Empty boxes are stacked by the door, ready for the recycling truck to come by. The kids are settled in their new rooms for the night. While my husband packed for his upcoming trip, I wondered, “Was this move a good idea?”

We had moved several times before, but this time, we moved to a new location without a team of people. At least the language and culture were not new. But would we make friends? Would my children make friends? Would I be able to find people who could help me when my husband had to travel?

Those first few months of a move can be lonely, especially if you do not speak the host culture's language. You know very few people. And very few know you. So, doubting the decision to move is expected.

Psalm 68:6a says that “God makes a home for the lonely.” What does this actually mean? He brings people into your life who become like family. God sees you in your loneliness. Maybe you are the new single lady on the team or the young wife on a team with older ladies who do not understand your generation. Either way, God sees and will help you “make a home.”

That time in my life started with older global workers reaching out. One called to tell me she could drive the kids and me to school if it rained. Another texted and dropped off some extra eggs. What began as small gestures of kindness turned into friendships. And over time, we felt we had friends who were like family once again.