Time

In my quest for a houseplant that could survive my lack of green thumb, I discovered Zamioculcas Zamiifolia. The “ZZ” plant is known for its hardiness. The label on the pot said, “Thrives on neglect.” ZZ and I are a perfect match.

Despite the promise of low maintenance, the plant salesperson said it needed to be repotted right away so I bought the supplies needed and got it done. In the process, I discovered a beautiful metaphor: Plants stop growing after they are repotted. They need time to recover from the “shock” of being transplanted. While adjusting to the new soil and new space, they stop growing roots and they stop growing up. And, even after roots start growing again, you won’t see much above-soil growth.

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A year ago we had moved out of our house to get it ready to go on the market and we left Seattle for final work events and a little road trip to say big farewells to dear friends and family. I can’t believe it’s been a year since we lifted our roots up out of our soil of 25 years to journey where we felt Yahweh leading us.

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I wanted to hit the ground running when we arrived in Australia. We had a strong sense of being led here and I had a vision in my heart for developing women in their giftings and callings. I imagined arriving to discover Yahweh flinging doors open. This didn’t happen.

During training with Foursquare Missions, my cohort received direction to deploy with an expectation to “do” nothing for a year. They encouraged us to go with a plan to focus on learning and praying. To go with the purpose of learning culture, learning language, meeting people, and looking for what God is already doing there.

I didn’t think this applied to me. I was born and raised in Australia. I did not have a new culture and language to learn. I’m ahead of the process! I could dive right in and not waste any time!

Well. I was wrong.

Firstly, I do have culture and language to learn. I may have lived in Australia for my first 23 years but I have lived away for 25 years. I have become Australian-American. Turns out, quite a bit more American than Australian. I have a lot to learn about living, loving, and serving here.

Secondly, there is something gutting and transforming about not “doing” anything. It has been deeply untethering and identity-challenging. But it is important to remember that following Yahweh isn’t (just) about the work/mission. Following Yahweh is (mostly) about being transformed to be more like Jesus. And the journey of not “doing” anything has made me see all the ways that doing/achieving for God is easier than simply loving and being loved by God.

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Friends, I don’t really have anything to report. Not much is growing “above the soil.”

We have been repotted. It has been both wonderful and difficult. As we sought to settle in here, we encountered a series of illnesses, visa delays, housing issues, quests for jobs, and, recently, a change of church community. This new soil has been shifting around a lot.

This week, something beautiful appeared. My ZZ plant has grown a new shoot. (Check out the photo…)

As my year of not “doing” continues, I have hope that our roots will once again grow strong and that new shoots will emerge. Selah.

How are you?

Maybe you are in a time of change. A new season? Relocated? Change of work? Shifting of relationships? Recovering from covid-era life? Adjusting to a different pot and different soil takes time. In these seasons, perhaps the “doing” can no longer be done. This is a difficult and beautiful invitation to be.

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Current projects:

— Jus is in the process of final assessment with Foursquare Missions International

— Josh has completed a 5-month work contract and has interviewed for a permanent position.

— Jus is working part-time and just enrolled in a 6-week coaching course.

— The kids are in Term 4 of their first year of Aussie school. They are slowly finding their way and finding interests and community.

Pray for us:

— For each of our roots to grow with grace and strength.

— For hope, energy, and endurance.

— For friendship and community.

Thank you for praying with us on this journey.
With love, Jus