.
Rest and Self Care. You're a missionary, so you can do it all for the sake of the gospel getting out, right?! WRONG! Each person is different, but we all need rest and care. Yes, it's good to push yourself, but if you push too much, it will lead to burn-out, illness, and/or all kinds of issues! Don't do that! There is a learning curve, but pay attention to your body, mind, and soul. For me, resting and self-care means I need a day off each week to relax! I take walks, do some light exercise, and pay attention to what I eat. If I stress too much, sometimes it has led to sickness or other problems. I can't reach out and care for others unless I care for myself first.
Remember. Remember why and how God called you to the field, and the things He has done. After a few steps, God clearly called me to Istanbul in a way that I can't question or doubt. Things like this are what help you through the hard times. Write down stories, verses, etc and keep them somewhere you can easily access them. Thank God and pray, even when you don't feel like it.
These two years are a time of innumerable learning and growth, stories and adventures I'll always treasure! And here's to the next two! :-)
image credit: http://www.emmanuelpgh.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/gracechangeseveryt...
