February Reflection & Update!

March. Where did February go!? I (Meg) can hardly believe we are finally here…to the point of actual lived transition. For the last eight months, this move has lived in the realm of imagination; up till now, the preparations for moving around the world have been slow and subtle…both within my own heart and our home (our closets are thinning out!). But March is bringing all our daydreaming and preparing into focus, it’s go time. Here’s what we know right now:

• March 15th will be Chase’s last day on Issaquah Young Life staff.

• March 20th is the last day of our lease, we will spend time with family in our interim time (which could be three-six weeks).

• We are 94% funded! Woo! We hope to reach 100% in the next two weeks which will allow us to look at plane tickets and breathe a deep sigh of relief.

• We’d like to move in April, however, Germany is still in tight lockdown. While that will not prohibit us from moving, it would certainly make it more difficult. We are hoping to see things reopen a little before moving and might delay to May if necessary.

Typing all that still feels theoretical—is this actually happening? I’m sure it will hit me in the next few days as we start packing. We would appreciate your prayer for clarity in our timing, over the last few donors, and for the capacity to transition well (emotionally, physically, spiritually, and relationally).

We are so grateful you are on this journey with us. Here are a few highlights from February (beyond all the details that have been stated above!):

• A trip to freezing cold Nebraska to spend time with our dear friends Nathan and Morgan and our godchild, Millie

• Time spent with students in parking lots and backyards

• Soaking up every moment we have left in the PNW (including all the snow and our people!)

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From Meg:

What I’ve learned: I learned a lot this month in seminary. From topics of power, belonging, Christology (the theology of Jesus), holding space for others, discipleship, and sustainable leadership, my mind is still whirling. I am overflowing with gratitude for the opportunity to expand my education. I am eager to put this all into practice in my new job in Munich. I cannot wait to get paid to do what I love and what fills me with life. What an honor. Thanks to all who are helping make that dream a reality.

Where I saw God: I experienced God this last month in the love I feel toward the people in my life and the sorrow and pain that comes with leaving. February brought only a taste of that, but I hope to carry the same posture of wonder and delight as we spend one last month on the ground with humans we love and as I remember that we go from love, to love.

What I hope for: My prayer is for capacity. While I like change, transitioning between spaces can be difficult for me. I hope to be intentional in embracing all the emotions and caring for myself so I can remain present and grounded. It’s an excellent time to put to use all I’ve learned in seminary over the past two years!

From Chase:

What I’ve learned: Coming to the end of our fundraising season has sparked reflection on what this experience has been. It’s been quite the adventure… but I haven’t known where to place it. Has it been the most grueling thing I’ve ever done? No, that was when I went to Alaska and spent time on a fishing boat. Has it been the hardest thing I’ve been through? No, that would be when my mom died when I was in high school or spending time searching for jobs after college. Has it been the biggest accomplishment? Still no, that one is probably graduating from SPU. If it hasn’t been any of those things, what has it been? I don’t fully know at this exact moment but what I do know is that this season is the most intentional I’ve ever had to be. Reaching out to others and not knowing if they’ll respond is vulnerable but continually showing up is the only way to hit our goal.

Where I saw God: As our donor list grows, our list of people to ask has grown smaller and smaller, there have been moments where I feel like we have no one left to ask. And then God sparks a memory, a connection, bringing people out of the woodwork. Fundraising is a dance of shouldering all the work but also trusting that God will provide. When we have reached our limit, that’s where God has invited us to trust.

What I hope for: I hope that all our things get sold and packed efficiently, that we can say goodbye well, and that we hit 100% funded so we can treat ourselves to a spa day (I’ve been looking forward to a massage at the end of this…)