This is the week y’all! The week of packing,
hugging, cleaning, hugging, tears, hugging, suitcases, hugging, carry-ons, and
hugging. We leave for Papua New Guinea this week.
I’ve been encouraged not to pack any expectations
in my suitcase; to leave them all on this side of airport security, and not
bring any with me. It makes it much easier to transition to life overseas when
you have no expectations of what it’s supposed
be like.
I know it’s not cool anymore, but I really love being a housewife. I
believe that homemaking is a ministry all by itself. And it’s something I both
adore and enjoy. I thrive on the minutia of house and home (except bathrooms –
I hate bathrooms). I love to make my
home comfortable, welcoming, and lovely. I’m so glad that I can do that no
matter where in the world I am.
I can expect some things to be the same…
I will have a house with running water, indoor plumbing, dust, and dishes. I
will still be a wife, neighbor, friend, and Jesus follower. I will still have Internet
(albeit slow) to blog, Facebook, Instagram, email, and generally stay connected
with the rest of the globe. I’ll still experiment with cooking and crafts. I’ll
still try new things and fail miserably. I
can also expect that most things will take longer overseas than they do here in
the states.
There is no Publix, Wal-Mart, or Target for me to
pick up a quick dinner for a busy night, a new picture frame for the house, new craft supplies, or a new candle. Most everything will need to be made from
supplies on hand or from scratch. Thank God I live in an age where Pinterest
and all things homemade, shabby chic, and rustic are “in.”
So yesterday, when Josh and I packed oursuitcases, I left my expectations in the discard pile and tucked my craft pens
and washi tape into my shoes for safekeeping. At least I don’t have to pack my
imagination or my creativity.
Labels: adventures, home, josh and erin verdonck, missionary aviation, missionary life, new tribes mission, new tribes mission aviation, packing, papua new guinea, partnership development, thoughts