Second Impressions...

Our first trip to Pittsburgh was over a year ago. We were new parents, excited about everything. It was a joy even going on an airplane with our 2 month old son. Our friend Greg picked us up and drove us down highway 376 through Fort Pitt Tunnel, and there is was. You drive through the tunnel, and BAM. There's Pittsburgh. It's quite a phenomenal effect. You see nothing of city other than a little bit of businesses off the highway, and suddenly you're driving across a bright yellow bridge across the meeting of 3 rivers into skyscrapers and historical buildings. It's truly a beautiful sight. From then on, we fell in love with the city. The seminary is nestled in a row of famous old mansions, and is itself an old abode with grand staircase and all. We were only in for a weekend, and so our visit with our future home was brief but delightful. Our first impression was a bustling old city filled with lots to explore. Our second impression, however, is still forming.

It is different this time around. Not that its a bad experience by any means. It's just different. Last time we weren't leaving anything behind because it was all waiting for us. This time we've left family (well... till Christmas), dear church family, and the comforts of an income. That in itself causes us to constantly be placing our worries and anxieties before the Lord (Eph. 4:6-7). So with heavy hearts, we had our last Sabbath in Shawnee, KS with our brothers and sisters in Christ. They helped load us up Wednesday, fed and sheltered us that night, and Thursday off we went. We had the blessing of picking up my mom in St. Louis to help me stay awake and keep Judah company should he wake up (thankfully he didn't). And 10 1/2 hours later, we were once again driving through Fort Pitt Tunnel. This time it was me who was nudging my mom awake and telling her, "This is the first sight of Pittsburgh. You need to be awake and ready cause there's nothing like it!" And what an experience it was. While my mom "ooh"ed and "ahh"ed, I was looking out the windshield thinking, "We're here" and all the implications that came along with it. Joe and I had talked about seminary since before we were dating, and now we were finally here. We had actually left employment and health insurance, left church family, and moved even further away from our families. We had done it. Left our comfort zone and left to pursue God's call for my husband. We were finally here.

But the peaceful comfort that is found in Christ can be found in His body (Col. 3:15). Multiple people were waiting at the ready to move us in and fellowship with us. We've already had the joy of worshiping with the Covenant Fellowship and North Hills congregations this past Sabbath (and the Grace RP congregation last summer). Three different crowds, but all with the same hope and joy, saving faith in Christ Jesus. With wonderful preaching to hold to this week, we have met so many that we hope to become good friends with during our time here. The last box is unpacked, the last t crossed, and now... well now we learn what God has in store for us. We await a part time job for me (over 15 applications are out there!), await insurance to kick in for Joe and Judah (I have to wait 6 months unless I find employment with benefits), and continue to settle into this bustling city. I often think, "This is a lot." But is it? God never gives us more than we can handle (1 Cor. 10:13). He is building me to better work for His kingdom. Taking me out of my comfort zone and placing me lovingly in the exact place I needed to be.

So my second impression? Praise God we're here, and pray that He uses us to build His kingdom here in this busy metropolis. It needs Him just as much as I do.