The Master Gardener

Sadly, my brown thumb has killed more plants than I care to admit.  But a dear friend saw it as her mission to transform the backyard of my new little bungalow into a cute little garden.  I did not realize that gardening took so much manual labor!

My friend explained to me that after a flower or plant is transplanted into a new location, it is vulnerable and needs lots of care and water.  It takes time for the roots to grow deep again and get settled.

This is the perfect illustration of my life for the past year.  Exactly one year ago I was 'transplanted' from the DR to Fort Wayne.  I was vulnerable, weak, and going through a lot of pain.  I didn't have many friends when I moved back and was reluctant to make new ones all over again.  Everything in my life was different and I had to establish my roots yet again.  Being an MK (missionary kid) I have had to do this countless times in my life, but it never gets any easier.

Last June, when I returned from the DR, I knew that I needed to spend some serious time with the Lord and just take a break from things for a while.  I didn't work for 6 months. I had a LOT of alone time to think, journal, pray, read, and just be with God in nature.  I attended ELIM, a spiritual renewal retreat for missionaries.  I also sought counseling and spent a lot of time with family.

PC: Natalie Kunkel

And now...a year later...his work in my life is proof that God is the ultimate HEALER and Master Gardener!

On more than one occasion, people have told me that I even look physically different, lighter.  That is all due to God's amazing work in my life as the Healer.  Even though I was uprooted, God didn't just forget about me but took care of me as a diligent gardener would.

Even though I didn't work for awhile, God continually found ways to surprise me by providing financially for me as well.  For instance, someone I don't even know sent me a check, allowing me to purchase a car....my hospital bill in October was miraculously $0... a random scholarship came in for school...my tax refund was more than enough to pay for car repairs...and on and on.

So what else have I been up to? I have been working part-time helping immigrants and refugees and I have loved using my Spanish again!  I will also be graduating in August with my MSW! (finally!)  I don't know what I will be doing after graduation, but that's ok!

Reflecting on the last year has led me to feel so overwhelmed by God's grace and goodness in my life!  So many changes, yet God has been so good!

"So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness". 

Colossians 2:6-7

I'm 'HOME'!

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times...

I can say that it was the worst of times, because moving back to the DR after losing my sister was the hardest 6 months of my entire life.  Yet, it was also the best of times because the Lord allowed me to experience many memorable moments while growing and stretching me.  Although I didn't realize it, he also allowed the last 6 months to be a buffer time and preparation for moving back to the U.S.

6 months ago, I didn't view moving back to the U.S. as an option.  It was something that my heart was not ready for. As a TCK, I haven't always called the U.S. my home and transitioning back seemed like another loss I just wasn't ready to handle.  After a lot of soul searching and prayer, the Lord brought me to a place where I no longer viewed returning 'home' to be a failure.

The Lord also blessed me with an understanding pastor at my Dominican church.  Last year, he was also faced with the loss of losing a family member to suicide.  His wife is from Argentina, so he also understands the difficulties of living as a foreigner.  It was such a relief to be among people who understood! They were faithful prayer warriors for me during my time back.  It's amazing how the Lord brings people in your life for a short time in spite of pain and loss.

My pastor also encouraged me with these words.  He told me that everyone needs a break and God calls us to different places at different times. He said that going to the U.S. may be my time to 'live in the cave' before being sent out again. He reminded me of the story of Elijah, where God led him to a cave after he is fleeing and had just completed a great work.  After his time in the cave, the Lord sends him out again.

Transitions are hard. There are people and aspects of the Dominican life that I'm really going to miss.  Although I don't know what's coming next, I'm excited for this new chapter in my life and waiting on the Lord.  I want to take time for myself and rejuvenate without feeling selfish for doing so!

Here are some highlights of my last month in the DR:

Good times with the crazy house staff!

the squad!

Nature buddies!

Road trip to Constanza!

Last beach trip with the girls!