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It’s time again. Yes, it’s time again. I was finally able to unpack my suitcases and leave the “suitcase life.” But, only momentarily. Today, I pack my suitcases once again to return to Spain tomorrow.
It reminds me of when I first wrote this story two years ago, back in 2019, while packing up to move to Spain for the first time.
Yes, it’s time again, time to get out our suitcase.
April 12, 2019
In a way, it was easier not knowing. Time just stood still. We couldn’t go back, and we couldn’t go forward. Why couldn’t we go back? Because a season of our life had ended—a door had closed. We couldn’t move forward either, because we didn’t know where we were going.
We were “stuck.”
“Stuck”
For almost two years now, we have been comfortably “stuck” and living in the “Land Between.” Although unfamiliar and uncomfortable when we first crossed the border into the foreign country that we call the “Land Between,” it has oddly become familiar and comfortable. We have made our home and our family life in this strange place, in the “Land Between.”
I am honestly not sure if I want to leave here—if I want to leave the “Land of Familiar.” Ironically, it has become my “comfort zone.” I like it here, and I never thought that I would say that.
It’s been so different from our busy and active European life. Even though I have missed walking everywhere and the hustle and bustle of the city, this quiet, “hibernating life” of rural America has been quite inviting. I have enjoyed relaxing next to the fireplace, underneath my heating blanket, drinking hot chocolate with marshmallows.
Enjoying the “Land Between”
After much resistance, I have accepted the “hibernating life of a bear.” I’m honestly not sure if I am ready for spring—ready to come out of my safe and comfortable cave.
We have rested, refreshed, and slowed down. It has been good for us to reconnect with family and old friends, as well as to make new acquaintances.
Last Sunday, we had an International dinner with our “Oasis of Cultures” group. I love that uniquely-blended crowd of people. I don’t want to leave them.
My wonderful new friends from church have been by our side here in this land—supporting us, encouraging us, and praying for us. I don’t want to leave them either.
Settled and Happy
Our kids have settled here, after a long and challenging period of culture shock. They are in a healthy place with great friends, great teachers, a great church, and great opportunities.
David even got introduced to basketball. He learned that you can actually “touch” a ball with your hands—not just your feet! He’s loving it.
Our kids are happy, and we are happy. We have learned to “dwell” in the “Land Between”—learned to be content wherever we are.
Time to Go
But it’s time. It’s time to leave. Time to get out our suitcases. They are piled high in the garage.
In a way, it was easier not knowing. I could stay here and “dwell” in the land, enjoy the safe pastures of rural Pennsylvania. I was “stuck,” with no choice but to stay.
Today, we know. We know where we are heading. We know our next step.
Pierre has been asking me for 1 1/2 years where our next house will be. I would always answer with the same words. “I don’t know, but God knows.” I attempted to comfort my own anxious heart as much as my child’s.
Today, God knows, and we know too.
In just a few weeks, we are heading to Spain.
Our family has a choice. We are “unstuck.” Will we stay or will we go?
It’s time to get out our suitcases.
It’s time to prepare to leave the “Land Between.”
It’s time to prepare a new journey from the “Land of Familiar” to the “Land of Unknown.”
—The Cultural Story-Weaver
MY GIFT TO YOU—GET YOUR FREE EBOOK—“THE 5-DAY JOURNEY TO CULTURAL AWARENESS”!
Let’s Weave Cultures!
Have you ever been “stuck” somewhere—you couldn’t move forward and you couldn’t move backwards? The “Land Between” eventually becomes the “Land of Familiar” that you don’t want to leave even when you finally have the chance.
We invite you to tell us your own cultural stories and global adventures . . . as you engage with the world, breaking down barriers, building bridges, and “weaving cultures!” Write about them in the comment box below.
