Feelings about Moving Overseas

So, we’re moving, to Africa! It’s a crazy ride and I’d love to share it with you.

We’ve announced it and the evidence is all around our apartment as my 17 year old son, Aaron, and I downsize and prepare for an overseas move. For a year, I’ve prayed about what God wants and shared with close friends and family the feeling that God wants us to live and serve in Tanzania. Reactions run the gamut from people who are so happy for what God is doing to people who don’t want us to go because they will miss us.

How does it feel? Well, Aaron was ready to move a year ago (he didn’t want to come home from Tanzania), but is now feeling unsure. I’m ready to live and serve there – it feels right, though I worry about how all the details and funding will work out.  Just gathering all the paperwork required for a work permit and a residence permit is a daunting task. Thinking of all the contingencies and what I must do to keep us safe there keeps me awake at night. Downsizing, packing to store special things, and packing to move critical things are all monumental tasks to perform all while working full time.

I jotted down all the feelings I’m having regarding this move and put them into a “wordle.” While my feelings are all over the map, they don’t determine my actions. My faith in God does. So, I’m trusting Him and taking the steps of faith needed to join Him on this adventure into the unknown, to Tanzania. My confidence is in His faithfulness.

What about you? Has He been calling you to something you’re afraid of? Maybe it’s not moving to Africa, but something that challenges you to the core.  Here’s a great article about stepping out into the unknown, by Kurt Bubna. He says, “Faith is believing and obeying no matter what the costs and no matter what the risks.” Can you let go and experience your greatest adventure, pursuing God’s purpose for your life?

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.  Hebrews 11:1 (NIV)

Author: Deborah Brown

I believe each person has a calling and if we are listening, it will be revealed. I want to help you find yours. Who am i? A mom; former teacher, tutor and preschool director; and now founder and executive director of Kulea Childcare Villages. I work with amazing volunteers and staff members, who have a huge passion to help orphaned children. Together we consider ourselves a “village.” Though overused, we take the phrase, “It takes a village,” seriously, because we know that together we can do more. Want to know more? Find my first blog posts, "About Me." Thanks for joining me! View all posts by Deborah Brown