How does one even begin to ready the hearts, the minds, the belongings of nine people for a move to the other side of the world? How do you peel away from the habits of American life? How do you prepare for intermittent electricity, not being able to drink the water that comes from your tap, needing to rely on others for transportation? How do you say goodbye to the friends and family that will stay here and watch your family’s journey via email, Skype, and phone calls?
Carefully. With fear and trembling. With barely contained excitement. With faith. With much, much help.
We’ve been blessed with a whole cadre of friends who have walked this road ahead of us. Invaluable assistance in the form of book recommendations, tactical advice, timelines, logistical advice, and all manner of hints have been passed our way freely. We soak in the information greedily and are thankful. There is truly no greater guide on this journey than those who have been here before.
There are so, so many details to consider. Language acquisition. Cultural acclimation. Tending the emotional needs of children transplanted to the other side of the globe. Finding a space to call home. Forging relationships. Putting ministry into motion.
And that doesn’t even address the spiritual side of things. That’s an area where we know we simply can’t put enough prep time in.
Right now, the practical side is snowballing. We’re applying for passports, firming up our visa plans, and looking at plane tickets. We’re putting together a plan for a cross-country summer trip to say goodbye to friends and family, as well as meet with potential supporters. A family has offered to purchase our van when we leave. I’m not shopping the end of season sale to stock up on clothes for next winter. We’re making appointments for typhoid shots.
This is happening.
We’re going to Nepal.
Shared at:
Mama Moments
The Modest Mom Blog
Titus 2 Tuesdays
Titus 2sday
Growing Home
Teaching What is Good
Living Proverbs 31
The Road to 31
Finding Heaven
Have you been in nepal or just now going to nepal?
Finally going. Four years in the making!
I am so excited for you. I admit, I’m not looking forward to you leaving. Thank God for skype.
I know. Imagine the wallet you’ll come back with if you come visit!
I can’t believe it’s finally here. You’re really going! I’m so happy for you all. 🙂
I know! Such a long time in the making!
Wow – how amazing! Prayers to you for a smooth transition with you family to Nepal! I’m looking forward to reading more of things to come!
Thank you!
I am so excited to read this, Heather! Wondering when you will leave and if you have a church you are going to serve with…I am already praying that the Lord smooths the way and that you find favor with God and man as you work through all the details. Wondering also if you will keep up the blog after you are there.
Multiplied blessings and glory to the Lord!
Jacqueline, we’re heading out under the auspices of the nonprofit TGM. Our home church is supporting us fully, and we even expect to get visits from two of our pastors on a fairly regular basis. Our departure date is September of this year!
Awesome.
~Luke
I know! Finally! We may be heading your way, as a matter of fact …
I’m stopping by from the Women Helping Women link-up. I believe you just visited my blog as well. 🙂 How exciting (and alternately terrifying) to finally be preparing to depart. Moving overseas can be difficult for the whole family, but honestly my MK years in New Guinea were some of the best and most defining years of my life. I wouldn’t trade them for anything, in spite of the hardships. Praying for peace for you all as you transition!
Jen 🙂
Praying that the Lord will MIGHTILY bless each and every one of you as you follow Him in this journey!! Thanks for linking this up with me today. Very excited for you all.