Unsettled

    In the face of an endless stream of new information, forms, and updates, it's easy to lose track of which way is up. What is our priority right now? What forms do we need to complete first? Who are we supposed to call today? Have I forgotten to respond to an email? As we learned in our Orientation Training Course, a word that can often be used to describe the months leading up to this kind of move is unsettled. In the last days and weeks, we have really begun to feel that.     

    Some of the information that we have received, however, is very exciting! Since our support-raising has been going so well, dates have been set for training and travel. In the next few months, we will participate in Culture and Security Training courses, and Brandon will be going to Uganda for 5 weeks to complete his flight standardization training (yes, Nellicia and Nova will stay home and enjoy some quality time with family before we leave!). Throughout all of this, we are also continuing to read about culture and life in Papua New Guinea, and plan to dip into language learning before we move as well. 

    In the middle of all of this chaos, with so much information and anticipation of massive changes, things can get a bit overwhelming. We sometimes question whether we will be able to keep things organized and if we will be able to complete everything that we need to within the timeline that has been set. But when life seems to be a whirlwind, it gives us many opportunities to step back, stop counting on ourselves to make everything happen, and trust in God. Our minds create turmoil and escalate the chaos we are feeling, but Isaiah reminds us powerfully of where our heart, mind, and trust should be: "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength." (Isaiah 26: 3-4)

P.S. If you were wondering, Brandon has never broken a single bone in his body, and Nellicia has not taken the time to learn the first 100 digits of pi. If you are confused, refer to our last blog post :)