It was almost three months ago we had packed our bags and were ready to leave the U.S. for language school in France when our life hit pause. Our visas were denied, and we had no option but to pull back, and wait.

We felt confused, frustrated, disappointed, and heartbroken. We had almost closed the door to our life in the U.S. only to have it swing back open wide. It stung to have our plans change so suddenly. But we felt peace knowing that our plans had simply bumped up against the sovereignty of God, and France was not where we were meant to be for now.

Since we weren’t going to France, we booked another trip to Haiti, our future country of service, for the end of March. Then the U.S. increased the Haiti travel advisory to level four (Do Not Travel) due to heightened unrest in the country. Once again we unpacked our bags and cancelled our plans. Once again we felt heavy-hearted and discouraged.

Then COVID-19 happened.

The past few months have been an unwanted pause and an emotional roller coaster for my family. But now it appears life around the world has hit pause and suddenly we don’t feel nearly as alone.

When our plans bump up against the sovereignty of God, we get a stark reminder of how little control we really have. It can be uncomfortable, but the lessons to be learned in this pause are worth far more than the comfort of not having to learn them. 

As we’ve watched the events of the world unfold over the past week, we’re humbled and amazed at God’s tender care and perfect provision over our family. He chose to keep us here to ride out the coronavirus, which we could never have foreseen.

God has already given us all that we could ever need in the gift of His Son at the cross, and yet He still chooses to care for us in the day to day. We are utterly undeserving of this immeasurable love. It only stirs in us a deeper desire for others to know and experience this love — a love like no other!

We still don’t know what the future holds, but like many of you whose lives have also been upended, we are watching, waiting, and praying.

Sarah and her family are preparing to serve with Crossworld in Haiti.