One Month In: Unexpected Gifts and Growing Pains in Aguadilla

It's hard to believe it has been nearly a month since we landed here in our new home. What a whirlwind it has been! Here are the top unexpected things we've encountered in this transition.

All the "New" Hitting Hard

It seems no matter how much you prepare for a new place, there will always be surprises. Thankfully, because of the wisdom of those who have gone before us, we were expecting these too. But these surprises hit different when everything around you is new and you're sleep deprived.

We are so grateful for all of you praying with us in this transition. In the moments that seemed big and unsettling, peace has trumped the fear that would creep in. We want to be 100% authentic with you in this space — there were moments of doubt and fear where we had to say truth out loud and remind ourselves of all the Lord has done to bring us to this point. Truths like: "Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass." "God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble." "Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you saying, 'This is the way; walk in it.'" "The harvest is plentiful." "There is no fear in love. But perfect love casts out fear... we love because He first loved us."

It's frustrating to still battle doubt and fear, but it's a reality, and we don't want to hide it. If we didn't share the weakness, we wouldn't be able to glorify God together for His great love. Even in our weakness and failures, He loves us the same — and with a love like that holding us through transition pains, how much more will He do in our lives and the lives of those around us? This may sound doom and gloom, but these moments have been just that: moments. The Lord is so good and kind, and we have found victory in Him over all the fear and doubt that has crept in.

God's Timing Is Perfect

The first week after our arrival in Aguadilla, there was a VBS being held right down the road from our house at a wonderful bilingual church. It was a huge blessing to have something so fun for the kids to participate in, and a blessing for us too, giving us kid-free mornings to work through logistics and paperwork. The kids had a blast and met many new friends.

The next week, Table Church hosted a soccer camp — another amazing place for the kids to connect and stay busy each morning. Tyler coached the older kids, while Zoe and I spent the time getting to know families and little ones who tagged along while their older siblings played. About 60 participated! Each day the kids practiced soccer skills, played games had snacks and a Bible lesson. Not only were the kids engaging but we also had the families sit around and listen to the Gospel be taught. Please pray with us for these kids and their households. That seeds planted would take root and relationships would grow. This was a physically hard week (we were still sleeping on air mattresses!), but a true joy to dive into right out of the gates.

The Little Things

Not only is there a mango tree in our backyard, but a banana and an avocado tree too. When we arrived, there was a little kitten in the backyard to love on and play with, and a pigeon mama roosting on an egg right outside our window — we got to watch it hatch, grow, and fly away. We have amazing, kind neighbors. The church welcomed us so warmly with household gifts, buying us time before we had to figure out all the local stores. Our first meal with our co-workers was Tyler's favorite home-cooked dish. Friends texted words of encouragement at just the right moments. New acquaintances have been so kind and welcoming. When our container finally arrived, the first couple of boxes had the kids' longed-for Legos inside — a pure treat from the Lord, since we hadn't packed them with that intention. Friends showed up to help us unload. And, of course, Google Translate. Lol.

Navigating Cultural Differences

We know this is a different land, but sometimes it feels so like the mainland that cultural differences catch us off guard. One example: expectations around renting a house. We learned it's normal here for landlords to keep a room locked and/or leave personal belongings at the rental property. Thankfully, with God's favor, we were able to work out a compromise between our landlords' expectations and ours. Still, we've had to keep reminding ourselves that things will be different here. And different is not bad.

Home Sick

Feeling the loss of community, and the desire to be with people who know, understand, and love you — we thought that longing for home would come later. Instead, it hit hard right out of the gates. We're so excited to meet new people, but we know it takes time to grow relationships that are truly meaningful. To be known and loved is such a gift. We're thankful that God is a never-changing companion through life. Also, it's a bonus when you are married to your best-friend. ;)

Unexpected Things from the Kids

• "That we are so close to the beach and how beautiful it is snorkeling." — Leo

• "That our car is so small." — Zeke

• "Bananas and avocados and mangos in our backyard." — Zoe

Thank You

Thank you for all the love, prayer, and support! We know we are not alone. Moving forward, we'll continue settling in, exploring our new city, meeting new people, and slowly add in ministry responsibilities.