By far one of the biggest challenges for me in following God’s call to global work was leaving our families. My husband and I grew up together, and both our families live in the same metroplex area. When we said our goodbyes, we were the first of either of our families (immediate and extended) to leave our corner of the world. And twenty years later, we are still the only ones who have left! 

Little did I know that that first goodbye would only be a snippet of the challenge of living far from loved ones. Each time we had a baby, I grieved the distance between our child and her/his relatives. When my father-in-law was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s, we struggled with knowing how to help or if we should move back. Every time a niece or nephew reached a milestone, I jealously longed to be the doting auntie in the midst of celebration.  

When I’ve struggled at these times, I’ve wondered what it might be like to move back near family. But then the Lord gently reminds me how He guided and directed every step of our journey here and how He narrowed our calling to this specific pin on Google Maps. If I try to imagine living near our families, my mind has difficulty conjuring up a picture of it. Nothing feels right about it. And, overwhelmingly, the Lord affirms that we are meant to be here, no matter how “family-sick” (like homesick but just for family) I may be.  

Recounting the number of times God has needed to remind me of our calling, I find comfort in knowing I am not alone in this. After God called Abram out of Ur, He proceeded to remind him no fewer than eight times of His promise. The man whose faith is highly revered in the New Testament had to be reminded of God’s calling on his life, repeatedly. That makes me feel a little better! 

God’s consistent reminders of our calling to global work has strengthened my faith and sanctified me. And I’ve discovered that being in the middle of God’s will is the best place to dwell.