Acclimate

Hello friends, Wyatt here.  This is my first solo blog so I'll make this brief, though I hope it paints a picture of my time in Lusaka so far.

The only way I know to describe my time here so far is to compare it side-by-side with a concept that many of you football fans will understand.  To clarify, I am talking about "football" as it's known internationally.  Sorry, my fellow Americans, I'm talking about soccer, not American football.  In the modern football era---specifically in English Premier League football (COYG)---there is lots of business being done between a team in one country and a team in another.  For example England has one of the most physically demanding leagues in the world, with each team playing multiple matches per week against rough and tough opponents.  However they realize that some of the world's best football players live abroad.  They engage in business during transfer season to sign players from other club teams around the world.  After day, weeks, or months of contract talks, a team will sign a big-name player with a lot of hype, talent, and promise.

Once this talented and promising player arrives, however, they are often not their talented, consistent selves for the first several months in the new league.  Language barriers, new squad mates, a new coach, a new style of play, and a game far more physical than they are used to.  These are just a few of the things that hinder their abilities.  There is often an initial adrenaline rush to be had and that world-class star shows a few great performances, but after a while their form lessens.  This player is often criticized for being a flop who's not worth his wages.  In reality, this player will probably become more and more consistent as time goes on.  By the next season (hopefully) they are at their best, proving how worth their wages they are.

Transition to Wyatt living in Lusaka.

I feel like I've been in the adrenaline rush phase this past week.  I'm in a new place, working a new job with new people, and I'm ready to prove my worth and to continue life with my new bride.  However, I can hear the whispers of a season of growth and acclimation calling for me.  Pretty soon the adrenaline will wear off and I'll be stretched to my limits.  Not because this place is worse than home, but because it's just different.  Living in a place where you are always on high alert takes some getting used to.  In many ways, living in Lusaka, Zambia is like playing in a very physically demanding football league where I have to get used to the new culture, language, people, and everyday demands.  I'm not saying I'll become a flop, because it's not in my nature to just stop trying; however, what I am saying is that I will be stretched.  Some days I will want to scream from new frustrations like terrible internet or slow service at the store.  Some days I will not want to be around a lot of people because I just need to recharge my introverted self.  Some days I will get discouraged and just flat out tired.  This is a good thing.

Over the whispers of acclimation and stretching I hear the loud shouts of contentment.  A contentment that allows me to sprint towards the rough and tough that is life in a different place.  A contentment that will be a place for me to unleash my talent and quality, the quality that will prove that I'm worth my wages.  But friends, hear this:  It isn't by my own doing.  Let me say that again, I am not and will not become some super-human.  Ever.  I will be able to see more and more clearly how good the Lord's grace is.  His Spirit is what strengthens me and what allows me to unleash my full ability.  That strength enables me to enjoy the adrenaline rush and it allows me not to just endure the season of stretching but find joy and contentment in the midst of it.  My weapons Arsenal (see what I did there?) is equipped with one thing, the Spirit of God.  Through Him am I able to remain steadfast as I seek to love my wife and lead her through life in Zambia.  Through Him am able to go above and beyond for the Lord in my work.  Through Him am I sanctified in the midst of stretching.  Through Him, with Him, in Him, in the Unity of the Holy Spirit, all glory and honor is Yours, Almighty Father, forever and ever.


Cheers,
W.