Were we live the weather is so unpredictable. It can go from cold to hot in what seems like minutes, especially during the fall. It makes it hard to transition into the autumn season. It feels like life is doing the same thing to me. These past few days back in the states have been really hard for me. I've been thrown from one setting to another and I feel rather lost. There is so much I still have to process, but life must go on.
I love the life God has given me. I'm thankful for where I am. Still, I know things in me are changing...things that need to change. I just got back from a quick trip home for an engagement shoot. I usually take the chance to take some photos of my family while I'm there. (Thus, these impromptu photos! I love the one above! It is my siblings in a nutshell!) They wanted to know all about the trip, but I found it hard to talk about. It was so good to spend time with them, but I have a huge heaviness that is weighing on my heart.
However, I hope to share more about what I experienced in Africa. This trip has help transition me into a new phase. I am changed. My leaves are falling and it is a beautiful, but hard thing. I pray God shows me where to go from here.
My heart is full. My mind is filled with beautiful and intense memories. I hardly know how to put them into words, but I hope to soon.
How have you all dealt with life's abrupt transitions?
21 comments:
These are all really beauitful photos jennifer :) I love the one with the leaves in the air.
Transitions are hard. I think i've found it most helpful to do what I've always done. Pray, give thanks no matter what and keep God as the focus. If I keep these things central then the rest will fall into place. and I believe that having God as the center means he'll direct other areas in my life, tell me to spend less time here or more time there.. it'l work out.
I understand how life changing mission work can be. I pray you'll continue to bless others with the stories of your trip!
The lighting in these photos is beautiful!
Transitions are hard, but I know that you know that God will guide you through. I am sure he has a plan for you and knows that you have what it takes to help change lives!
I feel like God gives us trials and experiences for our good, to help us grow and have stronger testimonies. I know that he has done that for me!
I'm still figuring out how I deal with my transitions. Really just one step at a time, doing my best not to look far ahead. I like routine and when a wrench gets thrown in and changes everything, it takes time before I can get in the groove.
I wouldn't put too much thought into things right now, but instead just letting yourself and everything around you adapt into the 'new way' you and the things are becoming.
Regardless of how big or small something is in my life, I can't talk about it immediately after. It takes me 2 or more days before I can process it myself to be able to talk about it. Maybe, let them know you need more time before telling them.
All that to say, your pictures are beautiful. :) You're really doing great w/your photography.
Emily w/Amazing Grapes
Jennifer, these pictures are so beautiful! you are very talented. Although I don't think we've ever met, I'd like you to know that I admire your moldable spirit. I know that the Lord will use your experience in Africa to drive you close to Him. The prize we gain by following Jesus, is just that, being with Jesus.
lovely family. y'all are fun!
praying for you, i get this. you bless me, friend. xo
I definitely can empathize with what you are experiencing. i have had times where i have returned from being overseas and it's like no one understands and you don't know how to express. it is a weird place to be in. you'll make it through. there's no formula for it... just press in to the Lord and remain faithful. He'll carry you.
I usually sulk to the point of self-exhaustion before I really surrender and let the Lord carry me through. I've never left the country to go aid another country but I pray that God gives you the grace to transition back in the way that best glorifies Him within you sister. God bless! Your pictures look amazing.
♥cheche
i love your photos!
i remember the weird feeling of culture shock after coming back from mission trips, how weird it felt that there was a country like the US in the same world as whatever country i'd been in. i pray God leads you through your thoughts on your experience and how you're meant to integrate that into your life here and share it with others.
I completely understand about not being able to talk about your trip right away .... when I got back it took me sometime to process everything, especially somethings that God reveled to me that I didn't want to deal with.
your family is so beautiful!
Gorgeous pictures!
journaling my thoughts a lot help. I can always go back to that when I'm ready to talk about it.
i'm familiar with this feeling of transition, both in my own experience and in the experiences of people i love. my only advice is to be quiet for a while, to reflect and to be grateful, to spend time in prayer and in discussion with your husband, and to let God fight for you and within you. (Exodus 14:14) He is present, and He'll guide you through these changes, both big and small. sending blessings and prayers your way...
Your siblings are ADORABLE!! Loved the pictures :)
I'm sorry you're having such a hard time transitioning Jen. I've never been through anything like this but my hubs lived in Mexico for 2 years and went through the same kind of transition period. It is so hard but I promise you'll adjust! Things won't get back to normal, you'll just learn what your new normal is :)
I can't imagine what's been going through your mind since you've returned from Africa.
I will say this...my brother visited Zambia two years ago at this exact time. Randomly walking out of the grocery store on New Year's Eve -- two months after his return, he made a random comment about how blessed we are in America. How much food we have, etc...In that moment I felt so guilty + blessed. I know the trip changed my brother and seeing through his lens into your life [via your blog], I can only imagine that you've had a lot on your mind.
xxhugsxx
Beautiful family and post. I think it would be impossible to not come back changed. Praying for you.
Wow, those leaves, beautiful dudette. I never get over American grocery stores after traveling. We are so blessed here and we generally don't notice.
Hello! I found your blog through the Follower Fest going on at Casey's. I'm now a follower of your blog too. These pictures are amazing!! Beautiful!!
Digger ~xoxo~
www.digdeeperdesign.blogspot.com
Found you through Followers Fest and so glad I did :)
I've dealt with MANY abrupt transitions in my life: Several years of going back and forth from Asia to here, down time, college, then marriage and now a baby... it's been crazy, but God is always faithful through each crazy and abrupt transition, using them to some purpose I could never imagine.
Looking forward to reading more from you :)
Carissa
http://www.crissanhusband.com/
Love these pictures! Stopping by from the followers fest, already a follower :)
You have a lovely family! I'm looking forward to seeing more posts!
New follower from the fest...stop by if you'd like!! :)
These are stunning - and I especially love the Christ-centeredness of your blog. So glad to have found you via the follower fest. I'm your newest follower!!
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