Sacrafice???

When I was preparing to leave the United States I definitely thought about all that I was giving up. I sold my beloved Jeep and most of what I owned, gave up my downtown San Diego apartment, left my nice paying job, distanced myself from friends and family, and ultimately departed from a life I was familiar with.  I was becoming a bit of a matyr in my head.

Anyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life. Matthew 19:29

I had chalked that verse up to one of those nice "storing up treasures in heaven" verses.

Fast forward two weeks later and I have come to realize how much more I have been provided since I have arrived in Lilongwe. I have moved into a house with a huge yard that normally houses a family of ten. There are only three of us living here. My bedroom is bigger than my last apartment. We have a full time gardener and a part time housekeeper for very little money by U.S. standards. My classroom facilities are amazing. My living expenses are far less than they were in the States. Ultimately, I have been blessed and getting the experience of a lifetime.

I do recognize that cross-cultural stress will most likely set in at an inopportune time. I will probably become quite frustrated by the unfamiliar and will be longing to return to the United States. For now, I am acknowledging that God really does look out for us on so many levels and not only meets our needs but our desires as well.

I've always wanted a big table so family and friends could sit around and enjoy a meal together, play games, Bible studies, book clubs, really just enjoy one another's company.  A table always feels more intimate than the living/family room.  I got my wish.  So far my roommates and I have had a couple of big get togethers and I believe we are going to make Tuesday night dinner and game night.