I was thinking the other day, and the thought hit me that I'm basically a hermit crab. Now, please, hear me out... the sun here hasn't baked my brain just yet (I don't think). We are creatures that desire comfort, particularly those of us that are lucky enough to live in countries where we have relatively high amounts of it. Shelter is a basic human need, but we crave comfort to the point that it robs us of the opportunity to step out in faith in our faithful God.
So what does that have to do with hermit crabs? Or living overseas? Allow me to explain. It seems to me that if hermit crabs leave their shell, it's usually just while they are switching to a new one. When God called me to go overseas, he was asking me to leave my comfort zone, to come to this country that is so different from my own. The moment I arrived, though, I began to establish a new comfort zone. It's so easy for me, particularly as an introvert, to stay at home inside my new shell, learning the language at a safe distance from the uncomfortable realities of life outside. There is so much more I can learn from the wonderful people and the rich culture here, I just have to put myself out there more, trusting Him to lead me to the right relationships and people. Please pray for me that He would give me the faith and the drive to keep scuttling out of my shell!