Trading Keys

Missionary life is filled with transitions. There is always change. Sometimes it feels like we are living from one transition to the next, and it's hard to put into words all that this means. Perhaps the best illustration of missionary transition for me is my key chain. While we were preparing for this move, I had been giving up my keys one by one. The house key went to our landlords. One car key went to the new owner, the other car key was turned in at headquarters. My office key went back to the office manager for the next person to use. Mailbox keys were given to the kids so they could check the P.O. box and forward our mail to us. I was finally down one key – for the short term housing where we were living for a few days. Soon my key ring was completely empty. Please don’t misunderstand me, I’m not complaining. This goes with the territory. It’s a sign of transition and its part of missionary life. It’s also a good reminder to hold lightly to material things. We are looking for prayer as we go through this transition back to Africa. 
And don’t feel sorry for me (or my key ring) because  I’ve started collecting keys again. House keys for the mission house we’re moving into. Car keys for the new Speed the Light car that was purchased by the sacrifice of so many young people. Each key that I’ll add back on to my key ring is a reminder of all our ministry partners that help us go through this change so that we can change the lives of kids in Africa.