Yet Another Transition

Transition. Ew. I hate it.

Don't get me wrong - I get fooled by the initial rush of excitement upon embarking on a new adventure, but then the honeymoon period wears off and reality creeps in … maybe I should say it hits you like a ton of bricks to the face just to be a bit more accurate!

I have moved a lot since being in college - something like 12 news places in 8 years and two of those moves being to new countries. However, this transition has been, by far, the most difficult. Now, don't think I'm sitting here miserable, weeping my eyes out, longing for the comfort of home (not that I feel connected to any particular place anymore - but rather to those I love dearly), that would be me about a month ago. Currently, I feel more emotionally steady and am adjusting to life BUT I'm still wrestling through this extended transitional period.

Reason I think this transition have been especially difficult:

1. Finality (I'm intentionally planning to stay here for a long time, if not indefinitely)
2. Lack of Expat Community (this is the first time I've lived somewhere where nobody fluently speaks my language, understands my culture, or gets my customs)
3. Isolation (this is the first time living outside of a city or place where I have the ability to walk around freely and safely)
4. Added Transition (so adding to a new language, culture, and location, I am also transitioning out of China and adding a new relationship into the mix - I like to call this the cocktail transition…What doesn't kill you makes you stronger…right?)

Anyways, I'm not trying to whine or complain. I know that the Lord was behind the decision to move and I am grateful to be in Brazil. Not only is it beautiful, the air is clean and the skies are blue (you can't even grasp this gift until you've lived in a city in China for an extended period of time), the people are welcoming, and the culture is rich.

I'm thankful to know that this is just a transition and things will change, but as of now, I feel a bit restless for it to end and for some things to settle. Ready for a little bit of normal (but I know then, I will get restless for a new adventure…oh the joys of a nomadic spirit!)

Despite the difficulty of this transition, I'm learning to be more thankful! I am able to be thankful when I can communicate with someone and it's understood, I'm thankful for people trying to learn some of my culture to help the transition. I'm thankful to learn a new meaning to leaning into Christ for support. I'm learning more about grace. I'm learning to be thankful for everyday things I tend to overlook: a place to stay, food to eat, clean air to breath, enough money to survive without work for the time being, and time to talk to my family and friends that were a bit neglected when I lived in China. So, despite the difficulty of the transition, it is proving to be fruitful! I'm just a bit tired of eating fruit and ready for something a bit more hearty!