It was good and it was grace and it was gift I never expected; in fact, I had imagined the opposite.
Headed to a place thousands of miles from home where we didn’t know a soul, not speaking or understanding the language, differences in culture and customs, there was ZERO expectation of finding community. Sure, my husband would be meeting people through work, but how long would it take me to meet people. And not just how long, but how?
An overseas move, even if it’s only temporary, requires enormous preparation. With a mile-long Must-Get-Done List, it was easy enough to push apprehension and fear to the farthest corners of my mind–isolation, loneliness, missing my children and homesickness–all lingered as possibility. But I was determined not to wallow in possibilities before I even left home, so I just talked to God about it and asked others to pray.
And then we landed 4,800 miles from home.
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WHAT happens?! To find out, please continue reading Community matters at (in)courage.
My first thought was ‘whoa — that back yard looks mighty familiar!”. Then I read the article… and it brought me to tears. Thank you so much, dearest Robin, for this story today. I miss you and look forward to seeing you soon!!!
Barb!!! I really wanted to use some of the "people" pictures but decided I'd better not because I didn't have permission from everyone :). I've been thinking about you a lot, and MISSING you and my friends in Germany. I'll be back soon, so, until then….{{long distance hugs}}.
Robin–I too, am in Germany! We are starting our third year here. Small world! What community are you in?
i visited here years ago (4, perhaps?), then i met you briefly at blissdom ’11, then randomly came across you on instagram and started following youl. i’ve been smitten with all your european pics (we just went to france and switzerland this summer)… had to stop by and see how it was that you were there for so long. so glad you’ve found community. 🙂 and what a wonderful opportunity! wishing you well on your ‘temporary’ 😉 overseas move. btw, i’ve got emily’s book and bought 5 more for friends! 🙂