As you know I am training and studying to be a minister for the Moravian church in Great Britain. Part of my training is to experience other parts of the Unity. Last year I spent 6 weeks at Ockbrook church in Derbyshire and my family were able to share some of the time with me. This year however I am further afield in Germany and The Netherlands and this time I am flying solo.
After my lovely week in Keld, see previous posts, I thought I was prepared for time away from home but unfortunately not, I have never felt so isolated before. There are so many thoughts and feelings going on in my head I do not know where to begin. I may sound blunt and I do not wish to offend or upset anyone, but I need to be honest with myself so I can understand these emotions.
I feel that I have abandoned my family at a time where we could be enjoying the summer holidays together. So there are feelings of anger and disappointment towards the church and myself. At the same time as feeling homesick I have been offered wonderful support by my hosts and that makes me feel guilty also.
The hardest part is not being able to share these wonderful new experiences alongside my family, I feel I am leaving them behind in some way, almost betraying them. I know these are irrational thoughts but they are very real at the same time.
Most people who know me know that I am an organising person. I like to plan ahead and know what is required of me. These 6 weeks have been organised for me and they are changing week by week, where I will be, who I will stay with, how I will get there. I am not in control and I think that is a major factor in my unsettled feelings.
Learning to let go is not easy, putting your trust, and life, in someone else’s hands is even less easy but it is something I need to do this summer.
The Watchword for today is: “Trust in him at all times, o people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us.” Psalm 62:8. I have been pouring out my heart to you good people, I am not looking for pity but this is the only way I can make sense of things. I am having a wonderful experience and am grateful that I am here. I know I will look back on this time and remember the people I have met with fondness but I will also, hopefully be strengthened personally and in my faith.
That’s all folks!
stitchinggodandmetogether 
Praying for you my friend! It IS difficult having these experiences and not being able to share them with those we are closest too, but at the same time, God is working in remarkable ways in their lives too. God really is awesome.
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I can see that it’s a tough time to be away from home, where are the winter Caribbean postings when you need them! Not having control sucks, but it’s good medicine every now and again. A good stamp, shout and scream helps every now and again. Keep smiling and enjoy the experience, it will be over far too soon! Sending hugs and prayers xxxx
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Sorry you’re having a tough time at the moment. The only consolation I can give you is that you’ll be stronger for the experience – having to lean on God is good practice for when you’re in ministry and have to cope with all sorts of problems that you can’t share with anyone else. I’ll be praying for you x
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