It has begun…….I don’t like it, but it happens when you move from one country to another. The anxiousness of the unknown is almost unbearable at times…….these are only a few of the questions that run through my head……will all our stuff fit in our boxes for the flight back to the states, will we have culture shock going back to the states, will we know how to convey to people about our time here in CR, will we be able to answer questions without judgement to those who have a different worldview, will our family retain our Spanish learned while living in the states for a few months, will we have sufficient and meaningful time with family and friends in the states, will we get packed for Argentina without getting frustrated at each other or our kids too much, will we have to dwindle our things down even more to take with us to Argentina, will my kids know how to answer questions packed with expectations of missionary kids, how many extra pieces of luggage will we have to pay for when we move to Argentina, how much cleaning will we have to do to our new place we’ll live in, how difficult will it be to figure out where grocery stores are, how difficult will it be to figure out the bus and taxi system, will Nate and Deb be able to find a house with sufficient space for our family, will we have a yard for my boys to run in and for me to grow a veggie garden, will we be able to understand the Argentine accent and learn how to use “vos”, another form of “you”, will I at first even be able to communicate much at all with my neighbors in AR, will I really be able to read the Bible with Argentine friends and answer their spiritual questions, will Chi and Lijah like preschool even though it will be entirely in Spanish, will our hearts continue to be softened to God’s leading in these months of anxiousness and uncertainty? The list goes on, but I’ll stop now. I need to pray more, trust more, and pray and pray and pray. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Philippians 4:6 This is a constant prayer, when I start feeling anxious and ovewhelmed, with God’s strength I have to stop thinking about these things. God will take care of every detail, but I have to constantly petition him. Please join us in praying for the next five to six months of this unsettled, uncertain, and anxious time.
You know, this is what I’ve always thought missionaries must be thinking, but have never heard them say. Thanks for reminding us that this is as hard for you and the family as we can imagine it would be. Thanks for the reminder that we in the states must pray and hope with you guys as you go.
You would not be normal if you did not ask these questions. But, you are right on target when you say you need to pray about them often. I know all those feelings and anxieties exactly although in different circumstances.
I am glad you were transperant about your concerns and the unknowns. It makes you more real and makes us pray even harder for you.
We are hanging in there with you Tara at the feet of Jesus.
Vicki DeArmey
[...] can relate to the many unknowns and imminent questions from Tara’s post as well. But, my thoughts and questions are of a slightly different sort…will the economy [...]
I am encouraged by your post that I need to pray more fervently for your team as you face big change in the near future and Satan’s attacks of doubt and fear. God is infinitely bigger than your questions and He will supply sweet peace to your heart. Love you Tara & Team La Plata.
Dear Tara,
Just read your blog and wanted you to know that my mother (Deb’s gramma Meme) and I (Aunt Sharon) will be lifting you and your concerns up to Our Lord! The Phil. passage you quote is my mother’s favorite few verses!
How wonderful to know that God treasures our prayers and stores them in a “golden bowl” (Revelation)! He hears and answers!!
In Jesus’ love,
Aunt Sharon Colvin