The Calling

Smitty and I have been “called” to Black Forest Academy in Kandern, Germany. My husband will be the fabulous Mr. Fixit for whatever needs his talent, and I will work with the special education department, teaching children and youth. For us this calling has been a journey in itself, one that has changed our lives irrevocably. Let me explain.

In 2007 we returned from three weeks ministering in Kenya, Africa sensing that we could, as a friend so aptly put it, “never take a regular vacation again.” Our hearts were stirred for the poor and the forgotten. We began praying about what God wanted from us, and He answered in the words of a dear friend who worked with missionary kids in Kandern. “Have you considered teaching overseas?” From there the rollercoaster took us through applications to both Greater Europe Mission and Black Forest as well as orientation, retirement from our secular jobs, and the process of changing our mailing address from Garden Grove to Germany.

Honestly, at the beginning of the process we both felt idealistic, noble, and enchanted by the romance of living in Germany. Thankfully, the starry-eyed approach has dissipated as we have worked through the to-dos. Every step draws us closer to the reality of this move and farther from the fairy tale.

What is this “process” you ask? We meet with potential ministry partners several times a week. Every time we do we have the privilege of sharing about ‘TCKs’ and their parents. More about that on another day. We dreaded sharing with folks before we started, but now we anticipate each appointment with joy. Alongside of the meetings, we interview prospective property managers in order to rent our home, study German, go through cupboards and drawers sorting into piles (store, throw, give away, take with us), and learn techniques to keep in touch with those on this side of the Pond (Facebook, Skype, Constant Contact). A visit to Kandern in November will give us face-to-face time with supervisors, students, staff, and others with whom we will relate once there.

Let me be very honest. The reality of our change of lifestyle causes pain for us. I often find myself sad about what I’m giving up to go overseas. Smitty has commented on how much he loves our home and yard many times recently. Yet both of us are compelled to go. We haven’t had a phone call or handwriting in the sky, but we know, without a doubt, that God is moving us to a new place. I don’t want to go through the pain of leaving our kids, grandkids, home, and friends, but the peace that God gives us on a moment-by-moment basis carries us. This journey takes me to Hebrews 11 where the writer talks of those who did not see the outcome of God’s promises, but believed because they knew that they were sojourners on this earth. They looked forward to a heavenly home, and so do we.

Will we go to Germany? Yes, as God guides us through the process. Will we feel sadness as we let go of our life here in Garden Grove? Yes, but God has promised to walk us through the sadness (Proverbs 3:5-6). Our calling to Black Forest Academy comes from God. He has given us amazing peace and joy so far. We expect that He will continue to give us whatever we need for the rest of the journey.