You must understand that this is a hard thing to write. Over the past few years, God has really shown me things and taught me things that I never even thought I could experience. One way that this happened was by me and my family moving to India. I have had some amazing experiences and opportunities while I have lived here, including the opportunity to do an internship in a fine-dining Italian restaurant. Even though there are struggles, I call India my home. But that is about to change.
Over the past several months, my mom and dad have been feeling like God was calling us to something else. We weren't sure what that something was, but I felt it too. We thought maybe it was continuing in serving God how we are, or finding other ways here to serve Him. A couple of months ago this calling was cleared up, slightly. My parents shared with us that they felt that God was calling us to move back the United States. At first, I was shocked, and nervous, and scared, and very, very sad, and somewhat excited, and nearly every other emotion. But slowly, God showed me that this really is what He has for me right now, and that I need to just wait and trust Him. Now, if you know me well, you know that this is a tall order. Me! The one who plans things to the minute and is sort of a control freak! Okay God, I'll try my best.
Leaving India will not and is not going to be easy. I have become a teenager here. I have friends here. I have friends who have become family here. How can I pick up and move again? God. He is how. God has given me a peace that I can't explain, but I know that He has a plan. But at the same time, I have friends and family in the US too. I think that I am more nervous about moving back to the US than I was moving here, but God has a plan. I will continue in school, I will get a job, and I will go to college, and God has a plan for all of it.
There are many things right now that I don't know, but I do know that the next few weeks will be hard. In the beginning of April 2014, I, Andrew David Hartman, am leaving India with a heavy heart, but with the knowledge that God has something good in store for me, and that includes adopting, God willing, a new brother and sister from the amazing Eastern-European country of Poland. And that, at least for now, is enough.
Over the past several months, my mom and dad have been feeling like God was calling us to something else. We weren't sure what that something was, but I felt it too. We thought maybe it was continuing in serving God how we are, or finding other ways here to serve Him. A couple of months ago this calling was cleared up, slightly. My parents shared with us that they felt that God was calling us to move back the United States. At first, I was shocked, and nervous, and scared, and very, very sad, and somewhat excited, and nearly every other emotion. But slowly, God showed me that this really is what He has for me right now, and that I need to just wait and trust Him. Now, if you know me well, you know that this is a tall order. Me! The one who plans things to the minute and is sort of a control freak! Okay God, I'll try my best.
Leaving India will not and is not going to be easy. I have become a teenager here. I have friends here. I have friends who have become family here. How can I pick up and move again? God. He is how. God has given me a peace that I can't explain, but I know that He has a plan. But at the same time, I have friends and family in the US too. I think that I am more nervous about moving back to the US than I was moving here, but God has a plan. I will continue in school, I will get a job, and I will go to college, and God has a plan for all of it.
There are many things right now that I don't know, but I do know that the next few weeks will be hard. In the beginning of April 2014, I, Andrew David Hartman, am leaving India with a heavy heart, but with the knowledge that God has something good in store for me, and that includes adopting, God willing, a new brother and sister from the amazing Eastern-European country of Poland. And that, at least for now, is enough.
You guys will be missed! but as you said god has plans for everyone, I wish you all the success and happiness in coming future. Hope you enjoyed your stay in India.
ReplyDeleteAw, thanks Javed! It has really been a great 3 years. :) We'll miss you too!
DeleteI know to most people it sounds strange..."I am leaving home and going home." I understand...God has a plan and He had a plan for you all to be in India. We are all praying for you and your family.
ReplyDeleteLet us know where you land!!
"Miss Beth"
I know, it does. :) Thanks for the prayers!
DeleteAndy, I have thought of this entry in your blog often. You have matured in so many ways since you left the States. As long as you rely on God you will be fine. He has given you many experiences at a young age that will help you as you get older. Just think you will feel "at home" wherever he leads you.
ReplyDeleteMoving is not easy but there will be many wonderful opportunities ahead.
Treasure your time in India and look forward to what's coming next.
You will have friends in lots of different places in the world.
Love and Prayers,
Mrs. Betsy