Today marks another “first” for me.

When I woke up this morning, I did not run off to elementary school, high school, university, teachers college, or work, as I have done for the past 25 years after the Labour Day long weekend.  Instead, I found myself on Skype, talking with the family I will be working with in Central Asia, in 17 short days.  As many have been asking, I am now able to finally answer the “where will you be living?” question.  The Lord frequently reminds me that His timing is best, and I need not worry about where I will live, as He already knows, and just wants me to depend on Him and trust.  With much thanksgiving, I am happy to report I will be living with two other “like-minded” expatiates, from the United States.  They have both been in the country for some time and therefore able to speak the language and understand the culture. I will be renting a room in their house, which is walking distance to a local food market, the family I will be working alongside of, and many other conveniences (i.e. transit).

Also, it appears as though I now have a language tutor (responsible for teaching grammar and language conventions) set up for a couple of days a week, as well as a language helper (someone who engages me in conversation to practice all the grammar I’ve learned!).  I am looking forward to learning the both culture and the language, hopefully quickly!  I was also excited to learn today that there is an opportunity for me to serve within the Gypsy community on Monday mornings, alongside a lady who is already well-connected within that community, and would love for me to join her.  She is able to speak English well, which will prove incredibly helpful in translating for me initially.

So, today was an exciting day, marked with answered prayers and new opportunities.  New “firsts”.

Before I close, I am reminded of a night last week, where a dear family organized an evening in their home, where they invited friends to come, eat, pray, and learn about how they could support me this year.  The evening was so encouraging and beautifully demonstrated real love within the church.  I was reminded that evening how this life really is not about us, but rather about Him, and making Him known.  So, as details continue unfolding, and various opportunities are presented, may you see Him at work in all of it.