Musings of a Wanderlust

What happens when you take a girl obsessed with all things international (that’s me!), a boss (ahem, Alan) with a talent of shipping people off to all corners of the globe, and a co-worker (ahem Valerie) who previously worked in Hungary and was a proponent of its allure?

That would equal, a year in Hungary with a non-definable title. With this equation, I shouldn’t have been caught unawares.

But I was.

Hungary? But that would disrupt my plan to conquer the world and earn a six figure salary and solve hunger in Africa. Ok, so maybe that’s a little skewed, but going to Africa was in my future plan and Hungary seemed like a strange trip to the wayside. I mean, I love ghoulash (gulyasleves) as much as the next person, but, A YEAR?!

I entered Hungary with eagerness, tempered with a good bit of resignation, and the Lord caught me unaware again: for the enormous journey lessons and transformation of the heart He had planned for me. Besides the usual awkward moments making life into an unintentional comedy (cross-cultural declarations of love, getting kicked off a train because of a lost ticket, security room interviews, and language mistakes (Notice: Food goes on a PLATE  not a PLANT) I was astounded when my time FLEW by, marked by intense spiritual growth (watered by lengthy solitude), emotional healing, insane community hospitality, and a quiet relinquishment of selfish ideas. By the end of the year, I was dismayed that it was time to leave, and even more astonished by how deep relationships, the Hungarian language and people, and city life had rooted in my heart. So much so that returning wasn’t entirely out of the question …….

Sometimes the most beautiful things in life, the most Spirit designed and implemented, the most surprising and out of the blue, come from events that are unforeseen. And in our culture, we FIGHT against being caught unaware. We try so hard to build our lives around secure, fear-shattering infrastructures (fences. timed coffeemakers. Bank accounts. Insurance. Job security) that when that unexpected moment comes, we are so comfortable and/or timid we can’t take advantage of it. Surprises (even from God) are only welcome if they appear within our safe boundaries.

So are you ready? Are you ready for the opportunity that catches you by surprise? Are you ready for the small action that causes you to step off of the edge of the ‘comfort cliff,’ fully trusting that God will give you wings? Are you praying to be cloaked in the armor of God, muttering “Feel the fear . . . and go for it?”

Relish . . being caught unawares.

*Fairfax Community Church Newsletter

Goodbye Hungary…… I’ll see you soon:)