So, one might wonder what has happened in my life since coming back from Paraguay. Well, it seems like not a lot, at least not a lot of exciting things. Adjusting back to life here in the NTS community and in Kansas City has been a bit of a challenge; it is great to see friends and be a part of great classes, but it is just not the same as living in Paraguay. Recognizing that life is not the same has been a big step for me in adjusting to life back in the States. And, I need to keep remembering that it is an adjustment, a transition – and that’s okay. During this blog I just wanted to reflect on a couple of things that I have been thinking about during this particular time of transition.
#1: Boredom is a state of mind
When I was child this is something that my mom would always say to my brother, sister, and I. If you have ever spent time around children, you know they are bound to say – “I’m bored…” My mom would always respond to this with – “Well, boredom is a state of mind.” As a child I found it completely annoying and frustrating, but now I am beginning to understand what she meant. When we came back to the States, I struggled with finding life a little boring. No longer did I ride exciting buses that caused a bit of fear and excitement or buy fruit from people on the street or try and speak with people in a language that was not my own. Paraguay was an adventure, and Ted (my husband) and I were explorers. However, I had already explored Kansas City and I now had a hard time finding anything new or exciting. Despite the fact that I have been extraordinarily busy with school, reading, and writing papers I have been a bit bored with life. However, I have now begun to make it past the comparison stage – Kansas City doesn’t have to live up to my experience in Paraguay, they can both be adventures in and of themselves. By the way, I did ride a KC bus the other day; it was not the same but still exciting.
#2 Life goes on
The way that we are able to stay connected through technology is amazing. A few days ago I had the opportunity to chat, via Facebook, with Flavia Ventura about some of the things that had be
en going on in Paraguay since we had left. I was shocked! We have only been gone about 2 months, but so many things have happened. During the past couple of months: 7 people were baptized, one of the leaders in one of the local churches accepted the call to ministry whole-heartedly, another new church is looking for a pastor, the District Center buildings have been finished and there is now a new up to date kitchen, and General Superintendent Dr. Warwick visited and ordained 3 pastors. Life, in its abundant goodness, goes on; God is continuing to move and work in ways that we could not even have imagined.
#3 Bloom where you are planted
Spring is coming to Kansas City – yeah! It is such a joy to see trees in bloom and tulips creeping out of the ground. As life has been coming into bloom, I have been reminded of the need to be fully present wherever I am located. And, to find joy in th
at location, that place, with those people. We should not live in either the past or the future, but we need to find joy in the present. We need to enjoy God and God’s creation in whatever place we find ourselves. I am learning to intentionally find joy in life – in running in the grass with my 2 year old friend Lukas, sharing food with good friends, and spending quality time with my husband.
So, how have you dealt with transitions? Do you have any words of wisdom to share? And, what have you learned from these times of discomfort and change?
Posted on
Fri, March 27, 2009
by Sarah Voigt