“Maybe not.”
When I heard the kind offer, I said no.
Memories rushed in- the burst pipe that flooded our home in Canada, the power outage in the dead of winter night in Baltimore, the water shortage in Uganda, the home with broken appliances in Asia…
So when God lavished His provision by prompting a stranger to offer their family farmhouse to us in Australia during my book tour, fear entered in instead.
What if this leaves another traumatic mark on our family before our big move to Tanzania? What if the house has issues?
After moving over 10 times in our first 10 years of marriage, I struggled with what i now understand as “transitional trauma” or relocation stress syndrome.
But God said, “Trust Me.”
When I said yes to the unknown and entered the home, bleary-eyed, squeals of pure delight erupted from our kids.
Tears welled up behind my eyes.
The sprawling farmhouse teeming with wildlife, inbuilt playground, bunk bed with unicorn bedsheets, dinner and breakfast bought for us… left me in tears.
On the flight, one of our kids cried when she discovered she’d left her teddy behind. And right there, was a larger-than-life teddy waiting for her.
”I’m so happy, I am crying, Mama.”
In Melbourne, God moved a young family to provide a beautiful house and flights we would not otherwise afford.
“Dear God, thank you for the kind people. For my unicorn bedsheet. For the bandicoots.”
People have told us how “brave” we’ve been to go on a book tour just before a major relocation to Tanzania. To be honest, part of me felt scared and irresponsible.
But when I experienced God’s provision through these unexpected surprises, I felt Him say, “Surrender your past trauma and future fears to Me.”
Have faith, for your Heavenly Father loves you.
“Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.”- Luke 12:32