I haven't written a particularly thoughtful post in a while. All my energy has been poured into moving and making memories here. But I am thinking still <g> and wanted to share random things.
People ask now and then if I would elaborate on living overseas for extended periods with children. Why? How? There isn't one easy answer. In fact there are a lot of answers. Some of them can be found here here here and here. It is hard to describe a decision that wasn't a decision. I didn't really plan nor have a deep desire to do this (though I am so very glad I did) and I have precious little expectation for the future. No earthly idea what it holds. Seriously.
If there is one thing that has been proven to me time and again it is that I am usually wrong about what I want and what is best. I can't possibly see the whole picture from my vantage point. But God can. And He has put us in places we could not have imagined and provided unforeseen opportunities. Likewise, He has granted me some of my fondest wishes and often those did not end up being good things.
The moral of that story is that happiness is not in getting what you want, but in wanting what you get – whether that uproots you or binds you to one place.
So instead of holding rigidly to what I think I want, I have worked to embrace those 20 seconds of insane courage Benjamin Mee describes. That is what got me on the plane here. That is what is getting me to England. And wherever else life takes us. Just wild trust that God works every bit of it for good. That may be more country hopping. It may be major illness. We have seen both and so have those close to us. Life can change in an instant. There is a good plan at work though. Plan for hope and a future. And I know where I am and what I am to do today. So I am going with that.
Some random linking:
I love this family's house. Period. Love.
I have thought a lot about this article about A Grown Up House since close friends are also relocating this year and we are all at the stage in life where some of our stuff is wearing out and some is just being outgrown. Moving does provide stimulus to reevaluate one's earthly belongings and determine if they still meet a need. Or not.
yes, I like living in Japan – my friend Sue's thoughts on living abroad
Starry Sky Journal 
Hi Kim! I just cleaned out my reader today, streamlining it even more than it already was, and I will let you know that you made the cut! You’re still there (which I’m sure is a thrill for you to know). 😀 Thank you so much for the links you put up today. I truly don’t get around the internet much. I realize I “miss out” on a lot of “good stuff” but that’s fine with me. Yet, I’m glad that, through you, I got to read the links you posted today. (Shall I add a blog to my reader–Tara Whitney?) Her italicized paragraph so nicely sums up what the online world can do to our heads. And I am where she is. Exactly. I’m moving from my great little house to a not-so-great-at-all tiny apartment. But there are many great things about where I’m moving, and I am going to make the absolute most of being in that place and living in that amazing part of town. Thanks for the inspiration today and always. I am so looking forward to your future posts about England, but I enjoy everything you post now, too. Thanks, Kim.
Ah, I should write ‘If there is one thing that has been proven to me time and again it is that I am usually wrong about what I want and what is best’ on my forehead. But I’d probably still forget as I’m so slow and stupid. Still, we press on and strive for ever more trust and courage and gratitude. Many blessings to you as you carry on with the move, and thank you for this ‘particularly thoughtful’ post. 🙂 (and I admit your post title made me expect edelweiss)