Although in our heart of hearts, we knew while living in Poland three years ago that some day we'd return.
What we didn't know was "when".
BUT, God did. Despite the tears and heartache with the implications it has on our family, we are confidant that in the end our tears are for His glory. Our church, Manchester Christian Church, has a heart beat in "Pray for One". I will be the first to admit that when it first was said... over... and over.... and over... and OVER again... I easily dismissed it. I'm not one for "mottos" or a cutesy gimmicky phrases. We are ALL called to pray. We are ALL called to go and seek and save the lost. Why do we need to "name" it? Well, funny how things change when you actually let God have a way with you. I took it before Him and sought forgiveness as I certainly wasn't being a good team player. I'm not one to go out and bash or be vocally unsupportive of my church, but there are many of us (like myself) who will do it in our hearts. What I wasn't prepared for was how God would gloriously ruin me over it. When I started "really" praying for One... my heart changed, but it wasn't just my heart... but Josh's as well. It didn't take long for us to privately realize the direction our prayers for One was leading us, yet it certainly took us long enough to collectively talk about it.
Finally, a year ago we started talking seriously with Proem. We started praying earnestly and seriously. We still went back and forth with timing, but in the Spring, we knew. We knew that it was time to just get on with it already! God took me through a series of "deliverance" of fears and disappointments. In June the bonds that had held me back for so many long years were broken and I knew I had been delivered from them.
What I have learned from this past year in preparing my heart to make our official decision to return to Poland can't be summed up in a few words. Life is a journey. You question. You doubt. You hurt. You fear. Even in a crowd of people or in the midst of amazing supportive friends, you feel alone. This side of heaven will be full of that. But I know that I have a relentless heavenly Father who loves me. One who sustains me. One who carries me. One who saves me. He seeks to break the bond of fear.... and so much of this past year's journey was about that and it's imperative for me to share it.
We are embarking on a new chapter, but one that has many unknowns "known". We were able to make our decision with our "eyes wide open". We know our return (a long-term commitment) won't come as a surprise to many. No, most celebrate with us and rejoice over it. God has woven this country into the tapestry of our lives long ago.
So, here we are! We will remain here in NH until we leave next summer. We will be returning to serve primarily with Proem's Education Center/School. Josh will be serving as their upper level physical education teacher and I'll be an English teacher. The girls will attend the school and continue with a mix of attending Polish classes and online courses in English. Remember the ground the city approached the ministry about? Well, ground broke on the center last week! Next summer the educational center will be built and open!
The timing of such events could only be a result of God, so we are just honored to be a part of it all.
Thank you for continued support, encouragement and prayers. Love to all!
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