 |
| The class of 2012 |
It is a part of life but transition is often a dreaded
word especially to a missionary kid and quite honestly to me. This word is one that is not unique to a
missionary kid but certainly describes their lives very well. It is a life that is filled with amazing
adventures, stories, travel and friends literally all over the world yet no
real sense of “home,” roots or a sense of belonging.
The last month has been full of transition for me. I have packed up my office at the high
school, office at the middle school and my apartment in Kandern. Many of you know that I am back in the States
for the year. I feel like the Lord is
leading me to be at BFA on a more long term basis which means a new application
process, some training and significantly more fund raising. If I am honest though, the last month has
confirmed that call but also made me realize anew the realities of a life of a
missionary. While those realities
include much transition and change, sitting through a graduation service
quickly reminds me that while God’s calling is not always easy, it is filled
with opportunities of serving and being served by some amazing people.
I wish you could all sit through a graduation service with
me. It is truly a unique experience. At the awards ceremony we heard
from four seniors, one who had moved from Kenya
to Germany
his senior year. He shared about how hard the transition was but how God had
truly been faithful in that transition.
Another student had been at BFA for two years, she is Dutch and her
family has served in China
for many years, she is going on to study to become a missionary pilot. Her
sister was in my small group. Another
student wants to study nursing so that she can care for others. Another student wants to study history and
come back to teach at BFA. It was a
sweet glimpse into this senior class. Students
have to say goodbyes to each other and staff and there are no guarantees of a reunion
as they are all transitioning to different schools in different parts of the
world.
The realities of BFA culture are filled with transition and
with a bad economy, new visa regulations and German taxes even those who have
been considered a stable presence in the BFA community are no more. While my “goodbyes” are hopefully only for
one year, BFA will be a different school when I go back. Every year brings about significant
change. Graduation comes and the kids
leave for the four corners of the world and much of the staff also disperse for
the summer as they return to fund raise, see family, etc. A new school year begins and we have a whole
new group of students and staff.
 |
| My wonderful roommates, Kristi and Emily |
I have to admit that while I hate transition it does thrust
me into dependence on Jesus in new ways as He has to become my home, my roots,
my stability. And maybe that is the way
it is supposed to be.
“And He will be
the stability of your times, abundance of salvation, wisdom and knowledge, the
fear of the Lord is Zion’s
treasure.” Isaiah 33:6
