Tuesday 15 September 2009

We're Moving...

The one sure thing in The Salvation Army is that officers will move. We all know this, but I don't think it necessarily makes any of it easier. Because of that though, we have always attempted to make our ministry about empowering the people to see their potential as part of the Kingdom of God, therefore, essentially, making the officer interchangeable to their puzzle.

Our family has received moving orders. We arrive in Madrid next Monday to take up a new post, a new style of life, and all the new possibilities God has in store for us.

It is the quickest move I've ever made in my 6 years of officership, and the first time that I've moved without any expectations of a move. My first move was because I got married, my next move because they closed the appointment I was in, the third because we had applied for overseas service. Those moves all had sadness, but also a sense of preparation on our part. This time it was completely unexpected. My head is still reeling at the magnitude of the change that is about to happen...

After we received the news that we were being re-assigned I had the verse from Jeremiah "I know the plans I have for you" stuck in my head. One early morning, as I'm not sleeping very well lately, I got up and decided to spend the time before sunrise reading that chapter. In it there is a moment when God reminds the Isrealites/Jeremiah that it is HE that decides how long prophets stay and when they go. It was a great reminder that HE is in control of moves in our lives, even when it doesn't seem that way from the outside.

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

3 comments:

Sue J. said...

Wow, Valerie.... Just trying to take in everything you just said, and it truly is overwhelming. I know there is a part of you that accepts all of this on a surface level. But you actually have to move! There is no time to think, even. Sadly, there is very little time to bring closure to Denia, and I'm sure that has to be difficult for you all.

Everything you say is true, here, that God is the one who moves us, and with good reason--even if we can't fathom it at the moment! Prayers for a safe move, and that He might free you from some of the challenges with your last move. Prayers for the boys, that they will roll with this move, too, and find their place.

When you get your feet on the ground in Madrid, give us all a shout!

My ADHD Me said...

Like Sue J said, "Wow..Overwhelming!"
Also exciting.

I think you really are amazing. The work you are doing IN ADDITION to raising a family is incredible.

I am always trying to be such a planner, what a great Bible verse to think of. It is the same verse that Edie, at Rich Gifts, sent to me on a plaque last Christmas when she knew I was feeling lost. It is the perfect verse and I hope it helps you as much as it helps me.

Good luck! I am excited for you and can't wait to hear about the new and exciting adventures from "The 'FAMOUS' Missionary in Spain!"
(as opposed to notorious *grin*)

My ADHD Me said...

I am laughing now as I remember entering that contest at Surviving Motherhood NUMEROUS times and then right after my entries, out of the blue, comes this sweet wonderful missionary from Spain. I remember thinking,"who can top that!!"