On what seemed like an ordinary April first, our world was abruptly turned upside down by a phone call from our Area Director. At first, we couldn't help but laugh, dismissing his proposition to move from Russia to Greece to oversee nine Balkan countries as an elaborate April Fool's Day prank. But as the conversation progressed, it became clear that this was no joke. Our boss gave us a week to decide. 

True to form, my first reaction was, "No!" My mind compiled a list of reasons to stay in our current situation. Topping the list was that I'd spent 14 years learning Russian, a complex language. We loved our ministry with students and were starting a new outreach among an unreached people group. And let's not forget, we were from Alaska and loved the cold weather. I'm the only person in the world who would complain about moving to Greece's warmth and lovely beaches. 

As the decision loomed, I wrestled between my desires and God's plan. My husband and I prayed, seeking God's will and guidance for our future. In those moments of reflection, the words from Isaiah 55 echoed in our minds: 'For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways.' Despite our lack of understanding, we clung to the belief that God had a plan.  

Through experience, I’ve learned the value of patience and prayer during times of transition. It's easy to be swayed by the desire to escape an uncomfortable or painful situation. However, we were determined to follow God's lead, even if it meant stepping out of our comfort zone. 

We moved to Greece in June, and I sweated more in that first month than in all the years of my life combined. But as we began traveling the Balkans to meet our teams, I suddenly understood God's plan. Six of the countries we were supervising spoke Slavic languages. 

Fourteen years of Russian language study and learning culture were not in vain. 

God's ways and thoughts are truly higher than mine.