Willingly Choose

While we were in Rwanda, we heard the term "expat" quite regularly.  Upon returning home, we looked up the definition. One read, "to willingly leave ones country in order to live elsewhere" another "to withdraw oneself from your native country".  By contrast, immigrant or migration worker emphasizes desperate need or relinquishing of your citizenship, expatriate is more of choosing . . .or sacrifice. 

It's been nearly two weeks since we left Rwanda.  While the visit in some way feels like a dream, the lessons and stirrings in our heart are far too real.  Coming home has not been the culture shock we anticipated, but instead, a clearer look at how different life would be like for our family in Rwanda.  

Little things that we can take for granted look very different in the heart of Africa.  For example: any processed or prepared food is triple to quadruple to what we pay in Canada.  Shopping or Market days are not all under one roof, so extra time is needed.  Being the mzungu (white person) will most likely continue to draw attention--no matter how long you are there.  Comforts, convenience, and all things familiar will not longer be nearby.  In essence, dying to one's self . . .

It's one thing to walk through this deep gulf of surrender for myself, but then add a family . . .is it fair?  How can we? Or really, as we live in this land of extreme abundance and excess . . .how can we not?  

Surrender, willingly give up, sacrifice--obey.  We give up convenience and sacrifice instant gratification. We let go of our security and everything familiar and experience a deeper trust in God.  We willingly let go of living like Canadians and embrace and learn from a new culture.  

Will it be hard?  Oh yes.  Will we face challenges? Absolutely.  What impact could Rwanda make on our family?  It would be completely life-altering.  

While Kim and I were in Rwanda, God brought each of our teenagers through their own process of surrender.  What once seemed to be so important no longer holds the highest priority in their lives.  We see God bringing all on a walk of surrender.  

Do we seriously see ourselves in Rwanda?  Yes, but there are still details to sort through.  Any transition takes time . . .so we wait and prepare as much as possible in the meantime.  We are trying to sell as much as we can, settle into a more subdued fall schedule and be prepared for when God says "Go".  We are prepared to obey, even if it means sacrifice.