Moving overseas really feels like you’re beginning from scratch. Again and again and again. When you first move, you have to learn how to communicate, the routes and methods of transportation, make new friends, and engage in a culture you may have never experienced before. Yet, this is not a one time learning period. This is a constant starting over, for what feels like a really long time.
Some of us live in places that cause us to leave for certain seasons or time frames. In that case, we leave and then come back… which means starting over again. After being here a year and a half, I left for about 2 months. My return definitely felt like I was beginning from scratch. However, it also comes with so much joy and the presence of mercy. Thank goodness His mercies are new every morning. Due to these circumstances, I have been able to experience these mercies from a new depth everytime I feel like I am starting over again.
The Lord creates rhythms but He also creates surprises and opportunities and unique moments that live outside of such rhythms. I used to be really intimidated by these, and sometimes I still am. Yet, in this state of perpetually starting over, I am learning just how exciting and merciful it can truly be.