I am an expert in very few things: the rule of thirds, packing tiny suitcases, and dodging PTA meetings all make honourable mention on the shortlist. But there is one thing I've been forced to contend with, through copious amounts of trial and error and the benefit of one brutal rejection. Moving - preparedly - overseas.
The prepared part is the kicker. There's the fundraising and house searching, change of address forms and cultural training. But we sometimes forget the very real practical life-decisions one must make before relocating abroad. I'm talking things like deciding who will get your kids if you die or where you want to be buried, choosing a power of attorney who can sign paperwork and deposit checks for you in your passport country, how you'll pay taxes and if you'll be domiciled in your new country, and a lovely little keepsake we like to call The Life and Death Folder.
I'm at Velvet Ashes sharing all about these fun little aspects of transplanting one's life to the other side of the world. It's a to-do list for after you purchase the plane ticket and before you hand your passport (and your future) over to the nice lady (or sir) with the drinks cart.
Maybe it was a whirlwind three months, or a trying three years. And maybe all the fear and trembling, hopes and dreams you’ve stored up in that time found its ways inching towards your index finger as you ever so cautiously (and ecstatically) clicked your new future into existence. You’re ready to go all Bilbo and shout from the Shire roads, “I’m going on an adventure!” But things are about to get dicey.
I mean, yes. The waiting and prayers and fundraising and training was definitely a kick in the pants in a “Jesus, Take the Wheel” sort of a way. In those months and years, He held you in His hands and you looked for Him around every corner, in every conversation and every monthly report. He can and has and will come through in His own sweet time and in His own sovereign way – this is what you so blessedly, heartily, mercifully learned (and will continue to learn. Don’t worry: all that time was just a warm-up for the marathon of ministry!)
Visit Velvet Ashes to read the rest and leave me a comment with what I might've missed.