In case you ever have wondered what it must feel like to be leaving everything familiar behind to step out into the unknown, I can tell you in just one word: surreal.  The last week of 2014 was also my last week of working at Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital.  After working there for nearly 17 years, it was hard to fathom the loss of my role as an occupational therapist, and I couldn’t believe that I was really leaving it all behind.  I will admit, however, that after I was done saying my goodbyes to treasured co-workers and wiping away my tears, I felt very light and free!  I started my three weeks off before departure filled with excitement and anticipation for the journey ahead!  I enjoyed starting the packing process and visiting with family and friends.  

At two weeks left before departure, however, reality started to sink in.  I found myself thinking, “What on earth am I doing?!”  I was so busy packing up my whole house, making arrangements for a storage unit, and taking care of 101 other details, that it took me a little while before I heard the answer to my question: “You are following your dream and being obedient to God’s calling.”  Oh, yeah.

One morning as I was grieving leaving my loved ones and familiar life behind, I asked God to give me some words of comfort and encouragement.  He sent me to Psalm 126: “The Lord has done great things for us; we are glad.  Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy!  He who goes out weeping bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, bringing his sheaves with him” (vs. 3, 5-6).  Whoa!  I read it, and then I read it again and again!  Thank you, Lord, for your promises!  Truly, the Lord has done great things for me, and despite little frustrations, he has been present in this preparatory process sending me help at just the right times.  Lord willing, my tears, and the seeds that I hope to sow, will fall on fertile soil, and they will lead to a bountiful harvest.

Now, with just one week remaining before I leave, the fact that I’m leaving home for ten months is starting to feel more real than surreal.  I still have packing to do, people to visit, and details to check off from the never-ending list of things to do.  But, I’m also remembering the importance of just being.  During one of those quiet moments of being, I stopped to give thanks for the very many people who have had a part in making this trip possible.  I don’t take it for granted that my family is so supportive.  I am so thankful for them, my awesome friends, my work community, and my financial supporters!  I am also thankful for all of the employees at various businesses who have helped me handle all of the logistics of putting my house up for rent, getting car repairs handled, figuring out health insurance, etc. I am so very blessed!  Indeed, the Lord has done great things for me; I am glad!