On that day so much was unknown. I had a place to live, but no job yet. I wasn't sure which church community I'd call home, or what other opportunities would await me. It was disconcerting, leaving the known for the uncertain. In spite of feeling as though I was going 'home', not everything was simple or easy.
I'm often aware of the things I want, and have to remind myself that this may not be what God has for me. And in that too, when our opinions differ, God's is the one I need to surrender to. I sometimes grow fearful when I know what I want, anxious that I may not be able to allow God to move, lead and direct me. This was certainly the case as I made the decision to come home.
In many ways it was an easy decision to make. I was homesick, desperate to visit my dear friends here. Job opportunities were better. I was longing to see the familiar landscape once more; to feel anchored and comforted by the mountains on the western horizon.
In other ways it was difficult to make the decision to leave Winnipeg. I was choosing to move away from some wonderful friends whom I love and who love me. I felt comfortable and at home in my neighbourhood. My job presented some unique opportunities and challenges, and allowed me to work with some of the most fun people I've ever met. These were things I considered losses as I moved away.
I think back on my time in Winnipeg and recognize God's presence as being very prevalent. I was so well-cared for when I needed it so acutely but didn't recognize that need. Things I hadn't thought about or recognized about myself were provided for and accommodated with so much grace and generosity. While it was not an easy year of life, it was a good year.
And now, I couldn't have imagined a year like the one that has passed since then.
I landed a job that I love, using my gifts and skills and working alongside great people
I have found a wonderful church community at Lake Ridge
I have made some amazing new friends
Many friendships I enjoyed before I moved away have deepened
I have taken so many adventures
There have been so many opportunities to serve, love and lead
I have been challenged to envision and embrace a future different than I'd imagined
I have grown and have been stretched
I have taken risks and left my comfort zone
When I think about all of this, I see God's faithfulness. Geography doesn't affect this - God is no less present there than here. Life is different, circumstances change and challenges are everywhere, but God is always there, caring for us, providing for the needs we don't even know we have, and walking with us through it all.
I recognize the year in Winnipeg as an important season. It was not a mistake, although it might be easy to think that, when I was only there for 1 year. But that 1 year served purposes beyond what I could have imagined. As much as there was challenge and pain, there was healing and growth. I needed to move away, and I needed to move back home.
These years have shaped me and have opened me up to new opportunities and realities I likely would not have considered had I not been physically removed from this place. I am so thankful for the ways in which God takes care of us.
I am so glad to be home.
