Home far from home

It has been nearly six months living in Norway. Six months since I crossed the ocean and have been 11.305 km far from home. Six months since I arrived and looked around in excitement, ready to face the unknown.

Looking back, I think of Jeremiah 29:7, 11 and 12. “Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.” […] For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.”

The past six months have been full of challenges, adaptations and discoveries about different cultures, languages, food, behaviors and faith. There were times of hardship and times of joy, times to get used to the dark winter and to appreciate more the sunny days. But, as to Jeremiah, God invites me to seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which He had carried me to. By embracing this place with a full heart and an open mind, I could start to build my life far from home.

And the most important part is that God knows the plans He has for me. Even when I do not see, He is working. Even when I face challenges, He is working. The last six months have showed me that He brought me here because, no matter how far I have come, He is close, He is home.