Change

Change is hard.

You are probably thinking, “Yeah Callie, we know.  Everyone knows”.  But hang with me here.

When I drove to the airport with my mom in January, I knew my life was about to change.  No one was forcing the change- I had made the decision myself.  When I started walking away from her and headed for the security line, I was sure I was going to lose it.  My chest got tight and my eyes started to sting.  Not going to lie, the thought entered my mind that I was insane for leaving home and moving to a completely foreign place.  But there was something that kept me walking- the knowledge that even though it was hard, I was headed towards something new and exciting that was going to change me for the better.  That’s the thing I’ve learned about change.  It’s hard.  It hurts.  It’s scary.  Ultimately though, gives us irreplaceable experiences, makes us better people, and sets us up for a brighter future.  Change teaches us things about life that we would never learn if everything stayed the same.

I’ve been thinking a lot about change.  On one hand I’m excited to see my family in just a few weeks.  On the other hand, leaving my friends here in Uganda is going to be every bit as hard as leaving home was- if not more.  When I left the states, I knew I would see my family again in a few months.  As I get ready to leave Uganda, I realize that there is no telling when I will see these people again.  That is hard.  But one thing I know- this change is necessary.  It’s a part of life.  There is a time and season for everything, and this season is nearly over.  It’s been beautiful, but it’s once again time for something new.  Though it’s bittersweet to think about, I’m excited to see what adventure is next.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, 11

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: a time to be born and a time to die, and time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.

He has made everything beautiful in its time.