I slowly flip open my passport to my ID page.
As I walk towards the TSA officer, I place my ticket in my passport to mark the page where they can examine my photo and pertinent information. It's another casual day in my life where I am preparing to board a plane to head somewhere. At this point I am very well acquainted with traveling processes and, admittedly, get a little frustrated when there are people ahead of me in lines that simply take too long. People take their sweet time going through airport security or stepping forward to get their boarding passes, or even just walk too slow down the terminal hallways.
Lately, my airport adventures have been between Pennsylvania and Illinois for support meetings so my frustrations have been minimal. In the past couple of years though, there have been many more overseas flights. For those who have known me for a a few years or more, you have probably come to realize that I never settle. Unfortunately for me, this is not something that is valued within our culture, or any culture for that matter. The lack of desire to place roots and create a "home" is considered a negative trait. Some may even say it's just the millenial in me who can't make up their mind (at this I silently roll my eyes).
Now, as I prepare to move to North Africa for two years, I feel like God has pushed me into this abyss of permanency. I know God is calling me to make my new job location a home, but at the same time, I abhor having a place that I am tied to. I want to be flexible, growing, learning, and changing as I challenge my ideas, travel the world, and consume different cultural experiences. I find myself pushing back at God and challenging this call on my life.
However, His call is nothing new to me. He knows me. He knit me together in my mother's womb and knows my every thought before it even comes to fruition. He knows that with this move, I still don't have to settle. I am a nomad at heart, and God created me that way. Sure, there may be a time when I crave to have roots, but right now, my only root that I need is my foundation of faith in God alone.
As you go about this week, I ask that you consider and pray about what home God has called you to. Is it a location? Is it people-based? Is it rooted in faith? Wherever or whatever home is, be grateful that you were given such an abundant blessing.
Now, as I bounce between locations and build my support team, I ask that you pray about supporting me in my new home in Northeast Africa. As I'm sure you can remember, making roots is not always an easy task, but with your encouragement and support, I know God will do great things where He has called me to create a home.