When you cross a bridge, especially one that is a bit wobbly, I find it best to not cross alone. As we’ve begun our new TZ life, we have been keenly aware of our increased ability to transition because of our support. At times we’ve even said it felt like we were cheating because we’ve had such an amazing catapult into bravery.
The Senders
God worked mightily to prepare us to set foot on this bridge. He surrounded us with people who loved us well, provided for so many of our needs, and then (most importantly) people who would bravely, confidently and lovingly let go of our hands when we were ready to start walking across.
We had amazing times of prayer and encouragement with our small group, our travel/dinner/friend group who are like family, and our Church community in congregations across the country.
In what felt like a wall of protection being built all around us, we were prayed for by individuals and we were prayed for in church services of many gathered together. 
Neighbor buddies celebrated with us and supported us as we moved out of our house, even as our hearts were all breaking to part.
Friends brought us treats and travel needs, gave money and notes of encouragement. Friends who knew us well brought our favorites for one last savor. We were hugged, loved, allowed to cry, celebrated with, and encouraged.
My only regret is that I didn’t take more pictures, as these are just a few of the faces that loved us well as we went.
One amazing family even let us stay with them for our last few weeks in the States. In case this seems like a small hospitality…may I remind you that during this time we were a collective emotional, physical, spiritual whirl-wind AND THERE ARE NINE OF US! 
We closed on our house, said goodbye to friends, packed, argued, cried, disciplined, ate (ALL of their food), made travel arrangements, celebrated victories, swam and played, did about a bazillion loads of laundry…all smack in the middle of their space. They not only allowed us to be our not-very-best selves with emotions hanging out like toilet paper stuck to your shoes, they loved us sincerely and patiently through it. Man, what an invaluable gift! 
And our parents. What would we have done without our parents? I could write a novel about how they encouraged and supported us from the very moment we said “Africa” but the morning we left sums up all of their love quite well. All three of them showed up early that morning, after hours (and I MEAN HOURS) of RRL and I being awake, fighting a very real and intense and horrifying spiritual battle to actually get on the freakin’ plane. They loved us, cried with us, and passionately prayed over us, took care of our kids while we finished packing. And then LET US GO. The three of them helped load our belongings, hugged us and their grandbabies and then turned us, pointed us to a very rickety looking bridge with no railing and said “Go. We love you. We will see you soon.” I’m only a parent of small people, so I am not certain I can fully grasp the real effort that took, to send pieces of their heart that way. But I can tell you that it was a gift, one that meant we went when we might not have. (and one that has me currently sobbing like a baby just writing about it these nearly 6 weeks later) 
The Receivers
If we had a catapult across the bridge, we had a safety net for landing on the other side. Just as valuable as those who sent us well were those who received, and continue to welcome us, so very well. We had outstretched arms even before we could clearly see a vision of our new home, beckoning us across. We arrived to furniture already set up in our house, an amazing meal, big hugs from people we love and even a welcome banner. What a gift to walk into our new home and have it already feel like a home. These families, supported by the same sending Church as we are, have patiently encouraged us, answered questions, given us freedom for it to be “hard” while reminding us that we are not alone. They’ve celebrated small victories with us and hugged us in the frustrations. There have been cookies and treats and home-cooked meals. Recipes and cleaning help and errand running. Adventures and lunch dates.
And the community at school has also been amazing. They had our house cleaned before we arrived, helped us navigate difficult paper-work and life-start-up necessities, helped connect us to resources and loaned us a car. They’ve also been so good to reach out, invite us for meals, share things they’ve learned, ask how we are doing and pray for us.
Finally, I want to introduce you to some new friends who have been unique in their ability to help us settle into life, here because they are also new. They get it. Two families who arrived within days/weeks of us to work at the same school have been such a gift because of their willingness to do life (and figure out life) along-side of us. We’ve conquered the grocery store and errand running. Bemoaned difficulties and celebrated triumphs while helping each other set reasonable expectations. We’ve traded information we discover and new Swahili words we’ve learned. And our children already know that when in doubt they can rely on these new friends at school. I am eternally grateful that the Lord designed this intersection of my path with these amazing women (and their families). He has created a rhythm for our life together in miraculous ways, long before it should have been possible for us to get to know each other.
Our Constant Travel Guide
There is only ONE who both sent and received. Who walks every step of the way with us. Who has not left us for a moment. Our God has been so faithful. He has reminded us of His Mercies so often- through the sun coming in our window, through the ocean just beyond, through the ways He’s nudged hearts of both our senders and receivers to reach out to us at just the right moments. And through the overwhelming power of His presence even as we first set foot in our new home. 
He has given us to reminders of our passion and purpose, glimpses of how we will be able to serve and love and grow here, even while we are settling. Even before we are quite ready to embrace it.
He has been so good to say in a million ways-
“This bridge is not the hardest one you’ve ever crossed. This bridge was built just for you and will lead you straight to where you want to be. I know, because I put that desire inside of you. And when you go, there you will experience my pleasure.”
Indeed. And amen.
Thank you for the ways you’ve sent, received, encouraged and journeyed with us!
We are traveling well, even on this rickety bridge, because of you!
ABL
Thanks ABL! Loved and cried through y’all of this. I am praying continually that Yahweh provides courage, peace and joy.