Renewed by Light

So, while I’m definitely having fun and enjoying good times in Poland, there’s often a lot of challenges. We had a meeting a few weekends back about the things that are really hard right now and some things that are going good. Last Thursday, a small group of us American women missionaries got together to check-in on our hearts, feelings, etc.

I shared that the adjustment to life here has been hard. (I’ve made a few posts about this before, too, I think.) I miss the ease of things in the States, because it’s familiar and habitual. The cultural shock is subtle, but definitely there. It’ll probably hit me more in the coming months as the weather changes. But out of all of this, God has been refining my character a lot. I don’t complain as much as I had in the US. I have to practice a lot of grace living in a one-room apartment with another person, receiving and giving. Serving is just an expected part of life here, and doesn’t feel weird to me. I get frustrated when something doesn’t go the way I wanted or expected, but I can also let it go really quickly instead of marinating on it.

Emotions are amplified overseas. There’s a grieving over the loss of your previous lifestyle. I’m beginning to see that in me. (I often lament there being no Target here…) But I also see my response to these things is reflective and perspective-forming. I’m growing.

We’re currently following a study by Francis Chan about the book of James. James 1:1-12 was our first meeting, and was a good reminder that patient endurance is so needed when we encounter hardships and trials. That we should ask God for wisdom through the difficulties to better understand what we’re going through. That like silversmiths refine silver over and over with fire, God will refine us in the same manner until we are a perfect reflection of him.

This is actually the second time I’m seeing this verse within a month. At the student conference a few weekends ago, the morning’s meeting was centered around James 1:1-8 as well. And I have a small painting I made with a verse from Hebrews 10:36, “Patient endurance is what you need…then you will receive all that he has promised.”

I’m here because I wanted to be part of effecting change for others toward Jesus. In turn, I’m really being transformed as well. It’s kind of amazing how God maps these things, puts details together to shape us how we need to be.

My next personal study is about praying without limits. Looking forward to what that will bring.