We packed up twenty-two suitcases. We sold what we could. We said too many goodbyes and cried lots of tears. We bought a house in the new place. We longed for Egyptian street food. We began to learn a different way of living.  

Transition is the phase of leaving one place to go to another. This can be as “small” as leaving one job or position to move to another in your organization or it can be as “big” as moving to a new country. Transition means we leave something that is familiar and go to something that is not yet our place. 

The process is unsettling. We are between two places, no longer tied into the former place but not yet tied into the new one. It’s easy to feel adrift. Although I know how to physically get myself around, I easily lose my balance in conversations about local events and cultural topics. 

Even if I feel lost, the truth is the Good Shepherd does not lose His sheep. He knows where I am and He knows how to care for me. (John 10:2-4) 

I see God meeting my most precious needs: 

- Bible teachers who understand from experience what my kids are going through 

- Women who see my spiritual gifts and ask me to use them 

- The house in the location that we needed to be close to my parents 

- The youth group that didn’t overwhelm my kids 

- The job that encourages my husband 

I read Psalm 23 slowly and carefully. The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. 

My heart calls out to God, “But, Lord, I feel so confused here.” 

He answers, “I know, but I am not confused. I know how this needs to go. Follow me.” 

Jesus reminds me that He is the Good Shepherd and He knows me (John 10:14). The shepherd knows the good pasture and where to make me lie down. He knows how to bring comfort with His presence and His provision. (Psalm 23) 

Arabic words still gather on my tongue. I feel confused about the medical system in the US. But I know I’m not lost. My Shepherd keeps me close.