Does anyone else hate the unknown? I’m weird. I love to be in control but also like to be surprised. I thrive on excitement and challenges but don’t really like change. I have a fear of the unknown. And being a new mom this past year has taught me that I have no control over anything and there are so many unknowns. Just when you get it down, it changes on you again. Being a pastor's wife is full of unknowns. But let’s be real, simply being a Christian, whose life is truly sold out to Christ, where you are fully living a hands wide open, submissive lifestyle, there are lots of unknowns. God could take you anywhere! And that’s when faith comes in.
2 Corinthians 5:7 “For we live by faith, not by sight.”
Growing up in Southern California, we are spoiled with the best weather. Maybe someone can argue with me that there’s somewhere better, but I don’t know. It’s basically warm and sunny all the time. It only rains here and there, and it never gets too hot or too cold. The beach is beautiful and there is lots to do. So when we talked about moving to the Pacific Northwest, everyone, and I mean everyone, would look at us with that “but why?” look! But we were ready for a change of weather, a change of pace, and ultimately wanted to be obedient to the Lord. Even once we got here, any time I told someone that we just moved here from LA they would say something similar to; “Well get ready for rain for the next 6-9 months,” “I hope you’re okay with never seeing the sun,” or “Make sure you plan a trip somewhere sunny in March.”
The first month here was us just trying to get settled and exploring our new surroundings. There was SO much to see. The trees are beautiful, the weather was great, you can drive 15 minutes downtown Portland or 15 minutes the other way and be in the forest on a beautiful hike to a waterfall. It has not rained for a whole day yet and we have actually had a few sunny days over the past few months.
But I will say, I was not ready for how cold it gets. I didn’t know it got so cold here! I thought it just rained a lot and I imagined rain in California where it’s still warmish while raining. Not ice on our windows in the morning type of cold. Thankfully we were able to find great deals on some warm weather gear and invested in what we needed. Now we are set!
Nick loved it up here right away. He keeps saying, “Why didn’t we move here sooner?!” He loves the cold weather, all the opportunities for outdoor adventures, the new people and new challenges and of course being called to start a church in this area. I was taking a little longer. I knew we were supposed to be here and I loved seeing my husband happy, but I was in a new place with a baby and no friends. And if you know me, I’m actually kind of shy and don’t enjoy making new friends. I am thankful I have a baby because that makes talking to and meeting new people way easier.
When Nick and I first started dating he shared with me that he would rather live a life full of adventure that has ups and downs like a roller coaster rather than a comfortable safe flatline type of lifestyle. I remember enjoying the visual and saying “well, I guess I better buckle up.” This is a huge step of faith for me to move away from my family and friends, have to meet new people and make new friends, and support my husband in this new endeavor. But here I am again reminding myself to strap in and enjoy the ride. There is nothing to fear when you walk with the Lord Jesus Christ, not even the unknowns that life is sure to through at you.
"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
Isaiah 41:10
So here we are, living in the Pacific Northwest and starting a church from the ground up. Stepping out in faith, trusting God with the unknown and enjoying every minute of it.
Jess T.
Prayer requests
Walk by faith
That we would ride the roller coaster and enjoy the ups and downs knowing that God is at work
Gratitude and humility would be eminent in our lives and prayers
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