For those Who Stay

All along this journey of raising support, we have thought a lot about leaving.

Leaving our family.

Leaving our friends.

Leaving our church.

Leaving where we have called home for the past (almost) 6 years.

Just leaving.

It’s hard to even begin to imagine what life will be like without all of the above. In all of this time processing our own thoughts and feelings, a mix of sadness, excitement and sorrow; I am very aware of those we leave behind. I can’t articulate what “they” (those who stay here while we leave) are thinking and feeling because, well, I am not them. But what I do know, is for those who stay, they deal with a sense of loss, sadness, excitement and sorrow as well. In their own way. Different than how we feel it, but none the less, they feel it. As we have talked about this, we want to be sensitive to those around us that are walking alongside us, helping us move toward Poland, a move that will take us far away from them. We want to stay connected. We want the Lord to bring about a greater awareness of what those who are staying may be feeling, thinking and processing.

We are grateful for those who stay, for it is our support. The ones who are giving financially to allow our move to Poland possible. The ones who are praying for us on a regular basis. The ones who are encouraging us through email, texts, phone calls and coffee dates.

I have conversations with people on a regular basis and hear phrases like, 

“I don’t know how y’all do it” (that is, make the choice to sell everything and move across the world)

“I don’t feel called to go like you do”

“I don’t know if I could do this, you’re brave”

But the truth is, I don’t feel brave either. I don’t know how we’re going to do life in Poland, but we will soon find out! I do, however, feel confident that the Lord has led us to push back the darkness and shine His glorious light among the People in Poland. And it is the power of the Holy Spirit that is at work within us to do His will. My response to those who say they don’t feel called to go is, “that’s ok, but you are called to make disciples where you’re at.” No I don’t necessarily think everyone in the Church should uproot and move to another country to share the Gospel. Some people need to stay. It just looks different, maybe it’s baking some cookies, going to meet neighbors and begin a friendship right here, for the purpose of the Gospel, for lives to be changed here…where the Lord has them “staying”. 

I would encourage all my friends and family who are staying not to long for another place or to glamorize that some others are going. But rather, continue to give, continue to pray and find a way to make a deep impact in this place here. And know, that what you give and how you pray makes a deep impact in another part of the world, in Poland.

Those who stay, you are valued. You are thought of. You are prayed for. And we love you.