Being thousands of miles away from all that is familiar can be overwhelming at times! We have been in Greenland almost a year and a half, and I still deal with homesickness on a daily basis. I know some will say that I shouldn't still be homesick, but there are some days I just can't help but be homesick for the States! Or that I should be trying to make Greenland my new home. I have tried and tried my best to do that and I will keep on trying!
I miss my church, my friends, and my family. I miss seeing my parents and celebrating birthdays and other special days with them. This is hard for me to talk about without tearing up! I know the old saying "Home is Where the Heart is" but what if my heart is in two different places at once? I like being here in Greenland and I'm thankful the The Lord has paced us here. It can just be overwhelming, feeling like you are alone. We are in a country where there is only one other family doing what we are doing! Talk about feeling outnumbered! We are moving up to work with the other missionary family and hopefully I can deal with being away from America better.
For those that might think that moving to Ilulissat is not a good one, I would like to challenge you to come up and experience Greenland and the daily oppression we face. If you REALLY want to experience Greenland come in the winter, not the summertime. We face not knowing the language, the culture and many other things. We have tried and tried to learn those things, and hopefully we can get the help we need with the Shulls.
I am not writing this for sympathy, I just needed to write it! If you ever wonder what to pray for for your missionaries, pray for strength dealing with homesickness! Many, if not all, missionaries face it.
Oh my, I do understand this to some degree. Homesickness is very real and very difficult to deal with. I will be praying for you about this. I am so happy that you will be near the Shulls! I think that will be wonderful. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you Valerie. Another missionary friend and I were talking about homesickness earlier today and I just had to share my feelings on it! I'm really excited about working with the Shulls. We are just waiting on our paperwork.
DeleteThis is probably the time that I should thank you for your blog. I guess I read almost every article and what I like is that it comes from heart. I pray that the Lord comforts you even in the time of homesickness. Greetings from Germany - also to Marty
ReplyDeleteThank you Class! Marty also says HI. :)
DeleteI can only imagine the difficulties you face each day. Thank you for sharing your heart.
ReplyDeleteI have loved seeing the photos you post of your children, your home, the foods you cook, everything! That's one of the good things about Facebook. It lets me stay in touch with our missionaries and know more about the needs they have. I admire the way you have made such a beautiful home for your family--it looks very cozy and attractive. I'm glad you will get to work with another family. That will help both of you, I'm sure.
Mrs. Courtney, thank you!! I struggle a lot with homesickness. But with The Lords help and lots of praying I can get through it!
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Carolyn Courtney
Oh Dear, after reading this, I am ashamed that I haven't prayed more fervently for ya'll. I guess seeing you on fb makes me forget just how far away you are and that you can't feel our presense in your life. I only hope it helps to know that I pray for you every day when I read about your life and I am proud that God has such precious missionaries to do his work. You are a real blessing in my life watching your strength and courage lived out!
ReplyDeleteMrs. Anna, we really appreciate all the prayers we can get. Believe me, I'm not as strong or courageous as I should be.
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