Moving to Seattle was not an easy decision for Victor and I, but we really believe that God want us in this city for a reason. Our view of what Seattle will be like was and still is very, very narrow as we have no idea what God will have for us here nor why he specifically wants us here (despite us knowing our jobs). But we (or I, right now) are here, taking our steps of faith one step at a time.
And so, Day 7 marks the completion of my first week here! Since high school, I've wanted to move to and live in another city. But now that I'm doing it, I'm realizing how hard it really is. When you think of moving to another city it sounds pretty glam. You think "New adventures! New friends! Cool new city!" but you don't think about the heavy loneliness that comes before you have made the friends; the extensive amounts of time you spend alone before and after work, and while you travel; the time and effort it takes to reach out and make friends. It's also been super cold here (whoever said the West coast was much warmer needs to give me some cookies cus y'all lied) so exploring has been much of an option, and our furniture has yet to arrive so I haven't had much in the apartment besides a sleeping mat and sleeping bags (thank you, Sang!!) and have been spending awake time sitting on the floor (hello, Netflix!). Plus, my bestie (aka hubby) has been away.
However, the new job has been great so far. The monster company has been so interesting to absorb from in the last week and the people have been incredibly nice. All-in-all, the first week was very lonely and rough at times but far from bad. God has been so faithful and Scripture has been speaking to my Spirit in timely, necessary ways.
During particularly rough moments/days, God has led me to the following passages:
Therefore the LORD waits to be gracious to you,
and therefore he exalts himself to show mercy to you.
For the LORD is a God of justice;
blessed are all those who wait for him.
For a people shall dwell in Zion, in Jerusalem; you shall weep no more. He will surely be gracious to you at the sound of your cry. As soon as he hears it, he answers you. And though the Lord give you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, yet your Teacher will not hide himself anymore, but your eyes shall see your Teacher. And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left.
- Isaiah 30:18-21
Trust in the LORD, and do good;
dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness.
- Psalm 37:3
If his children forsake my law
and do not walk according to my rules,
if they violate my statutes
and do not keep my commandments,
then I will punish their transgression with the rod
and their iniquity with stripes,
but I will not remove from him my steadfast love
or be false to my faithfulness.
I will not violate my covenant
or alter the word that went forth from my lips.
Once for all I have sworn by my holiness;
I will not lie to David.
- Psalm 89:30-35
It has been so, so encouraging to see and know His grace finds me and to remember his kindness, graciousness and faithfulness towards me. It's been particularly impactful as I have asked 'why am I here' and wept sooner (and more!) than I thought I would. It's been a rough week but only the first one and I am thankful and definitely looking forward to what's ahead.
(Originally written Dec 8, 2016)
