The villa in Leipzig, Germany became my place of residence in the spring of 2019.
I could tell you a keynote version of all the reasons why I benefited from committing to months abroad. I could explain to you how I made the decision, the means by which I prepared, and how I packed. I could attempt to calm your fears by telling you I loved my experience in full. Instead, I desire to challenge you. Do it scared.
Learn to navigate your way through public transportation, even if you worry you will get lost. You will, trust me. Speak the foreign language you spend hours practicing in class that will tumble out of your mouth like a jumble of words. Humor can be found in it. Cook meals together prepared with ingredients that may or not be the American counterpart that you believe it is. Food brings people together. Dare to travel on your own only to spend the night in a bus station with a dead phone, no ticket home, and a kind attendant who pats your head as you cry. The Lord may use this to teach you grace for yourself. Be open with the people around you. In it, you will find people who delight in celebrating and mourning alongside you. Do it scared.
I want to tell you about travel, but you will just have to wait and see for yourself. Creation is so much bigger than your little mind can imagine. Travel with everyone; the affection you have for each person will grow in big ways. Try to see new places without becoming a tourist, which is more challenging than it sounds. Keep your phone in your bag and walk the cities with no agenda. Ask the store clerks where the best places are to eat and chat with the waiter about where to go for dessert. Even if they look at you funny at first, they will answer your questions with eagerness to give the insiders tips.
The Lord was so kind to me in these short couple of months. He is as near in Leipzig just as He is near in Abilene. His character does not change. Don’t forget to thank Him often for that. Coming to Leipzig didn’t feel like a choice, but upon showing up, it becomes a daily choice to be present. Be where the people are. Show up and trust in the Lord’s gentle guidance.
The villa may not feel like home right off the bat, but you’ll find yourself smiling one day when you refer to it as home in the coming weeks. If you’re like me, these months will make you excited to be alive, full of laughter and an abundance of simple joys. Some days you’ll feel so far from home, but this distance is good. This time away is good. God is working all things for the good of those who are called according to His purpose. He is holding you tight. Trust Him in it.
