Let me first say that this season and the last have been by far some of the most stretching seasons in my 33 years.
We arrived in Budapest eager to get settled, which meant finding a home so that we could start our lives here. A home. A place to rest, settle and set up camp for the next however-many-years. Something we haven't had as a family in over a year! With 8 moves in 5 years, it's time. It seemed like a no-brainer. This is what everyone does upon arrival and you don't hear of many workers becoming homeless in there first 30 days in country. We started the process early and soon realized it was not as easy as we originally thought. We went through a series of realtors, friend suggestions and were looking hours and hours online at homes. Our first temporary place was rented for the first month so we knew we'd have plenty of time to find a house, so we thought. The month came and went. Halfway through that last week we continued to pray for a miracle but nothing came. We starting looking for temporary housing. This is easy, right? We did it once and had a clean spacious place. We starting contacting places and after over 18 no's or unavilables we started to get concerned. Now one day away from moving out we were about to move into a hotel. Then God provided a place. Our wonderful teammates invited us to move into their space. Andrew, along with a new friend Jason (who has a car), moved our 13 pieces luggage across town into their beautiful home. Unfortunately, after the first night a neighbor complained about the kid noise (understandably so, the man works nights) and we had to leave the following day. I think I cried almost all day. The combination of having to move again, not knowing where, being out of routine for so long, pregnant and nesting all felt too overwhelming. Our teammates felt terrible. There was nothing anyone could do. Then we got a call to look at a home we were really excited about. I thought that finally this was going to be it! We pulled ourselves together and when we showed up to see it, to our disappointment there was water damage and dangerous staircases. More crying. The thought of moving anywhere again seemed so draining. Super stretching. Finally we got one response from a temporary place and we could get it right away. God provided again! We jumped on the opportunity and again (Andrew & Jason) moved our 13 pieces across the city again only to find disappointment in our new temporary place. After 2 hours of cleaning and more crying I finally felt okay letting us unpack a bit.
So here we are today. We have spent two nights in our new temporary space and I'm still craving a permanent house but learning to be thankful for God's provision in this season. We aren't without a place to live for at least the next 30 days :) It came in a different package then I hoped but it will soon be 'home' as the kids call every new place we stay.
It's Easter. A holiday that is usually spent with people we love, wishing each other 'Happy Easter', sharing a meal (usually ham), egg-hunting or some other fun activity and feeling good. This Easter I have a different feeling. I have a very real understanding of my own human weakness. I am so weak and can be so ungrateful. A weakness that sometimes, if I focus on long enough can give into lies about who I am and who God is. This weakness is serving a purpose though. It clearly reminds me of my need for a Savior. One who fully understands every tear, hurt, struggle, no matter how big or small.
There are far greater things happening in this world besides us not having a home right now. I understand that. God will provide a home. He is Faithful and True! As I struggle He is using this to refine me. He doesn't stop there. He follows with great comfort, understanding, and grace.
"But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me." 2 Corinthians 12:9
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